Canadian Labor Congress expresses Solidarity With Zimbabwe Workers

Solidarity Statement with Zimbabwean Workers

May 1, 2008

On behalf of 3.2 million Canadian working women and men, and their families, I would like to extend our message of solidarity with workers in Zimbabwe, as part of May 1.

We want to commend the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) for being a strong voice representing the social, economic and political rights of Zimbabwean workers. In particular, I want to congratulate your leadership for its success in maintaining solidarity amongst all workers during the present political crisis, irrespective of gender, region, sector or political affiliation.

We believe that unions in Zimbabwe will remain a critical institution in ensuring respect for workers' rights, democracy, and the protection of human rights. We support your efforts to protect the principle of a free and fair electoral process and the current political efforts to "protect the Votes" of millions of Zimbabwean citizens who went to the polls to elect their political leadership.

The Canadian Labour Congress considers the ZCTU a crucial voice in our global struggles to defend working families everywhere.