Faced with the threat of destruction by the Felipe Calderon government, the Mexican Electrical Workers’ Union (Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas or SME) is urgently seeking support from trade unions around the world.
In solidarity, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has co-signed a declaration published today in La Jornada newspaper. Additionally, CUPE has sent financial support to SME, one of the largest and oldest trade unions in Mexico.
Currently, SME bank accounts are frozen and many union activists are now in jail. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of many union leaders including SME General Secretary Martin Esparza. The government also refuses to recognize the legitimately elected trade union officials or to officially certify the union.
Last year, the government renewed its attacks against independent trade unions and workers’ rights groups. The government announced that the Central Light and Power Company (Luz y Fuerza del Centro) would be liquidated and all its workers fired, which would mean the end of SME.
All of this appears to be part of the government’s systematic plan to eliminate all workers’ groups in Mexico. The electrical workers’ union continues to fight against the illegal dismissal of more than 44,000 workers, most of who were SME members.
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To send a letter of protest to President Felipe Calderon, please copy the letter below (available in English, French and Spanish) and email it to felipe.calderon@presidencia.gob.mx.
