It is not right that workers are forced to live in poverty. It is not right that societies are ruled through fear and repression. It is not right that the media is run to benefit the rich who are ruining our planet. We see many uprisings. The demands of the uprisings are similar. The demands are for democratic rights and economic justice. All workers need job security, a safe workplace, a living wage, social services and their full rights in society. All workers – men and women, young and old, religious and secular, native born and migrant, can support these demands. These are the demands of the workers’ movement everywhere. But these demands are opposed by the capitalists and their governments. Workers have to organise to achieve their demands, and they have to defeat the violent attacks on their right to organise and their right to protest. There are strikes and workplace occupations which take power away from the capitalists. There are neighbourhood defence committees to provide safety and security. Workplace councils and assemblies can control production to support working people and the continuing struggle. Soldiers and police now need to decide, and announce, that they will not shoot workers. Genuine unions and workers’ organisations everywhere need to continue to organise solidarity rallies and international industrial action. We need to support our comrades who are bravely fighting for their rights and for the rights of all workers.
Some news reports on Friday 18 February:
Morocco: Government maintains its position against democratic rights. Activists planning protests harassed.
Algeria: Protests continue despite repression. Mass protests called.
Tunisia: Workers strike for wages and condions. New union federations being set up.
Libya: Mass protests in many cities are met with repression. At least 16 protesters killed.
Egypt: Suez Canal workers join strikes – Women workers demand their rights. – Korean Unions build international solidarity
Sudan: Government attacks activists organising protests. Students and workers demand reforms.
Palestine: Demonstrators call for an end to the split between Gaza and West Bank. Fatah and Hamas criticised.
Jordan: Protest calls for constitutional reform and democratic rights. Trade unions participate in rallies.
Syria: Protest against the arrests and beating of activists. There are calls for mass protests.
Bahrain: Army attacks protesters and occupies streets – ITUC calls for union solidarity. Three protesters killed, more protests called.
Yemen: Protests continue demanding end of regime. Police fire on protesters.
Iraq: Protesters demand food and basic services. Police attack leaves 2 dead and many injured
Iran: Protesters against regime on the streets – Workers take strike action – Repression against workers continues
It is not right that workers are forced to live in poverty. It is not right that societies are ruled through fear and repression. It is not right that the media is run to benefit the rich who are ruining our planet. We see many uprisings. The demands of the uprisings are similar. The demands are for democratic rights and economic justice. All workers need job security, a safe workplace, a living wage, social services and their full rights in society. All workers – men and women, young and old, religious and secular, native born and migrant, can support these demands. These are the demands of the workers’ movement everywhere. But these demands are opposed by the capitalists and their governments. Workers have to organise to achieve their demands, and they have to defeat the violent attacks on their right to organise and their right to protest. There are strikes and workplace occupations which take power away from the capitalists. There are neighbourhood defence committees to provide safety and security. Workplace councils and assemblies can control production to support working people and the continuing struggle. Soldiers and police now need to decide, and announce, that they will not shoot workers. Genuine unions and workers’ organisations everywhere need to continue to organise solidarity rallies and international industrial action. We need to support our comrades who are bravely fighting for their rights and for the rights of all workers.
Some news reports on Friday 18 February:
Morocco: Government maintains its position against democratic rights. Activists planning protests harassed.
Algeria: Protests continue despite repression. Mass protests called.
Tunisia: Workers strike for wages and condions. New union federations being set up.
Libya: Mass protests in many cities are met with repression. At least 16 protesters killed.
Egypt: Suez Canal workers join strikes – Women workers demand their rights. – Korean Unions build international solidarity
Sudan: Government attacks activists organising protests. Students and workers demand reforms.
Palestine: Demonstrators call for an end to the split between Gaza and West Bank. Fatah and Hamas criticised.
Jordan: Protest calls for constitutional reform and democratic rights. Trade unions participate in rallies.
Syria: Protest against the arrests and beating of activists. There are calls for mass protests.
Bahrain: Army attacks protesters and occupies streets – ITUC calls for union solidarity. Three protesters killed, more protests called.
Yemen: Protests continue demanding end of regime. Police fire on protesters.
Iraq: Protesters demand food and basic services. Police attack leaves 2 dead and many injured
Iran: Protesters against regime on the streets – Workers take strike action – Repression against workers continues
