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UNI Global Union: #StandwithLula

UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings and UNI Americas Regional Secretary, Adriana Rosenzvaig visited Brazil recently, culminating in an in-depth meeting with former Brazilian President Lula da Silva. Jennings and Rosenzvaig were in Brazil at the request of the Brazilian affiliates. The Brazilian affiliates had expressed their profound concern at the direction Brazil was taking, during the last Management Committee meeting in Nyon in May. Since then with the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff, there has been a sharp deterioration in the political situation. The mission aimed to show UNI’s support for the under-attack working people of Brazil.

Jennings was in Brazil shortly after returning from South Korea where he had visited the imprisoned Brother Han Sung-Kyun, President of the KCTU, who is serving five years for union activities which sparked widespread protests and strikes scheduled in healthcare, finance and public services.

Jennings said, “We are seeing democratic spaces being closed down around the world. We witnessed it in Korea and in the Americas at first hand. In Latin America the warning signs are flashing everywhere, we are seeing regimes seeking to turn back the economic clock and reintroduce tired neo-liberal policies. The Brazilian government intends to introduce a massive labour reform programme that aims to restrict and marginalize trade unions. The trade union centres have established a common platform to fight changes that will only grow inequality in Brazil. This unity is essential to confront this aggressive government legislative programme.

“We see an Americas at risk and we will build our response during the UNI Americas’ conference in Medellin, Colombia in December.”

Jennings reiterated UNI Global Union’s support for President Lula who is being hounded by the current Brazilian government and faces a show trial.  The global trade union movement is coming together to protest against these trumped up charges, including launching an international petition to support him. At the same time as the visit Lula’s plight has also been discussed during the UN General Assembly in New York: see details here

“This situation in Brazil is dramatic and serious; the threats to democracy are real, not least the persecution of Lula,” Jennings said.

Lula remained positive despite the intolerable pressure he was under, Jennings reported after he and Rosenzvaig met with the former president. Lula pointed out that the agenda against him was fueled by a desire to destroy both his party and the Left. He told Jennings that if necessary he was prepared to stand in the 2018 Presidential elections. His opponents were fearful that Lula would win another general election, and hence the personal and legal attacks to bar him from eligibility.

“Lula is a man full of energy and remains optimistic he can win the fight. He calls for our global support and we will deliver - #StandWithLula,” Jennings said.

The UNI Global Union General Secretary added that Lula was delighted to hear that the actors’ global union, FIA had pledged their support for the former President at their recent Sao Paulo congress which Jennings addressed.

Jennings said, “The union leaders I’ve met during my visit to Brazil have confirmed the process against Lula is politically motivated. The first 100 days of the unelected Temer regime have led to a huge concern that the government will put into sharp reverse policies that have lifted millions out of poverty.”

During his visit, Jennings and Rosenzvaig, joined protests in Sao Paulo against the anti-worker, undemocratic measures being introduced by current Brazilian president, Michel Temer.

The UNI mission also met with bank union leaders as the bank strike entered its third week.

Note to Editors

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has launched an international petition to show that the world stands with Lula, taking a stand against a blatant attack on democratic forces.

#SomosTodosLula

Sign the petition We stand with Lula!