Friday, December 12, 2008

DEFEND LONGSHORE WORKERS' RIGHTS!


The V Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America Labor Conference held in Tijuana, Mexico Dec. 5-7, 2008 supports Jason Ruffin and Aaron Harrison against racist frame-up charges. It is our understanding that 12/15 will be a victory rally as the charges were dropped - but solidarity with the ILWU members and union are always in order.

Resolutions from the Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America Labor Conference 2008

Six documents follow:
1) Original Final Declaration written originally in Spanish
2) Draft English translation of Final Declaration
3) Resolution to form an Attorney's Commission to investigate the detention of Carlos Pavon from the Miners Union in Mexico and repression of that union (in original Spanish - no English translation)
4) Resolution supporting International Workers Solidarity Month - May 2008 (original English - no Spanish translation)
5) Resolution to Defend Longshore Workers' Rights! (original English - no Spanish translation - see leaflet posted separately)
6) Resolution to Support Sit-Down Strikers at Republic Window and Doors in Chicago (This struggle was settled to the workers satisfaction)(original English - no Spanish translation)


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V CONFERENCIA LABORAL

DECLARACIÓN DE TIJUANA

Más de cien participantes de organizaciones sindicales y sociales de Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, de Mexico, de Cuba, de Haití, de Bolivia, de Ecuador, de Colombia, y de Filipinas, participantes en la V Conferencia de intercambio laboral celebrada en Tijuana, los días 5, 6 y 7 de diciembre DEL 2008, declaran que:

El orden económico y social vigente en casi todo el mundo, ha sufrido una debacle de proporciones inusitadas demostrando que no sólo se trata de una crisis del sector financiero, sino que abarca todas las esferas de la producción, del consumo, de la inversión y del comercio, y que está empujando a una depresión económica mundial.

Las consecuencias sociales derivadas de las perniciosas políticas neoliberales, agravadas con la crisis financiera, energética y alimentaria internacional, tienen, como causa, la imposición del pensamiento único neoliberal generador de la exclusión, marginación, violencia y de efectos irreversibles ocasionados al planeta.

La quiebra del sistema financiero internacional evidencia el carácter especulador y expoliador del capitalismo y la inmoralidad de los grandes capitales.

Mientras los gobiernos poderosos hoy corren para salvar a los causantes de la debacle, son las victimas: los/as trabajadores/as y los pueblos, quienes sufren sus consecuencias.

Esta crisis parece anunciar el final de una era y un punto de inflexión en la historia de la humanidad, que hará que las cosas ya no vuelvan a ser como eran. Somos testigos del principio del fin del modelo neoliberal y de su ideología.

El mundo está ante un enorme desafío y una gran oportunidad que no se puede dejar pasar sin discutir las bases mismas del orden social vigente y proponer alternativas.

Hay que comenzar por plantearnos la caducidad del injusto modelo que, sin asidero ético, provoca una sociedad segmentada, con individuos que tienen los medios de producción y los que sólo disponen de su capacidad de trabajo.

Otro mundo no sólo es posible, sino absolutamente necesario y en ese mundo los/as trabajadores/as y sus derechos deben tener preferencia.

Tiene que haber cambios estructurales fundamentales para transformar al sistema mundial económico y financiero para que otras crisis como la que hoy nos afecta, no ocurran nunca más.

Tiene que haber estructuras y políticas económicas globales que prioricen las necesidades de los pueblos, que respeten y promuevan los derechos humanos y la justicia social y ambiental; que amparen el empleo decoroso, medios de vida sustentables, servicios esenciales como el cuidado de la salud, la educación, vivienda, servicios de agua y energía limpia.

Este sistema puede y debe ser cambiado. El problema no es la crisis del capitalismo, no, sino el capitalismo mismo.

Ante estas realidades los sindicatos tenemos deberes.

Ø Los grandes conglomerados financieros y las transnacionales ejecutan y se benefician de crímenes de lesa humanidad para la realización de sus negocios. En el 2008 el Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos, juzgó y condenó por estos hechos a decenas de transnacionales, al gobierno de Colombia y a los gobiernos de los países de las casas matrices. La campaña global que se adelanta contra Coca Cola evidencia esta difícil realidad.

Llamamos a fortalecer las iniciativas de resistencia y las campañas globales que contra diferentes transnacionales se adelantan (Coca Cola, Nestlé, Occidental Petroleum, Repsol, BP, entre otras.)

Ø Vivimos en un mundo en el que los “pocos ricos” desprecian, discriminan, y esclavizan a los “muchos pobres”.

Esto es posible por la alianza en la que se funda su unidad como clase social defendiendo así su sistema cuya fuerza utilizan para enfrentar, atacar, manipular, dividir, desviar y debilitar a los/as trabajadores/as y a su organización colectiva: los sindicatos.

La iniciativa unitaria que constituye este encuentro, en el que se ha logrado abordar algunos de los problemas que afectan a los/as trabajadores/as, se plantea promover acciones que conduzcan a la recuperación de la capacidad de lucha de los/as trabajadores/as y del dinamismo y representatividad en la actuación sindical defendiendo la independencia de clase y la autonomía sindical como son: la defensa de los derechos laborales y sociales; la lucha por la integración solidaria y soberana entre los pueblos.

Ø Expresamos nuestra solidaridad activa y militante con la revolución Cubana, ejemplo de resistencia y lucha consecuente contra el imperialismo y demandamos al nuevo gobierno de EE.UU., el levantamiento del bloqueo económico y el cese inmediato de todo tipo de agresiones que impidan su estabilidad y desarrollo.

