Autoworkers under attack in Venezuela
On January 29, two Venezuelan autoworkers, Javier Marcano and Pedro Suarez, were killed by police as they participated in the occupation of a Mitsubishi plant in Barcelona in Anzoátequi state. Another worker, Alezander Garcia, was also seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
According to Venezuelanalysis.com, the occupation "began on January 12 when workers organized in the union Singetram (New Generation Union) took the plant following a decision by company executives not to rehire 135 contract workers from Indusevis, a company that was providing maintenance services to the plant."
When workers refused to leave the plant despite a judges’ order, police attacked on January 29, and the deaths and injury were the result. Despite the attack, however, workers are continuing their occupation. The following statement was issued by the Socialist Union of Workers.
At least two workers dead and one gravely injured by brutal police repression in the Mitsubishi labor dispute in Anzoátegui
Today, in the Barcelona industrial zone, the Anzoátequi police, using the most violent and brutal means, tried to evict workers from the Mitsubishi auto parts plant. The workers had occupied the plan in defense of their right to utility payments and job security, as well as against falling salaries. Acting under a judge's order, the police exceeded their authority and, instead of using riot equipment, attacked the workers with heavy arms, tear gas, buck shot and pistol fire.
This police violence left two workers (one from Mitsubish and another from Macusa) dead as a result of gunfire, while another remains in serious condition in the local Luis Razetti Hospital. Another worker was savagely beaten by police officers who apparently confused him for the general secretary of the Mitsubishi workers union, Félix Martínez, since they were both dressed alike.
We reject the rationale for this confrontation
A rumor is already circulating that the workers were armed, and the police were responding to an attack. Nothing could be further from the truth! This typical response is an attempt to justify excessive use of force by police and to criminalize labor and social protest. Instead of searching for the guilty amongst the police who launched the attack, they are trying to stop the protest, alleging crimes against the leaders.
Tarek and the responsible parties for this repression
Even though it was a judge who ordered the workers' eviction, the brutality with which the police attacked the workers and the beating suffered by one of them makes it necessary to believe that there was an agreement between the local boss and the government of Anzoátegui. This is in line with the repressive attitude maintained by the governor in previous labor conflicts. We recall, among other incidents, the repression against the Criogénico de Jóse workers and the oil workers during their struggle for a contract.
We demand those responsible for the repression be punished
The judge who ordered the eviction, the police chief who carried out the raid and the police officers involved in this savage act must be condemned to prison. Moreover, the police commander and the governor must face the consequences for the deaths and injuries. They should resign if they have any honor!
Compensation for the families, accountability for the injuries and a solution to the conflict
The dead cannot be brought back, and nothing can substitute for the loss of fathers, brothers, husbands and children. But at the very least, the families who have suffered from this criminal act can be compensated. The state and the boss must take responsibility for this compensation. Moreover, they should pay for the care and expenses of those injured until they are completely recovered, as well as for all of their dependents' costs.
The danger of new acts of repression remain so long as there is no end to this conflict. The boss has already demonstrated that he only wants to gain a profit by exploiting his workers, and he will commit more attacks against them if he is not stopped. If the governor is really a socialist, he should force the boss to pay his debts or leave the country, guaranteeing that the government will nationalize the business under workers control.
Solidarity with the workers of Mitsubishi, Macusa, Vivex and all other auto parts workers in struggle
In SIDOR, the workers showed that only through permanent mobilization, by taking the conflict to the streets, and by standing in solidarity with other workers, unions, associations and students, can they create a force strong enough to successfully confront repression and attempts to defeat the workers' struggle for their rights.
Understanding this, we are making an urgent call to Unetesca, to auto parts and assembly unions, to all other unions and workers associations, and to the students to stand in solidarity with the workers in struggle by issuing public statements. We are also asking for material aid and economic support for the struggle so that it will not be defeated by hunger. Finally, we are asking for public demonstrations in support of our brothers and sisters.
Punish the Workers' Assassins! No to the Criminalization of Labor Conflicts!
Socialist Union of Workers
January 29, 2009
Translated by Todd Chretien.
