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International Solidarity (ITUC, GUF, Union Statements)
ITUC Letter to Government of Equatorial Guinea : Killing of two Chinese migrant workers Gral. Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO + 240 09 3313 / 3334 IHLO-HTUR/JS 28 April 2008 Dear President, On behalf of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), representing 311 affiliated member organisations, with a total membership of 168 million workers in 156 countries and territories, I am writing to you to protest against the killing of two Chinese migrant workers in Mongomo, East Equatorial Guinea on or around 28 March 2008. The ITUC has been informed by its sources that the two workers were killed whilst at least four others were injured during the violent repression of the strike by the Equatorial Guinean army. Some 200 Chinese workers had embarked upon a peaceful strike action when they had received no pay for four months. We understand that the striking workers have been deported. While we appreciate the statement of regret for the deaths made by officials we wish to condemn the poor treatment of Chinese migrant workers in your country and the disproportionate use of violence leading to the deaths and injuries. The ITUC has serious concerns about Equatorial Guinea's treatment of independent trade unions and workers wishing to form unions, despite the fact that your government has ratified ILO Conventions 98 and 87. You government has an obligation to respect the right to strike both in law and in practice due to the ratification of these conventions. We understand that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be sending a mission to Equatorial Guinea to investigate the deaths. However, we urge your government to start its own independent investigation into the deaths. We also urge you to ensure that the workers will receive the wage arrears in full and that deportations are not used as a means of reprisal for undertaking strike action in the future. Yours sincerely, |