Reclamamos la liberación de los 5 Héroes Cubanos presos injustamente por luchar contra el terrorismo anticubano y exigimos sean otorgadas las visas a sus familiares y particularmente a Adriana Pérez y Olga Salanueva esposas de Gerardo y René cruelmente impedidas de encontrarse con ellos.

Ø Igualmente expresamos nuestro apoyo a los procesos de transformación socio-políticos que se vienen dando en la región latinoamericana y en particular a los gobiernos de los países que impulsan el ALBA. Proclamamos nuestra solidaridad con los gobiernos democráticos de Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Haitì y Paraguay.

Ø En la actualidad la tendencia que caracteriza a la región latinoamericana no es la entrega a los poderosos, sino la construccion de otra sociedad en la que el pueblo trabajador sea el beneficiario de las riquezas que durante siglos les han sido expoliadas. Así está siendo impuesta la voluntad popular. El movimiento sindical no puede estar al margen de esta tendencia.

El futuro es del sindicalismo clasista comprometido con las transformaciones sociales que buscan ese otro mundo posible al que aspiran los pueblos.

Los participantes fueron convocados a participar en la II Versión del encuentro sindical “Nuestra América” a celebrarse en Octubre del 2009 en Brasil como parte de los esfuerzos para forjar la unidad en la acción de la que tan requerido estamos.

Ø Exigimos:

ü Erradicar las inhumanas prácticas que amparadas por el gobierno, hacen de Colombia el país mas peligroso para defender derechos sindicales y sociales.

ü Suprimir las leyes laborales que en Filipinas protegen la persecución de los líderes sindicales que defienden el respeto a los derechos de los/as trabajadores/as.

ü La salida de las tropas que en nombre de Naciones Unidas ocupan el territorio haitiano cuyo pueblo, con justeza reclama el respeto a su soberanía y autodeterminación.

ü La liberación de Mumia Abu-Jamal, Leonard Peltier y otros prisioneros políticos en los Estados Unidos de América.

ü El respeto por el gobierno mexicano a los justos reclamos de los mineros en Cananaza, estado de Sonora, Guerrero, San Martín y en Zacatecas. Igualmente la solución de las demandas de los maestros.

Los/as participantes reconocieron que esta V Conferencia les abrió espacios para el intercambio y también les proporcionó razones para fortalecerse y animarse, aun en mayor medida, para continuar comprometidos/as en la lucha por un mundo mejor que es posible, pero necesario conquistar, por lo que convocan a celebrar la VI Conferencia de Intercambio Laboral en el mes de Diciembre del 2009.


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Draft English translation

V LABOR CONFERENCE

STATEMENT FROM TIJUANA

Over one hundred participants from trade union and social organizations in the United States of America, from Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and the Philippines, participating in the Labor Exchange’s V Conference held in Tijuana, the on 5, 6 and Dec. 7 of 2008, s declare that:

The present economic and social force almost everywhere in the world, has suffered a debacle of unusual proportions demonstrating that it not only has been a crisis in the financial sector, but covers all areas of production, consumption, investment and trade, and is pushing a worldwide economic depression.

The social consequences arising from the harmful neoliberal policies, aggravated by the financial crisis, international food and energy crises, are caused by the imposition of neoliberal thinking that generates exclusion, marginalization, violence and has caused irreversible effects on the planet.

The failure of the international financial system is evidence of the speculative and exploitive nature of capitalism and the immorality of the great capitalists.

Meanwhile, powerful governments dispatched help to save those who caused the debacle, while the victims: the workers and the people, suffer its consequences.

This crisis seems to herald the end of an era and a turning point in human history, which will cause life to never again be like they were. We are witnessing the beginning of the end of the neoliberal model and its ideology.

The world faces a huge challenge and a great opportunity that can not allow to pass by without questioning the very foundations of present social order and propose alternatives.

We must begin by raising the expiration of the unjust model without bail ethical that causes a society divided between individuals who own the means of production and those who have only their ability to work.

Another world is not only possible but absolutely necessary. In that world the workers and their rights must take precedence.

There must be fundamental structural changes to transform the global economic and financial system so another crises like the one that affects us today, can never occur again.

There must be global economic structures and policies that prioritize the needs of the people, that respect and promote human rights and social justice and the environment; that protect the decent and full employment, sustainable livelihoods, essential services like health care, education, housing, water services and clean energy. This system can and must be changed. The problem is not the crisis of capitalism, no, but capitalism itself.

Faced with these realities unions have these duties.

The large conglomerates and transnational conduct their businesses to profit from crimes against humanity. In 2008 the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal, tried and convicted dozens of these transnations, the Colombian government and the governments of the parent countries by these facts . The global campaign being conducted against Coca Cola is evidence this difficult reality.

We call to strengthen the initiatives and campaigns of resistance against different global transnationals like Coca Cola, Nestle, Occidental Petroleum, Repsol, BP, among others.


We live in a world in which the "few rich" despise, discriminate, and enslave the "vast numbers of poor people."


This is made possible by the alliance in which its unity is based on a social class that defends its system using its force to confront, attack, manipulate, divide, distract and weaken the workers and their collective organization: the unions.


The single initiative from this conference, which has managed to address some of the problems that affect the workers, is to promote actions leading to the recovery of the ability to the workers to fight with dynamism and representation in the trade union action to defend the independence of the working class and trade union independence, such as: the defense of labor and social rights, the fight for integration and solidarity between sovereign peoples.


We express our active and militant solidarity with the Cuban revolution, an example of resistance and struggle against imperialism, and consequently demand that the new U.S. government lift the economic blockade and immediately cease all types of aggression that would impede Cuba’s stability and development.

