CWA: Mexican Government in New Assault on Democratic Unions

Following is a statement by the Communications Workers of America following the Mexican government's attack on the independent Mexican Electrical Workers Union.

Washington, D.C. -- The Communications Workers of America condemns the action of the Mexican government to liquidate the Central Light and Power Company of Mexico (Luz y Fuerza) and terminate the jobs of 45,000 electrical workers.

It's clear that the Mexico government wanted to break the independent Mexican Electrical Workers Union, SME, when it sent in the Mexican Federal Police to occupy Luz y Fuerza. The Calderon government has taken similar actions against the Mexican Miners and Metalworkers Union and has tried to block recognition of workers' representatives and organizations especially when those voices are critical of the government's economic policies.

"The working people of Mexico need an independent trade union movement to be able to bargain fairly and make economic gains for themselves and their families. The Mexican government must end its attacks on democratic trade unions and Mexican workers," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

Tens of thousands of workers are protesting the government's action, marching in Mexico City and calling for an end to the attacks on their free unions. 

The Mexican Electrical Workers Union, with the support of STRM, the independent telephone workers union, and other independent organizations, is demanding that the government revoke its order liquidating the company, that federal police leave the plant and that a negotiating table that fully respects the union and workers' rights be established to resolve the conflict.

CWA, a close ally of STRM, will continue to work to support the efforts of democratic trade unions in Mexico and around the world. We support the SME's call for the Mexican government to end its illegal action and restore the jobs and the free trade union of more than 45,000 workers.