The Guardian 25 October, 2006
Philippines call for solidarity
Public Services International (PSI), is calling on trade unions to send protest letters to Gloria M Arroyo, President of the Philippines over threats and intimidation against Annie Geron and her husband, and other union members, who all work at the Technical Education Skills and Department Authority (TESDA) in Manila.
PSI is a global union federation made up of more than 600 trade unions, representing more than 20 million workers who deliver public services in 160 countries around the world.
On October 16, Annie Geron, the General Secretary of PSLINK, and other staff, were issued with transfer orders to very remote areas of the country. The unit, which Annie Geron was supervising, has been dismantled to all intents and purposes. Augusto Syjuco, the Director General of TESDA, personally threatened Annie Geron’s husband with dismissal. Other staff were also warned that they might receive transfer orders.
PSI considers that these acts of intimidation and harassment were taken because PSLINK has filed a complaint with the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission and Ombudsman. The complaint charges the Director General of TESDA with embezzlement and other corrupt practices.
On October 10, Annie Geron gave a radio interview where she outlined these charges. The Director General’s actions appear to be a direct consequence of this interview. He has called Annie Geron a "radical", which in the current political climate in the Philippines can be interpreted as a death threat.
These threats have been continuing for a long period of time, and date back to February 2003, at which time PSI issued an urgent action appeal to protect Annie Geron and other union members.
Send your protest to:
Embassy of the Philippines
P.O. Box 3297, Manuka, ACT
Australia 2603
If you have access to email:
cbrpe@philembassy.au.com
Copies of letters should be sent to PSI at rights@world-psi.org and to annie.geron@pslink.org
International Day of Protest
November 16 is the date set for an International Day of Protest against Trade Union Repression and Political Killings in condemnation of the wanton violation of trade union and human rights in the Philippines and to show solidarity with the struggle of the Filipino workers and people for genuine freedom and democracy.
The date was chosen because of its highly significant nature. It was on November 16, 2004, when the infamous Hacienda Luisita Massacre occurred, where seven workers and supporters were killed following a violent dispersal of the Hacienda Luisita strike. The police, military and paid goons who carried out this massacre were under the direct orders of the Arroyo Government through the Department of Labor and Employment.
Thus, the International Day of Protest would serve as a recognition and commemoration of the martyr-workers, not only of Hacienda Luisita but of the martyr-workers in all the other workplaces and communities in the country. More so, this day would serve as a testament to the continuing pursuit of the Filipino workers and peoples for economic and political emancipation.