We demand the release of the 5 Cuban Heroes unjustly imprisoned for fighting anti-Cuban terrorism and demand that visas be granted to their family members and particularly to Olga Salanueva and Adriana Perez wives of Gerardo and René who are cruelly prevented from visiting them.

We also express our support for the social and political transformation processes that have been occurring in the Latin American region and in particular the governments of countries that drive ALBA. We declare our solidarity with the democratic governments of Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Haiti and Paraguay.

At present the trend that characterizes the Latin American region is not surrendering to the powerful, but the construction of another society where the working people are the beneficiary of the wealth that for centuries has been stolen against the people's will. The union movement can not be outside this trend.

The future is in class conscious trade unionism together with social transformations that are looking for the “other world that is possible” to which the people aspire.

Participants are invited to participate in the Second Edition of the labor meeting "Our America" to be held in October 2009 in Brazil as part of efforts to forge unity in action which is so necessary.


We demand:

  • Eliminating the inhumane practices, supported by the government, that make Colombia the most dangerous country in which to defend union rights and social issues.
  • Abolish the Philippine labor laws that protect the persecution of union leaders who advocate respect for the rights of workers.
  • The withdrawal of UN troops occupying Haitian territory whose people justly demand respect for their sovereignty and self-determination.
  • The release of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Leonard Peltier and other political prisoners in the United States of America.
  • That the Mexican government respects the just demands of the miners in Cananea in the state of Sonora, Guerrero, San Martin and in Zacatecas. Equally, we demand a resolution to the demands of the teachers.

The participants acknowledged that this fifth conference opened spaces for exchange and also gave them reason to be strengthened and encouraged, even more committed to continue in the struggle for a better world that is possible, but must be won, and so decided to convene the Sixth Conference of the Labor Exchange in December 2009.

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Tijuana, Mexico

A La Clase Trabajadora

A Las Organizaciones Campasinas, sociales y politicas

A La opinion publica

Presentes:

Los asistentes al evento internacional de Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America Labor Conference – Tijuana, BC, Mexico

No pronunciamos en solidaridad con las siguientes organizationes y referents sindicales: frente syndical mexicano, confederacion de jubilados, pensionados y adultos mayors de la republica Mexicana A.C., Coordinadora nacional de trabajadores de la educacion confederacion nacional campesina, dialogo nacional, asociacion nacional de abogados democraticos movimiento de liberacion nacional, organizacion nacional del poder popular, frente syndical mexicano, sindicato nacional de trabajadores mineros, metalurgicos, siderurgicos y similares de la republica Mexicana, union nacional de trabajadores.

Para denunciar la detencion el 4 de diciembre del companero Carlos Pavon Campos, secretario de asuntos politicos de Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalurgicos y Similares de la Republica Mexicana y Juan Linares Montufar.

Apoyamos al Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas para comenzar ya una campana internacional de solidaridad, para que organizaciones de todo mundo, conozcan la politica laboral del gobierno mexicano, en contra de la clase trabajadora, y expresamos nuestro apoyo a los camaradas mineros.

Estamos de acuerdo en la decision de las organizaciones sindicales en Mexico para enviar una Comision de Abogados a la ciudad de Monclava, Coahuila, para concer de primera mano la actual situacion juridical de nuestros companeros detenidos e iniciar los tramites legales, para su ionmediata liberacion

¡Por la libertad y los derechos de la clase trabajadora!

Firma de los asistentes a la conferencia:

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Resolution passed unanimously in Tijuana Mexico on Sunday December 7, 2008

Extending Mayday 2009 to the entire month of May, thus making May 2009 International Workers Solidarity Month.

We, the participants of Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America 5th Annual Labor Conference in the city of Tijuana, including the representation of labor delegates from Mexico, the Philippines, Ecuador, the U.S., Bolivia, Haiti, and Colombia;

Encourage all progressive, working class and revolutionary forces to extend observation of May Day, international workers day, in 2009, to the entire month of May 2009, making it international workers solidarity month.

We understanding that, now in the midst of the severest global capitalist economic crises since the depression of the 1930s, the bankers and bosses and imperialist will try to solve this crisis on the backs of the global working class.

Therefore, tactics that can maximize working class solidarity across borders are know more than ever, a fundamental necessity.

We must anticipate that the enemies of the working class will intensify their methods aimed at dividing the working class, so as to undermine its unity in the struggle. We must prepare for a rise in racism and national oppression. We know that one of their main

weapons of division will be to intensify the campaign to demonize, and persecute immigrant workers.

Expanding International Workers Day to Workers Solidarity Month is one tactic that can be utilized towards the end of strengthening international class solidarity.

We realize that this is merely an idea, and that its effectiveness will be measured by the degree to which the mass movements embrace the idea, utilize and shape it.

However, if it is embraced, making the month of May 2009, International Workers Solidarity Month has the potential of creating greater impetus and space to lift up and connect more strongly to priorities of the working class such struggles as Freedom for Cuban 5, and solidarity with the workers movements in Latin American and the Caribbean, and all over the world, including the anti-imperialist struggles form the Philippines, to Iraq, Palestine, and Africa.


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It is our understanding that the charges against Brothers Jason Ruffin and Aaron Harrison have been dropped. The ILWU is continuing with a victory demonstration. (see leaflet posted separately for details and instructions on sending solidarity messages.)



