INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION (ITUC) ITUC
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ITUC May Day Manifesto Brussels, April 24 (ITUC Online):
Working people in all corners of theglobe, gathering together on the 1st of May, celebrate the tremendousachievements of the trade union movement and commemorate all those whohave given so much in the cause of justice, equality and human dignity.
Each and very person has the right to decent work and a decent life.For the vast millions to whom these rights are but an aspiration, it isthrough the determination and collective will of trade unionism thatthis aspiration can become a reality, and for those who today enjoythese rights in their daily lives, it is through their unions that theywill be defended and maintained. The historic unification of the world trade union movement, just half ayear ago, gives us new means and renewed vitality in our quest for abetter world. We will harness this new momentum to its very maximum, tobring solidarity to all those who need it, and to change the course ofthe global economy to make it serve the interests of the many ratherthan the few. Our commitment to build a better world, where economic progress servessocial needs, where those who live in poverty and at the margins ofsociety are empowered to live decent and fulfilling lives, remainssteadfast. The universal values which have underpinned more than acentury of proud trade union history remain as valid today as they didat the very birth of our movement. We oppose all forms oppression and exploitation, and proclaim ourdetermination to continue the struggle against all those who seek toprofit from deprivation, discrimination and despair. We stand unitedwith all women and men who suffer violations of their rights as workersand as human beings and will come to their aid in every way we can. Wecondemn all those who profit from the misery of others and will carryforward the fight against the rapacious excesses of corporate greed. Wewill maintain our struggle for a world where all can live secure andpeaceful lives, free from the threat of violence, war and destruction. The generations of today hold the very future of the planet in ourhands. Our actions will leave an indelible mark on the lives of thechildren of the world and those to come. We shall fulfill our solemnduty to work for sustainable economic and social progress, to play ourpart in tackling climate change, in providing health and education forall and confronting the enormous challenges which we face as a worldcommunity. We seek a world where all nations can cooperate to the common good,building and sustaining fairness and justice in economic relations,where no country is left behind and where the aspirations of all men,women and children to a decent life are met in full. We pledge, infurtherance of the great and durable traditions of our movement, toturns these dreams and hopes into reality. Founded on 1 November 2006, the ITUC represents 168 million workers in153 countries and territories and has 304 national affiliates. Website:www.ituc-csi.org For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on +32 2224 0204 or +32 476 621 018.
Posted at April 24, 2007 11:19 AM