International solidarity: part of our trade union s oath

Transcription

1 International solidarity: part of our trade union s oath Your trade union and Canadians in general must get active and worry about what is taking place in your country was the message I heard while participating on a solidarity picket line with striking miners during my recent visit to Chile. While Chile s recently elected center left government is implementing legislation to do away with some of the worst vestiges of the US sponsored Pinochet dictatorship [ ], Canada appears to be heading in the opposite direction. Enacting draconian legislation to restrict civil liberties, imposing regressive taxes, implementing an aggressive foreign policy and proposing arbitrary measures to diminish and interfere with the role of trade unions are some of the worrisome signs of the present corporate-conservative government. Thanks to the generosity of CUPE Local 50, CUPE BC, Donald Sutton, Susan Jansen and the Fernwood Community Association I was able to donate funds to support the striking miners in their fight for better working conditions.

2 [poster reads: 12 Campaign to collect school supplies, for boys and girls of Mapuche communities in resistance. March 1, 2015, starting at 11:00am Quinta Normal park. Organizers: Mapuche Meli Wixan Mapu] Additionally, I also met with a representative of the Mapuche First Nation organization MELI WIXAN MAPU and thanks to the generosity of CUPE Local 50, CUPE BC and the Fernwood Community Association I was happy to provide an initial donation of US$500 for their annual campaign of collecting school supplies for poor aboriginal children living in remote parts of Southern Chile. A second donation of US$300 on the official day of collection, March 1, 2015 was made by Catalina Cuadra, on behalf of the same donours mentioned previously. A third donation of US$500 on behalf of CUPE Local 50, CUPE BC and the Fernwood Community Association was made to the Martyrs of San Bernardo Rail yards Workers Union. An organization that yearly commemorates and seek justice for the 12 Rail yard Workers Union assassinated in September 11, 1973 by the US sponsored military coup in Chile.

3 Receipt [Translation] The Mapuche Meli Wixan Mapu First Nations organization acknowledges receiving from Fernwood Community Association and CUPE Local 50 a donation of US$500 to help in the 12 th annual school supplies collection for the children of the Mapuche First Nation political prisoners. We thank you for this donation and we send you fraternal greetings. Carlos Flores On behalf of donors Manuel Diaz Calfiu Mapuche Meli Wixan Mapu First Nation

4 Public remembrance ceremony at Martyrs of the Rail Yard Square [Translation] San Bernardo, March 12, 2015 Dear Sirs: Fernwood Community Association, CUPE BC Division, CUPE Local 50, Victoria, D.Sutton, S.Jansen, K. Neish On behalf of our organization, I wish to thanks you for the donation given to us, on your behalf, by Carlos Flores. Our organization was created by surviving members and their families with the purpose of preserving the memory of our 12 trade union brothers who were assassinated on the Chena Hills on October 1973 during the [US sponsored] military coup. This has been a long journey demanding truth and justice from the Chilean state. Finally on October 2014 the government proclaimed October 6 National Day of the Railway Worker, as a way to recognize what had taken place in As part of our community work, we have developed arts and culture activities based on the concept of Stop Motion in which we attempt to preserve and teach the children the importance of our trade union, preserve our collective memory and cultural values. Your US$500 donation will be used to fund the above activities in the community. I finally reiterate our thanks and profound gratitude for your generosity. Public remembrance ceremony at Martyrs of the Rail Yard Square Thankful greetings Claudio Quintanilla President Martyrs of the Rail Yard Association

5 My sincere gratitude to CUPE Local 50, CUPE BC Division, Fernwood Community Association, D. Sutton, S. Jansen and K.Neish who generously provided me with the opportunity to donate funds, on their behalf, to all these worthy causes. Although the material aid will provide some temporary relief to the recipients, the most important part is the message of solidarity, friendship and care that such donation represents. If there is a valuable message to rescue form our self-centered society, is the message of solidarity and kinship that Canadians convey regularly in their support for humanitarian causes around the world.. I have witnessed the gratitude expressed by the recipients of these donations. My message to them is always a message of hope, friendship and peace and the clear distinction to be made between the Canadian ruling elites, who disrespect their environment, traditions, ruin their lives, exploit their resources and rob them of opportunities; and the solidarity, care and the respect of decent and hard working Canadians: such as your selves. Thanks you for your continuous support, understanding and solidarity, Fraternally, Carlos Flores Donations: US$500: Vecchiola Workers Union #2, striking copper miners US$800: MELI WIXAN MAPU First Nations, school supplies for children US$500: Railway Workers Union Memorial, annual event commemorating assassination of 12 trade unionist. Total donation: US$1800. equivalent in Chilean Pesos $ [@ Peso $638] or Cad. $2.300