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Resolution of Tijuana Conference in Support of Workers occupation
in Chicago (unanimously adopted Dec. 7, 2008)
We, the participants of Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America
5th Annual Labor Conference in the city of Tijuana,
including the representation of leading labor delegates
from the Philippines, Ecuador, the U.S., Bolivia, Haiti
and Colombia:
Extend our solidarity with the 200 courageous workers who
are now in the third day of their occupation of the
Republic Window and Door plant in the city of Chicago
in the U.S. The workers, which include most of the 250
workers employed at the plant, began their occupation
on Friday, December 5 - the day that the plant was
closed - and all of the workers were fired.
The occupation is a direct consequence of the process
that has intensified with the worsening of the global
financial crises in recent months. The Chicago plant is
closing because Bank of America, perhaps the biggest
bank in the world, and a bank that has received in
recent months hundreds of billions of dollars in bail
out money from the U.S. government, refused to extend
a line of credit to the plant’s owners.
The workers, who are primarily Latino immigrants and
members of the United Electrical Workers Union local
1110, were not given the legally mandated, 60-day
Federal prior notification or 75-day Illinois required
notice of the plant’s closing. And, the plant management
and owners did not show up to a meeting with the workers
that had been scheduled for Friday. Now the workers have
vowed to stay in the plant until the owners agree to pay
them all 60/75 days severance pay and holiday pay.
Already, word of the occupation has spread across the 
U.S.
and the world and support for it is growing.
We support the occupation, we support the workers
demands, and we are inspired by the militant example
of resistance that the workers in Chicago are setting.
Most importantly, we call on the workers of the U.S.,
including the organized labor movement, to give the
workers´ occupation in Chicago its full political and
material solidarity and support. These workers are not
only fighting for themselves, they are fighting for the
rights of all workers everywhere. How can we do any
less than to stand with them until victory.
Demonstrate at Bank of America near you!
Chicago:
Sun., Dec. 7, 10:30 AM Jessie Jackson and Rainbow PUSH deliver turkeys to workers
occupying Republic Windows and Doors factory, 1333 N Hickory St. (near corner of
Halsted and Division)
Mon., Dec. 8, 12 noon - Press Conference before UE workers meet with Bank of America
and company executives. Supports welcome, bring food and monetary donations.
Tues., Dec. 9, 12 noon - Solidarity action at Bank of America, 231 S. LaSalle,
Chicago, IL
CHICAGO RALLY: Wed., Dec 10, Bank of America Headquarters  Noon, 231 S. La Salle
St
(downtown)(see www.ueunion.org)
Atlanta, GA:
Thurs., Dec. 11, 12 Noon - Bank of America - contact atlantaiac@aol.com for details.
Baltimore, MD:
Wed., Dec. 10, Emergency Demonstration at Bank of America, Downtown Corner of
Redwood and Light Street. Call 410-467-6132 for details.
Charlotte, NC:
Mon., Dec 8, 12 Noon - Picket at Bank of American national Headquarters to support
Republic workers. Corner of Trade St and Tryon in downtown Charlotte. Organized by
UE local 150. call Dante Strobino at 919-539-2051 for more info
Detroit, MI:
Wed., Dec 10 12:00 noon - PROTEST RALLY, WEDS. DEC. 10,12:00 NOON - BANK OF AMERICA,
Guardian
Building, Congress at Griswold, downtown Detroit. For more information
contact: Moratorium NOW! Coalition 313-887-4344
Los Angeles, CA:
Wed., Dec. 10 – 4:30 pm – Bank of America location 6th and Hill St. –
call: 323 899 2003
NYC, NY:
Wed., Dec. 10, 12 Noon, Bank of America, 261 Broadway www.bailoutpeople.org
San Francisco, CA: Bail out Workers, Not Banks! Stop Plant Closings!Protest Bank of
America, Tues., Dec. 9, 5pm Powell and Market

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Coming from U.S.? Bring documents to return!

There won't be any questions entering Mexico - but there will be when you re-enter the U.S. Make your trip smoother by remembering to bring documents.

Here is what the U.S. says they want to see when you re-enter the U.S.

For U.S./Canadian citizens, there are two options: a one document or an alternative, two document requirement. (For participants who are citizens of other countries re-entering the U.S., see the second reprint below.)


U.S. entry documents required from citizens of Mexico or any other countries other than Canada and the U.S.

DIRECTIONS: San Diego Airport to Conference: Public Transport

How to Get from the San Diego International Airport to Tijuana:


Welcome to the San Diego International Airport. Just outside the airport terminal you will find signs where the MTS #992 bus will stop and pick you up and take you downtown. These buses have luggage racks for your convenience. They run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight. The cost is $2.25 or $1.10 for seniors 60 and over. You must have exact change.


Get off the bus downtown at the corner of Broadway and Kettner Blvd. Cross the street to the American Plaza Transit Center. Buy a trolley ticket at the ticket machine. The cost is $2.50 or $1.25 for seniors 60 and over. The trolleys run on an honor system, but hold on to your ticket for the length of the trip in case you are asked to prove that you paid. You need to board a Blue Line trolley in the direction of San Ysidro. If the front of the trolley says El Cajon, that is not the one you want. It should say San Ysidro. San Ysidro is the last trolley stop on the Blue Line south. It’s about a 45-minute ride.


When you get off the trolley, you will be at the border on the U.S. side. You can walk across the border although it’s a bit of a hike, especially if you have a significant amount of luggage (travel light!). When you have crossed the pedestrian bridge over I-5, gone through the noisy turnstiles, passed by the small Mexican customs office, where no one will stop you, you’ll come out onto a street with many stalls selling touristy type items and you will see many yellow taxis. Ignore the many solicitations you will receive.


Walk a block or two further on to find a red and white or orange and white taxi. “Necesito un taxi libre” or “Necesito un taxi colectivo” is what you will reply to anyone offering assistance. It’s always a good idea to have an agreement with the taxi driver on the price before you get in the taxi. Dollars are accepted pretty much anywhere in Tijuana.

