The STUC
passed the following resolution No. 108 on Venezuela:
“That this Congress
recognises that a social revolution is happening in Venezuela.
“Congress congratulates and supports the Venezuelan government for
its utilisation of the country’s wealth and resources for reforms
to benefit working people, the poor and the landless.
“Congress notes the results of the referendum last August that gave
President Hugo Chávez an overwhelming victory and a
strengthened democratic mandate.
“Congress further notes that these results confirm that there is
overwhelming support among working people and the poor for the social
programmes of the Chávez government, in relation to education,
literacy, training, health care, land reform, housing and subsidised
food.
“However, Congress condemns the belligerent statements made by the
US administration, its allies in Columbia and the oligarchy in
Venezuela, which threaten these reforms, and deplores the attempts by
the US administration to intervene in the internal affairs of
Venezuela.
“Congress expresses its solidarity with trade unionists in
Venezuela and rejects any outside interference in their activities.
“Congress agrees to support wider trade union and labour movement
initiatives to highlight the issue of Venezuela within Scotland, and
endorses the TUC's decision to send a delegation to meet and build
links with trade unionists in Venezuela. Further, the STUC to invite
a Venezulan Trade Union Delegation to address the 2007 STUC Congress.
“Furthermore, Congress will work with trade union endorsed
organisations striving to provide solidarity to Venezuela and
encourages all affiliates to do likewise.
“Congress is concerned about the lack of media coverage of events
in Venezuela, and urges the General Council to establish relations
with the Venezuelan National Union of Workers (UNT) to ensure that
news of trade union and related issues are more widely available to
our movement.”
“Congress agrees to invite a
delegation from the UNT to the STUC Congress 2007 to report on
developments in the country and describe the changes brought about by
the Chavez Government.”
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