From Dhaka to DC: Global Solidarity for Striking UK Workers

By Eric Gottwald, International Labor Rights Forum

ILRF staff joined with National Nurses United (NNU), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Service Employees International United (SEIU), the AFL-CIO and other unions to demonstrate in front of the British embassy yesterday in solidarity with UK Public Sector Workers' General strike.  Over 2 million British workers participated in a 24 hour strike yesterday, the largest in a generation, against proposed deep cuts in their pensions.  

National Nurses United led demonstrations in 6 cities across the US -- turning out in force in their signature red apparel.  Several speakers highlighted the need for international trade union solidarity in opposition to efforts to exploit the financial crisis – caused by the reckless behavior of the international banks and financiers – to weaken public sector unions and social safety net programs. 

Meanwhile, half a world away in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the National Garment Workers Federation led a rally in support of striking U.K. workers.  Several hundred garment workers marched through the streets of the capital in a lively demonstration of South to North trade union solidarity.

Comments

[Ian Manborde]

As a British trade unionist on strike last week I am gratful for your coverage of the global solidarity action. In Solidarity. Ian Manborde