International Trade Union Confederation
Ukraine: Call for Restraint and Inclusive Democracy
Brussels, 2 December 2013 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC has called for restraint by the authorities and an end to provocation
in Ukraine, as violence has flared around protests against the government's about-turn over relations with teh European
Union.
"We are deeply concerned at what is happening in Ukraine, with violent repression of demonstrations further polarising
the country. We call on the government to stop the repression immediately, and open a broad and inclusive dialogue about
Ukraine's future," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.
Ukraine's trade union movement has pointed to the damaging role played by the International Monetary Fund, which has
been pushing economic and social policy 'reforms' which are futher weakening the economy. The IMF's demand for freezes
in public sector wages, social benefits and pensions, as well as for higher utility costs, are strengthening the
position of powerful oligarchs whose dominance over the economy would be threatened by closer ties with Europe.
The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 156 countries and territories and has 325 national affiliates.
ENDS