25% rise in murders of unionists

Date: 19 September 2007

In 2006, 144 trade unionists were murdered for defending workers' rights, while more than 800 suffered beatings or torture, according to a worldwide survey released today by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

The 'Survey of Violations of Trade Unions Rights' uncovers a shocking increase in anti-trade union violence, with the number of murders rising from 115 in 2005 to 144 in 2006. The increase is due in part to the brutal treatment of trade unionists in the Philippines, now the second most dangerous place in the world, after Colombia. A total of 33 murders and 130 instances of trade union and human rights violations were reported in the Philippines last year.

The ITUC survey reveals that anti-trade union repression is taking place in every continent across the globe, including Europe. Nearly 5,000 arrests were reported along with more than 8,000 dismissals of workers because of their trade union activities. Reported anti-trade union repression represents the tip of the iceberg as the vast majority of suffering goes unreported for fear of reprisals, say the report.

Colombia remains the most perilous place in the world to be in a trade union, with 78 killings reported in 2006. Just one per cent of murders over the last decade resulted in conviction, showing the impunity with which the Colombian paramilitary death squads are able to operate. Between 1994 and 2006, of the 1,165 murders documented, only 56 perpetrators have been brought to trial and only 14 have been sentenced.

The ITUC report also identifies worrying developments in Europe. Less than one in ten European companies fully respect the right of unions to organise and engage in bargaining. Many governments in Eastern Europe, including Russia, Georgia and Belarus have recently enacted labour legislation to restrict trade union rights.

For further information

WWW:	http://www.ituc-csi.org/

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