Rejection of union repression and attacks on labour rights
Between 2019 and 2024, more than 50 unions were dissolved, dismantled or weakened
The International Labour Network for Solidarity and Struggles expresses its deep indignation and strong condemnation of the escalating persecution and repression against unions in El Salvador. Between 2019 and 2024, over 50 unions were dissolved, dismantled, or weakened as a result of government policies prioritizing budget cuts and regressive fiscal adjustments in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
This offensive against the Salvadoran working class has led to the dismissal of more than 450 union leaders in 2024 alone, adding to over 3,000 public sector employees dismissed in recent years. The dismantling of unions such as SITRAISNA, SITRACONNA, and others demonstrates a systematic policy of attacking workers’ organizations, violating the fundamental rights to unionization and social dialogue.
The most affected sectors, such as health, education, and security, have suffered severe cuts that not only worsen labor conditions but also jeopardize the population's access to essential services. Additionally, union leaders and defenders of labor, social, and environmental rights face intimidation, arbitrary detentions, and fraudulent legal proceedings, as seen in the cases of the five environmentalists from ADES Santa Marta and members of the MILPA movement.
We denounce these actions as a blatant attack on human rights, democracy, and social justice. We reject the criminalization of social struggles and reaffirm that repression will not silence the working class.
The International Trade Union Network for Solidarity and Struggles stands with the National Union for the Defense of the Working Class (UNT) in its call to build broad unity among social movements and resistance unions. Our solidarity knows no borders, and we remain committed to standing alongside the workers of El Salvador to defend their rights, strengthen their organizations, and build a just and equitable society.
No to repression!
Photo:Verónica Crespín
Info:
https://diario.elmundo.sv/politica/estos-son-los-58-sindicatos-desarticulados-por-disoluciones-o-despidos-segun-movimiento
https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/nacional/sindicatos-despido-improcedente/1189937/2024/
