Activists Protest Abuse Of Mexican Workers

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Chanting “No more worker silence - no more thugs and violence,” well over 100 fired-up labor rights activists marched on the Mexican Embassy at noon yesterday, calling for an end to the Mexican government’s reported involvement in the ongoing intimidation and labor rights violations of workers in Mexico. “If the laws were obeyed, miners would come home to their families every night,” said United Mineworkers President Cecil Roberts (top, at left), who called the 2006 Pasta de Conchos mine explosion – which killed 65 miners – “industrial homicide.” After an emotional reading of the names of miners “beaten to death by government and private thugs” for their union activity, Roberts called on the American government to “look a little bit closer” at the exploitation of workers in Mexico. “Our nation needs to put pressure on Mexico to end this right now,” added Roberts. “If you want democracy in your workplace, join a union. If you want a higher standard of living, better health and safety, a better nation and a better world, join a union.” Roberts, Metro Council President Jos Williams (bottom, second from left), AFL-CIO Director of International Affairs Cathy Feingold (bottom, at left), the CWA’s Annie Hill and new Association of Flight Attendants President Veda Shook then delivered a letter to a Mexican Embassy representative calling on the Mexican government to “enforce the law, comply with fundamental labor rights and bring an end to the repression of Mexican workers.” The demonstration was part of a worldwide Global Action for Workers’ Rights in Mexico which included 60 actions in more than 30 countries. “This is not a one-time visit,” Williams vowed. “If we don’t get a positive answer, we will be back!” - report by Adam Wright; photos by Chris Garlock