Human Rights in the Philippines: A Worker-to-Worker Solidiarity Exchange

[Mar 13, 2009 01:20 PM]

CUPE Local 4600, in partnership with the Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (OCHRP), has received funding from the CUPE National Global Justice Fund for a project entitled, “Defend Human Rights in the Philippines: A Worker-to-Worker Solidarity Exchange”. 

Next to Columbia the Philippines is the most dangerous place in the world to be a union leader or activist.  The situation in the Philippines warrants immediate attention.  There is a belief within the labour movement in Canada that the time is ripe for trying to develop deeper links, to build real solidarity and foster relationships that are more long term and sustainable.

This project will focus primarily on the issues affecting the education sector.  The solidarity excharge will be divided into 2 phases.  The first phase will be a visit by two members from the Philippine labour movement to Canada in May 2009.  The second phase will be a visit to the Philippines by 6-8 union members from Canada in December 2009.  We are currently attempting to build contacts in the following areas:

• CUPE locals and members in the education sector
•  Education sector outside of CUPE
• CUPE locals and members in the public sector in general
• Other Public sector unions  
• The Filipino community in Canada  
• Previously established contacts  
• The broader Canadian public

 

This project is open to all CUPE 4600 members. We hope for your support and involvement, please contact Kelti Cameron or Stuart Ryan for more information, 613-520-7482.