The global trade union movement is again calling for solidarity with the Filipino trade union movement and its fight to defend democracy and workers’ rights.
A joint statement to mark the Global Day Of Action (November 30), condemns the unrelenting attacks by the government of President Duterte on trade unions, independent media and journalists, opposition politicians and human rights activists.
In particular, the statement condemns the increased use of “red-tagging” – the practice of labelling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists, making them the target for threats and violence and, in some cases, acting as a death sentence. It calls on the Government of the Philippines “to end its violations of human rights and re-join the family of democratic nations”.
It concludes “It is past time for the world to react. Governments, individually and collectively, should make it clear that they will not comfort or condone government atrocities with favourable economic or other agreements. Corporations should respect universal human rights standards in the Philippines, including in their supply chains, rather than taking advantage of weak and poorly enforced laws”.