Alternatively, when you exit the trolley at the San Ysidro station you can take a Mexicoach shuttle bus, which you should be able to locate nearby, to the Tijuana Tourist Terminal in downtown Tijuana (between 6th and 7th on Avenida Revolución). The cost for this bus is $5.00. They depart every 30 minutes. The Hotel Palacio Azteca is still a good distance from this terminal (about a 25-minute walk) so you’ll probably want to take a taxi. Again, look for the red and white or orange and white “colectivo” or “libre” taxis.


OH YES ... the hotel is

the Palacio Azteca.

Address: Blvd. Cauhutemoc Sur #213

Here is a map...the Palacio Aztec is #5




Dec. 5 - 7 Tijuana! Int'l. Labor Leaders Analyze Economic Crisis

For the FIFTH YEAR on this weekend in December, labor, immigrant rights organizers, students and young workers are coming together, uniting workers across borders to struggle in our own name and our own interest - be there!

Now, at the beginning of a global economic crisis unprecedented in our lifetimes, discuss with representatives of the Cuban Confederation of Workers; Alfredo Spooner, V.P., Federation of Railway Workers and Carlos Lopez, Pres. of the Federation of University Workers of Venezuela; Mario Lopez, Gen'l.-Sec. Bolivian Workers Central Union ; Elmer Labog, Chairperson, Kilusang Mayo - Philippines; Paul Loulou Chery, Gen'l. Sec, Confederation of Haitian Workers; Elvira Arellano, Immigrant Rights Hero; Clarence Thomas, Million Workers March Movement, ILWU on May 1 port strike against the war; Cristina Vazquez, Western States Regional Director, UNITE-HERE; Rosie Martinez, Chairperson, SEIU Latino Caucus, SEIU 721 E. Bd. (see more below - from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador!)


and Special Dinner Reception with Magali Llort Ruiz, mother of Fernando González one of the FIVE CUBAN HEROES unjustly imprisoned in the U.S. and attorney Leonard Weinglass on Friday, Dec. 5. _____________________________________________________________________________

Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America 2008
Labor Conference V - Dec. 5, 6 & 7
Tijuana, Mexico

Photos from last year's conference (2007)
Included in picture above is (standing) Irma Sehwerert, mother of Rene González of Cuban 5 with young workers and students
Included in picture below is (from left) Immigration Activist Elvira Arellano
and Panel Chairperson, Ignacio Meneses

Only a few minutes from San Diego,
California, you can exchange ideas and
experiences with leaders from the worker
struggle in Latin America!


Friday, December 5:
Special Dinner Reception -
Welcome to the Families of the Cuban 5, Magali Llort, mother of Fernando González and Attorney Leonard Weinglass

Saturday, December 6:
U.S.-Cuba/Venezuela/ International Relations
NAFTA/FTAA: ALBA Alternative Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia

Sunday, December 7:
Immigration between U.S. & Latin America

Invited panelists (partial list):

CUBA:Ernesto Freire Cazanas, Head Officer, Foreign Relations, CTC; Carmen Godines, Dir., Americas, Dept. of Foreign Relations, CTC; Ramon Cardona, Gen.-Sec. WFTU America Region,

VENEZUELA: Alfredo Spooner, Vice-Pres., Federación Ferroviaria, CST; Carlos Lopez, Pres. Federación de Trabajadores Universitarios;

ECUADOR: Edgar Luis Sarango Correa, Vice-Pres., Confederacion de Trabajadores;

BOLIVIA: Mario López Choque, Sec.-Gen’l. de la COB;

NICARAGUA: Representante;

COLOMBIA: Edgar Paez, SINALTRAINAL;

HAITI: Paul Loulou Chery, Sec.-Gen’l., Confederation of Haitian Workers (CTH)

PHILIPPINES: Elmer Labog, Chairperson, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU);

MEXICO: Sindicato Mexicano Electricistas (SME);

MEXICO/U.S.: Elvira Arellano and Emma Lozano, La Familia Latina Unida, Chicago;

U.S.: Cristina Vasquez, UNITE-HERE, Clarence Thomas, ILWU
Rosie Martinez, Latino Caucus SEIU Local 721


SPONSORS (partial):
U.S./Cuba Labor Exchange; International Committee for Freedom of the Cuban Five; Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas (SME); World Organization for the Right of the People to Healthcare, SEIU 1199 NY; National Network on Cuba (NNOC); Venezuela Solidarity Network (VSN); International Action Center (IAC); Cuba Solidarity New York (CSNY); Southwest Workers Union, San Antonio, Texas; C.O.M.P.A., Converjencia de los Movimientos de los Pueblos de Las Americas,


To register online or get information on hotel reservations please go to:
laborexchange.blogspot.com

FOR CARPOOLING INFORMATION FROM LOS ANGELES call: 310 677-6407.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008



"My first union job was in Chicago."


This is not an unusual statement at a labor conference. But when it comes from one of the mothers of the Cuban Five it is an example of the rich history that exists between the people of the U.S. and Cuba.

The statement was made by Irma Sehwerert last year at the International Labor Conference in Tijuana, where she came from Cuba to represent the families of the Cuban Five. Her son, René González, was born in Chicago where Irma worked in the electrical industry.

On Sept. 12, 2008 René began his eleventh year of unjust imprisonment in Marianna, Florida.

And many in the immigrant rights struggle would certainly agree that Elvira Arellano who two years ago bravely defied deportation orders by taking sanctuary in a Chicago church is an example of "courage and dignity".. So it was moving beyond words to see Cuban union leader Carmen Godinez embrace Elvira at the 2007 Labor Conference in Tijuana, Mexico. Godinez was so overwhelmed by Elvira’s courage that she was moved to embrace her at the podium during the conference.

