WTUC Eastbourne 9 th – 11 th March 2004

Delegation:

Ruth Winters

Vicky Knight

Dona Feltham

Kerry Baigent

Sally Harper

Janette Ferguson

Heather Lawrie

Sam Rye

Joanne Winrow-Jones

FBU Resolution

Colombia

This women’s TUC condemns the Colombian Government for imprisoning and denying basic human rights to Trade Unionists whilst in prison.

Conference also notes:

• The number of political prisoners is increasing by vast numbers.
• Political prisoners, who have no financial means, are being forced to sleep in corridors and outside without basics such as; mattresses and blankets.
• Women Political Prisoners have given detailed accounts to British Trade Unionists of rape and sexual assault by prison wardens.
• For Colombian Trade Unions, providing members with legal assistance is proving to be an impossible service, as defence lawyers become targets themselves, legal representation is not free, and security considerations increases costs.

Conference is aware that Justice for Colombia (JFC) has a joint project with the Committee for Solidarity with Political Prisoners (CSPP) to provide humanitarian assistance.

Therefore this Women’s Conference calls on all affiliated Trade Unions to:

1. Financially support work carried out by JFC and the CSPP.
2. Contribute to the legal costs of defending imprisoned trade unionists through JFC.
3. Call on the International Labour Organisation to ascertain the extent of the problem and highlight all such human rights abuses.
4. Encourage branches to affiliate to JFC.

This FBU motion on Colombia was unanimously supported by Conference.

The delegation also attended two fringe meetings, one on Colombia which Ruth Winters spoke at and one on ‘a Charter for women’ which Kerry Baigent spoke at.

All delegates spoke at the WTUC on a range of subjects and did an outstanding job on behalf of the FBU.

Thanks to the delegation for their hard work and fantastic contributions.

© Fire Brigades Union
Bradley House, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7AE
Published by Fire Brigades Union National Women's Committee