UNI stands strong with Lula
UNI Americas and UNI Global Union sign a petition in support of former Brazilian President Lula against vicious right wing attacks
UNI Americas and UNI Global Union have endorsed a petition from the ITUC’s regional organisation for the Americas, TUCA and the Brazilian trade union centre, CUT, defending the former Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula Da Silva, against neo-liberal right wing attacks.
UNI America’s Regional Secretary Adriana Rosenzvaig and UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings call on the whole of the 20 million strong UNI family to come together in support of Lula.
Rosenzvaig said, “Lula is a symbol of the fight for social inclusion and equality. Lula has stood up for working people in the Americas and across the world many times, now is our opportunity to do the same for him.”
Jennings added, “I share the concerns raise our voice of protest at the harsh treatment of former President Lula. The dawn raid at his home we consider an act of political violence and a sad reminder of a chapter of political history in the Americas we thought was closed forever.”
See Philip Jennings’ video message of support for Lula here
Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said “We are calling on trade unions, and all those who cherish progressive values and democracy, to join the call launched by TUCA. The prospect of Brazil returning to its infamous past is a threat to the people of Brazil and indeed to the Americas and the rest of the world.”
Please send your messages of support and sign the petition via presidencia@cut.org.br and sri@cut.org.br
Also send messages via #LulaValeALuta
To see the petition: http://www.cut.org.br/noticias/cut-e-csi-lancam-manifesto-em-defesa-de-lula-c3a9/
Below is the translation:
Dear comrades,
Brazil is experiencing a turning point for the survival of democracy. Conservative sectors use the judiciary and big media conglomerates to persecute former president Lula and his family with a sordid campaign of lies and accusations without evidence.
The fight is between the party of exclusion, which is headed by neoliberals who want to return to government, and the party of inclusion, which for 13 years has been promoting justice and social inclusion and income distribution in our country.
In order to derail the candidacy of the labor leader, Brazilian media, led by only six families, echo misinformation and enhance massive manipulation and distortion of facts. Nonetheless, they will never erase reality: Lula was the most popular, democratic president of the Republic. He is an example of selflessness, a driving force and a collective symbol of achievement of the working class and the poor.
Because of the international relevance of this ongoing political struggle and consequences of what happens in Brazil for progressive sectors all over the world; we are proposing this international petition and request your support:
IN DEFENSE OF LULA, SYMBOL OF SOCIAL STRUGGLE AND INCLUSION
Since the beginning of resistance against civilian and military dictatorship in the late 1970s and ensuing redemocratization of Brazil, the name of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva became example of determination, a symbol of social struggle and justice for the working class and especially for the poorest.
Whether in charge of historic strikes that shook the foundations of the military regime or in dealing with harassment and abuse of its police forces, Lula has always shown discernment and serenity to move forward, propelling the best of each and all to build a new time, contributing to the founding of the Workers Party (PT) and CUT-Brasil and in the fight for democratic freedoms.
As years passed, the metal worker leader became president. His two terms in office were considered by all landmarks of economic growth, with an emphasis on employment and income distribution. With rapid social improvements, the Brazilian GDP became the seventh in the world. There was real increase of 53.6% in the minimum wage and more than 15 million new formal jobs were generated, which removed 40 million Brazilians out of extreme poverty.
During his government, more than six million domestic employees - historically marginalized second-class workers in Brazilian society - had their rights recognized to match those of other workers.
With determination, Lula has prioritized Latin American integration and the strengthening of ties with African countries. The aim was for more equitable international relations without despotism or subservience, welcoming refugees with open arms, thus strengthening self-determination of peoples, holding firm the banner of understanding and peaceful coexistence in a world at war.
We therefore denounce this sordid and irresponsible campaign led by conservative groups who use the judiciary and the media to persecute a former Brazilian president and his family. The same old dominant class which more than once supported former dictatorships and all sorts of misgovernment against sovereignty and democracy is now attempting to taint the reputation of a most relevant Brazilian so as to derail his presence in the national political arena and implement a neoliberal backlash, privatizing the State and excluding common people (“commoners”).
In confidence in the exemplary life course of Lula, we raise our voice against attempts of coups d’etat ever again.
1.João Antonio Felicio - Presidente da CSI
2.Sharan Burrow - Secretária Geral da CSI
3.Hassan Yussuff - Presidente da CSA
4.Victor Báez - Secretário Geral da CSA
5.Rafael Freire - Secretário de Política Econômica e Desenvolvimento Sustentável da CSA
6.Vagner Freitas - Presidente da CUT Brasil
7.Carmen Helena Ferreira Foro - Vice Presidente da CUT Brasil
8.Sergio Nobre - Secretário Geral da CUT Brasil
9.Antonio de Lisboa - Secretário de Relações Internacionais da CUT Brasil
10.Ariovaldo de Camargo - Secretário Adjunto de Relações Internacionais da CUT Brasil
11.Juruna Carlos Gonçalves – Secretário Geral da Força Sindical
12.Cathy Feingold - Secretária de Relações Internacionais da AFL-CIO
13.Hugo Yasky - Secretário Geral da CTA Argentina
14.Roberto Baradel - Secretário de Relações Internacionais da CTA Argentina
15.Fito Aguirre - Secretário de Relações Internacionais da CTA Autônoma
16.Gerardo Martinez – Secretário de Relações Internacionais da CGT Argentina
17.Antonio Jara – Secretário Geral da Coordenadora de Centrais Sindicais do Cone Sul – CCSCS
18.Adrian Rosenzvaig – Regional Secretaria de UNI Americas
19. Ruben Cortina – Presidente de UNI Americas
20.Philip Jennings – General Secretary of UNI Global Union