ITF Statement on Venezuelan Elections
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), representing around 700 unions with over 4.5 million members in
some 150 countries, today called for the democratic electoral processes in Venezuela to be respected.
The ITF welcomed the election on 14 April of Nicholas Maduro Moros, former leader of the ITF affiliated SITRAMECA trade
union, who has already demonstrated his respect for workers’ rights and commitment to social justice, and who is
overwhelmingly supported by all ITF affiliated unions in the country, including the newly formed National Transport
Workers’ Federation.
ITF general secretary David Cockroft commented: “The ITF is extremely concerned that some interests in Venezuela now
appear to be intent on overturning a peaceful electoral process in which 80 per cent of people voted and which was
monitored as fair and transparent by international organisations such as the Mission of Observers of the UNASUR (Union
of South American Nations) and the Inter-American Union of Electoral Organisations. The election result has also been
recognised by most other Latin American countries.”
ITF president Paddy Crumlin stated: “The ITF joins its affiliates in strongly condemning any attempt to ignore the
lawful result of this election. Such attempts now seriously threaten the country with violence, and risk undermining
democracy and workers’ rights in Venezuela.”
ENDS