These two incidents at the 2007 conference are just a glimpse of the inspiring and even revolutionary passion you will experience at the Tijuana labor conference.

The 2008 Cuba/Venezuela/Latin America/North America Labor Conference is fast approaching - along with an economic crisis that crumbles illusions in the profit-first capitalist system and a new administration coming to Washington, D.C. setting the sights of millions of workers on a better life. There is a lot to learn and much to discuss and share.

How is ALBA (the anti-Free Trade Agreement!) affecting the lives of workers in Latin America? What is the state of U.S./Cuba and international relations? What effect is the downward economic spiral having on immigrants and the fight for immigrant rights and dignity? What about the struggles in the U.S. for the human right to housing, education, work and health care - and to live free of war? And the political prisoners held inside the U.S. like the Cuban Five and Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Friday, Dec. 5 is a night of solidarity with the Cuban Five - featuring Magali Llort Ruiz, mother of Fernando Gonzalez and a legal update by attorney Leonard Weinglass, his schedule permitting. Invited international guests include representatives from: Cuba, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Philippines, Haiti and Mexico.

Be there! Make travel and hotel arrangements now!
Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America Labor Conference - V Conferencia Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/Norte America
December, 5, 6 and 7, Diciembre 5,6 y 7 2008
Tijuana, Mexico

La lucha obrera no tiene fronteras! The workers’ struggle has no borders!

Special Friday reception/dinner. Meet Family members of the Cuban Five!

Online registration and payment available at laborexchange.blogspot.com

Conference participants are strongly encouraged to stay at the Conference Hotel to maximize interaction with international guests - a special rate that includes the breakfast buffet and Saturday dinner has been negotiated - ask for CUBA LABOR CONFERENCE.

Hotel Reservations at: Reservaciones de Hotel:
Hotel Palacio Azteca
Blvd Cuauhtemoc Sur #213 Colonia Davila
22400 Tijuana, Mexico


*Toll Free from USA 1 888 901 3720 Toll Free From Mexico 01 8000266660
Single/Sencilla Room $98 U.S. Dollars • Double/Doble Room $141 U.S.
Dollars (This will included two breakfasts and one dinner)
(Este precio incluye dos desayunos y una cena)

Please mention the/Favor de mencionar para un descueanto al:
CUBA LABOR CONFERENCE to get the special price.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible/Realice su reservación lo antes possible.
*If you have a problem please call 313 587 9285 or email laborexchange@aol.com

Note: For U.S. citizens - passport or photo ID AND birth certificate is now required to return to the U.S.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

And "Unite the Union" - now merged with the United Steelworkers in the U.S. - made a wonderful video explaining why workers must support the Cuban Five.

See it here:
www.unitetheunion.com/miami5


Be with Family members of the Cuban 5 - in Tijuana on Friday, Dec. 5!

Unions Demand Rights of Olga and Adriana!

Register Now! Pay online!

2008 Labor Tour helps build Tijuana Conference

Help build participation in the V-Cuba/Venezuela/Latin America/North America Trade Union Conference in Tijuana - Dec. 5, 6, 7, 2008.

From Sept. 30 - Oct. 14, Latin American union leaders from Colombia and Nicaragua toured the U.S. talking with workers and activists about the advances made through ALBA - the Bolivarian Alternative to the imperialist free trade agreements; the Bank of the South; Petro-Caribe; the Yo si puedo literacy method arming people throughout Latin America with the weapon of knowledge; the operation milago correcting impaired vision that prevented people from gaining literacy; the struggle of the workers and Indigenous people in Colombia where nearly 50 union leaders have been assassinated this year alone; free education re-instituted in Nicaragua since the Sandinistas gained office; and much more. The Conference in Tijuana is the next step.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Register and Pay online!

It's only seven weeks until the Fifth Cuba/Venezuela/North America/Latin America Labor Conference - register and pay now online!

Want to Register and pay online with charge card? Here's how at http://laborexchange.blogspot.com/

1) Click on DONATE button (upper right at laborexchange.blogspot.com), follow instructions
2) Conference Registration is $55 (an additional $25 donation is requested for the special Free the Five dinner)
3) Enter the dollar amount - $55 or $80 (or more, if you can afford an additional donation to help with costs.) You and the labor exchange will both receive an email receipt that will be used at the conference to confirm your payment.
4) Send the info on the form below to laborexchange@action-mail.org

THEN - Make your hotel registration at Hotel Palacio Azteca, request the Cuba Labor Conference rate that includes breakfast and Saturday dinner (Send your hotel confirmation number to laborexchange@action-mail.org and receive a FREE DVD compliments of Leftbooks.com - Choose One: Mission Against Terror; One Man's Story: Philip Agee, Cuba, and the CIA, or Posada Carriles: Terrorism made in USA.) (If you have any problems with reserving a hotel room, please let us know - call: 313 587 9285.)


Conference Registration/ Datos para su inscripción a la Conferencia:

Name/Nombre:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address/Direccion:______________________________City,State, Zip/Ciudad, Estado, Zona postal:______________________

Phone/Telefono:_____________Fax:______________ Email/Correo Electronico:_____________________________________

Union/Organization/Sindicato:______________________________________________________________________________

[ ] Enclosed is my registration fee of $ 55 U.S. dollars ([ ] additional donation $25 requested - special Free the Five dinner, Friday)

[ ] I would like to give a donation of $ ________ for a low-income participant.

