Council of Trade Unions media release

8 February 2011

The CTU has written to Foreign Minister Murray McCully asking the New
Zealand Government to condemn the violent attacks on trade unionists in
Tunisia and on the pro-democracy protesters in Egypt. The International
Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called a Day of Action for
Democracy in Egypt for today, February 8.

The offices of ITUC affiliate the UGTT in six towns across Tunisia have
been attacked as trade unionists play a prominent role in the protests
demanding democracy for the country. Trade unionists in Egypt have also
been at the forefront of the peaceful demonstrations in Cairo which have
been subjected to provocative violence by pro-Government forces.

CTU President Helen Kelly said: "We have asked the Foreign Minister to
add New Zealand’s voice to the condemnation of these attempts to stifle
democracy and the illegal intimidation of trade unionists. The right to
peaceful protest is an internationally recognised human right. Trade
unions have played an important role in establishing this right
throughout recent history and we wish to express our solidarity with the
trade unionists in Tunisia and Egypt as they face unacceptable
intimidation and violence."

The ITUC’s Day of Action for Democracy in Egypt will see protest actions
outside Egyptian embassies around the world. Since there is no embassy
in New Zealand the CTU is calling on the Foreign Minister to make
representations at the highest diplomatic level in Egypt itself.

ENDS

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