Unions Mobilise Worldwide for Democracy in Egypt

International Trade Union Confederation

ITUC OnLine

030/080211

Unions Mobilise Worldwide for Democracy in Egypt

Brussels, 8 February 2011 (ITUC OnLine) : Trade unions from all four corners of the world took part in today's Day of Action for Democracy in Egypt (http://www.ituc-csi.org/egypt-international-day-of.html ) following a decision by the ITUC General Council. The trade unions organised demonstrations outside Egyptian embassies and pressed their governments to demand democratic transition in Egypt and guarantees that those responsible for the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations be brought to justice.

In Brussels (Belgium), an international trade union delegation led by Sharan Burrow, general secretary of the ITUC, and composed of Jan Eastman, deputy general secretary of Education International, together with the three Belgian trade union organisations affiliated to the ITUC (CGSLB, CSC, FGTB), went to the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels.

ITUC-Africa, led by its general secretary Kwasi Adu-Amankwah and its president Mody Guiro, also led an international trade union delegation to the Embassy in Dakar (Senegal) during the World Social Forum in Dakar.

Reports of many other trade union gatherings to mark the day were sent to the ITUC, notably from Australia, Korea, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, France, Tunisia, Canada, Sweden, Italy, Mauritania...

"The demands of the Egyptian population are legitimate," insisted Sharan Burrow. "After years of dictatorship, the Egyptian people, including the country's trade union movement, yearn for a change of regime and democratic transition. The violent response of Hosni Mubarak's regime is totally unacceptable. Those responsible for the killings, attacks and intimidation must be brought to justice without delay. The impunity must end!"

See the ITUC General Council Resolution on Egypt : http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/Egypt_resolution_GC_02-2011.pdf

See the model protest letter to the Egyptian embassies : http://www.ituc-csi.org/model-protest-letters-to-egyptian.html?lang=en

See pictures of the Day: http://www.ituc-csi.org/jornada-de-accion-en-pro-de-la.html?lang=es

Next Global Action Day organised by Amnesty International : http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/Amnesty_e-flyer_Egypt_solidarity_demo_GE NERIC.pdf

The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 301 affiliated national organisations from 151 countries and territories. Website: http://www.ituc-csi.org and http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI

ENDS

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