[ ] Envio mi registro y mi donacion de 55 dolares US y quisiera aportar la cantidad de $_______para aquellos participantes de bajo ingreso. ([ ] donación adicional - 25 dolares – una cena especial – viernes – por Los Cincos)


Make checks payable to: Labor Exchange
Haga los chekes pagables a: Labor Exchange


US/Cuba Labor Exchange ● P.O. BOX 39188 ● Redford MI 48239 ● Phone/Fax: (313) 587 9285
● Email: laborexchange@aol.com

Reservations can be made at: Reservaciones de Hotel:

Hotel Palacio Azteca
Blvd Cuauhtemoc Sur #213 Colonia Davila
22400 Tijuana, Mexico

*Toll Free from USA 1 888 901 3720 Toll Free From Mexico 01 8000266660
Single/Sencilla Room $98 U.S. Dollars • Double/Doble Room $141 U.S. Dollars
(This will included two breakfasts and one dinner)
(Este precio incluye dos desayunos y una cena)

Please mention the/Favor de mencionar para un descueanto al:
Cuba Labor Conference to get the discounted price.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible/Realice su reservación lo antes possible.
*If you have a problem please call 313 587 9285 or laborexchange@aol.com

Friday, September 26, 2008

Special Offer - Free DVD with Hotel Reservation!

Leftbooks.com


an online activist bookseller - supports the

Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America Labor Conference - V - Conferencia Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/Norte America,Dec. 5, 6, 7 in Tijuana, MX


Leftbooks.com will send you a FREE DVD with Hotel Palacio Azteca room reservation for both Friday and Saturday nights Dec. 5 and 6 at the special Cuba Labor Conference rate that includes breakfasts and Saturday dinner.

RESERVE before October 15 and choose: 1) Posada Carriles: Terrorism Made in USA; 2) Mission Against Terror; or 3) One Man's Story: Philip Agee, Cuba, and the CIA

SEND your Hotel Palacio Azteca registration confirmation number to: laborexchange@action-mail.org with your address and FREE DVD selection.


Reservations can be made at: Reservaciones de Hotel:

Hotel Palacio Azteca
Blvd Cuauhtemoc Sur #213 Colonia Davila
22400 Tijuana, Mexico

*Toll Free from USA 1 888 901 3720 Toll Free From Mexico 01 8000266660
Single/Sencilla Room $98 U.S. Dollars • Double/Doble Room $141 U.S. Dollars
(This will included two breakfasts and one dinner)
(Este precio incluye dos desayunos y una cena)

Please mention the/Favor de mencionar para un descueanto al:
Cuba Labor Conference to get the special price.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible/Realice su reservación lo antes possible.
*If you have a problem please call 313 587 9285 or laborexchange@aol.com

V Labor Conference growing! New panelists!

Representatives of the Philippines and Haiti are new participants this year!
Dec. 5, 6 and 7, 2008 - Special program with families of Cuban Five on Dec. 5!
Register NOW! Reserve your hotel room at the Hotel Palacio Azteca ask for the "Cuba Labor Conference" rate

*Toll Free from USA 1 888 901 3720 Toll Free From Mexico 01 8000266660
Single/Sencilla Room $98 U.S. Dollars Double/Doble Room $141 U.S. Dollars
(This will included two breakfasts and one dinner)

(Este precio incluye dos desayunos y una cena)


Paul Loulou Chery, Secretary -Gen'l., Confederation of Haitian Workers (CTH)
Elmer LaBog, Chairperson, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)
Ramon Cardona, General Secretary, WFTU, America Region

Invited Panelists/Invitados (partial):

CUBA: Ernesto Freire Cazanas, Head Officer, Foreign Relations of C.T.C.; Carmen Godinez, CTC of Cuba; Ramon Cardona, General Secretary, WFTU, America Region; VENEZUELA: Representantes de Venezuela; ECUADOR: Confederacion de Trabajadores del Ecuador; BOLIVIA: Representante Internacional de C.O.B.; NICARAGUA: Representante de Nicaragua; COLOMBIA: Edgar Paez, SINALTRAINAL; HAITI: Paul Loulou Chery, secretary general of the Confederation of Haitian Workers (CTH); PHILIPPINES: Elmer LaBog, Chairperson, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU); MEXICO/Estados Unidos: Elvira Arellano and Emma Lozano, La Familia Latina Unida; MEXICO: Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas (SME); ESTADOS UNIDOS: Cristina Vasquez, UNITE-HERE

Sunday, August 10, 2008

PLAN NOW! More details soon ...

Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/North America Labor Conference - V
Conferencia Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico/Norte America
December, 5,6 and 7, Diciembre,5,6 y 7 2008

¡La lucha obrera no tiene fronteras! The workers’ struggle has no borders!




U.S.-Cuba - LatinoAmerica Relations

FTAA/NAFTA: the ALBA Alternative

Immigration between US/Latin America–Inmigración entre Estados y

Latinoamérica

Free the Cuban Five from U.S. prisons
- Honor the right to Family Visits

(Special program with Families of the Five on Friday, Dec. 5!)


Cuban leaders of the Confederation of Cuban Workers (CTC) will visit Tijuana, Mexico, a city 15 minutes from the San Diego US/ Mexico border. This conference will give people from North America (the United States, Canada and Mexico) the opportunity to hear first hand from the Cubans about Cuba’s workers and their unions. Also, you will hear from leaders of the Venezuelan union, UNT, about the present situation of the Venezuelan revolution and the issues facing Venezuelan workers, representatives of Mexico,United States, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Nicaragua discussing the social and labor movements in the Americas

The cost to attend is $55 per person to cover the expenses of the conference.


