Democratic, independent trade union needed

WFTU general secretary

In most countries of the world life is still influenced by the global capitalist crisis that began in the Untied States and soon spread over the world.

The international financial crisis is further exacerbated by intra-imperialist rivalries for control of the markets. The victims of these rivalries are the working class and the poor peasants.

At the same time, the international financial crisis cannot leave another serious factor unaffected, the environment, the climatic changes and generally the developments in energy. Also in this sector, many operate and pursue to increase their profits rather than protect quality of life.

In today's world we need an international trade union movement, which will be democratic, class-oriented, modern, and independent, a trade union movement that will depend only on the interests of workers and will struggle for peace, social progress and socialism.

On the basis of these principles, we support and promote the following key ideas:

Workers are not to pay for the crisis. Their demands to have full and stable work are to be met.

To reduce the cost of military equipment drastically. The money is to be used to meet social needs and for real sustainable development.

To erase the debts of third world countries and further strengthen the developing countries.

To stop conflicts, to stop the occupation of Iraq and to free all Arab territories.

The international organizations to play their true role. The UN, UNESCO, FAO, ILO, to act positively and democratically.

The principles of internationalism, internationalist labor solidarity and coordination among unions and workers throughout the world to grow stronger.

These six core pillars can enhance the role of the trade union movement at national, regional and international levels.

(China Daily 03/16/2010 page16)