Lideres sindicales Cubanos de la Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC), visitaran Tijuana, Mexico, una ciudad a 15 minutos de San Diego, CA. USA.de la frontera Mexico/EE.UU.. Esta conferencia le brindará la oportunidad a los trabajadores de Norte America de obtener información de primera mano sobre la situación de los trabajadores Cubanos y sus sindicatos y sobre la realidad cubana actual. Tambien estaran presentes lideres sindicalistas Venezolanos de la UNT (Unión Nacional de Trabajadores),que informaran acerca de la situación actual de la Revolucion Venezolana. Tambien lideres sindicales de Mexico,Estados Unidos,Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia y Nicaragua que discutiran los movimientos sociales y sindicales en nuestra America.



Invited Panelists/Invitados (partial):
CUBA: Ernesto Freire Cazanas, Head officer of Foreign Relations of the C.T.C. Carmen Godinez, CTC of Cuba
VENEZUELA:
Representantes de la U.N.T. de Venezuela,
Ecuador:Confederacion de Trabajadores del Ecuador
BOLIVIA: Representante Internacional de C.O.B.
NICARAGUA: Representante de Nicaragua,

COLOMBIA:
Representante Internacional de la unión SINALTRAINAL en Colombia;
MEXICO/Estados Unidos: Elvira Arellano, La Familia Latina Unida, Chicago
MEXICO: Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas (SME)
Estados Unidos: Cristina Vasquez, UNITE-HERE

SPONSORS (partial):
U.S./Cuba Labor Exchange; Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas (SME); World Organization for the Right of the People to Healthcare, SEIU 1199 NY; National Network on Cuba (NNOC); Venezuela Solidarity Network (VSN); International Action Center (IAC); Cuba Solidarity New York (CSNY); Southwest Workers Union, San Antonio, Texas; C.O.M.P.A., Converjencia de los Movimientos de los Pueblos de Las Americas.


Conference Registration/ Datos para su inscripción a la Conferencia:

Name/Nombre:____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address/Direccion:__________________________City,State, Zip/Ciudad, Estado, Zona postal:_______________________
Phone/Telefono:__________Fax:___________ Email/Correo Electronico:_________________________________________
Union/Organization/Sindicato:___________________________
[ ]Enclosed is my registration fee of $ 55 U.S. dollars
[ ]Envio mi registro y mi donacion de 55 dolares US y quisiera aportar la cantidad de $_______para aquellos participantes de bajo ingreso.
[ ] I would like to give a donation of $ ________ for a low-income participant
Mail your registration - Envíelo por correo a:
0A
US/Cuba Labor Exchange P.O. BOX 39188 Redford MI 48239 Phone/Fax: (313) 587 9285 Email: laborexchange@aol.com

Reservations can be made at: Reservaciones de Hotel:
Hotel Palacio Azteca
Blvd Cuauhtemoc Sur #213 Colonia Davila
22400 Tijuana, Mexico
*Toll Free from USA 1 888 901 3720 Toll Free From Mexico 01 8000266660
Single/Sencilla Room $89US Dollars Double/doble Room $141 US Dollars

(This will included two breakfasts and one dinner)
(Este precio incluye dos desayunos y una cena)

Please mention the/Favor de mencionar para un descueanto al: Cuba Labor Conference to get the discounted price.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible/Realice su reservación lo antes possible.
*If you have a problem please call 313 587 9285 or laborexchange@aol.com


Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Reports from U.S./Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico Labor Conference

The fourth U.S./Cuba/Venezuela/Mexico Labor Conference held in Tijuana, Mexico on the weekend of Dec. 7-9, 2007 continued to build solidarity between workers across borders. This year the conference, in addition to the analysis presented by the three representatives from the CTC and ICAP, had many special high points which are briefly outlined below.

Please add your observations, reports, comments, suggestions for next year (tentative dates, Dec. 5, 6, 7, 2008) - things we did well and suggestions for improvement - to this blog. If you planned to attend the fourth conference in December and were told the hotel didn't have rooms, please let us know.

Note the action item
- open letter - below so we can begin 2008 acting to let our union leadership know we won't let anyone get away with Cuba bashing in the name of working people.


Spare a few dollars to help with this work. Please use our
NEW DONATE BUTTON
or send a check or money order to:
Labor Exchange, P.O.B. 39188, Redford, Michigan 48239

SOME CONFERENCE HIGHPOINTS:
  • A special evening session on Friday was dedicated to the struggle to Free the Cuban Five. Irma Sehwerert, mother of Rene Gonzalez represented the families of these five heroes unjustly held in U.S. prisons. Silvia Lozano, member of the Cuban National Assembly, who is an expert on the case of the Five also presented. With the assistance of the International Committee to Free the Cuban Five, the program included a special screening of the excellent film, "The Trial." Until Ramon, Rene, Gerardo, Antonio and Fernando are returned to their families and the people of Cuba, a "Free the Cuban Five" component will be featured in all future conferences.
  • Two representatives from Venezuela brought up-to-date news of the progress of the revolutionary process in the Bolivarian Republic, including an analysis of the referendum held just the week before.
  • Elvira Arellano, the courageous woman who has become the face of the struggle for immigrant rights in the United States through the sacrifice of deportation and separation from her son, Saulito, participated in the conference along with Emma Lozano from Familia Latina Unida in Chicago.
  • An open letter calling on union members to tell their international affiliates with the AFL-CIO or the International Trade Union Confederation to stop supporting the U.S. government backed slander campaign against Cuba; to tell the U.S. to end the blockade of Cuba and the trade and travel ban; to join the campaign to free the Cuba Five from U.S. jails; say "No" to the threat to Cuba's sovereignty embodied in the so-called "Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba." (For a copy of this letter and current signers or to volunteer to circulate it, write to: laborexchange@action-mail.org)
  • Tributes to Luis Miranda, and Chuck Drury who died this past year began the conference.