TRADE unions from a number of countries, including some constituents of the World Federation of Trade Unions, have expressed solidarity with the working class of India who observed a nationwide General Strike on November 26.

In its message, the Pancyprian Federation of Labour (PEO) conveyed the class solidarity and support of Cyprus workers to the working class of India. “During the last years the working class in India, in a spirit of unity, has been resisting against the neoliberal policies of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s governance by organising massive and militant struggles and mobilisations. The forthcoming strike is the continuation of these struggles against the anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-people policies which have caused to the people of India unemployment, deepening of impoverishment, attacks against trade union and workers’ rights, aggressive privatisations in sectors of the economy like electricity, coal, banks, telecommunications, railways,” it said.

“Today the working class around the world is faced with unemployment, poverty, immigration and social inequalities created by capitalism’s impunity. At the same time, when the world is being plagued by the consequences of the pandemic, the big capital and the other proponents of neoliberal policies, are trying to place the crisis on the shoulders of the workers. The road of class struggle is the only way for the workers and in this struggle, you will always have the support and solidarity of the working class of Cyprus.

“We fully support your demands for the withdrawal of the anti-worker Labour Codes, to stop privatisation process of vital sectors of the economy, for minimum wages and pensions, for guaranteed minimum support and decent income and food for all families. Through our participation within the ranks of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), the international trade union organisation in which our organisations are affiliated, we are actively contributing together to the struggle for a better world without inequalities and exploitation. We join our voice with you and wish every success to your struggles,” the PEO said.

In a Facebook post, WFTU general secretary George Mavrikos said, “PROLETARIANS OF ALL COUNTRIES, UNITE! Last January, workers in India organised a big strike. Two hundred fifty (250) million workers took to the streets. Now, they are preparing a new big strike for November 26. In my personal understanding, this is going to be a massive and very combative strike. All of our leaders in India are on the front line of the strike preparations. They are working and preparing day and night for the new great all-India strike. Their victory will be a victory for us all. Their victory will give hope and enthusiasm to every corner of the planet. Let's support them! Let's add our voice to theirs! Let no one feel alone in this struggle!”

The constituents of the AFTU from Greece, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Austria, Nepal, Morocco, Senegal, USA, Pakistan, Russia, Libya, Lebanon, Peru and Bangladesh have expressed their solidarity with the working people of India. 
 
The Trade Union of Revolutionary Workers of Land, Airway and Railway Workers of Turkey said it “will organize a solidarity action at Consulate General of India in Istanbul on the day of the massive November 26 strike to be organised by Indian working class led by the militant WFTU affiliate organisations. We will also hand in a letter to the Consulate in which it's stated that we firmly side with Indian working class and their just demands.”

The Confederation of Congress of Indonesia Unions Alliance
(Konfederasi KASBI) also expressed solidarity and strong support for all workers in India. “We strongly believe this general strike will be a glorious moment in the history of workers’ movement in India and the world. We strongly believe that the braveness and militant movement of Indian workers against capitalism and neoliberalism will inspire workers all around the world,” it said.

WFTU Solidarity with the All India strike

THE World Federation of Trade Unions, in a statement issued on November 25, observed that during the last six years, the policies implemented by the Modi government have crushed the rights and living standards of the country's workers, farmers, and people.

The coordinated efforts of the Indian bourgeoisie to improve its position in the intra-capitalist competition include further devaluation of the labour force, shrinking of the state benefits and pensions, privatisation and corporatisation of the public sectors and industries, reactionary changes in labour and farm laws and codes. In addition, the complete indifference to protecting the popular strata from the impacts of the pandemic creates a suffocating situation for ordinary people who are plagued by unemployment, hunger, and misery.

WFTU demanded the release of all the arrested trade unionists and strongly condemned the arrest of at least fifty union leaders during the numerous sectoral and regional activities that took place all over India in preparation for the all India strike. The efforts of the Modi government to sabotage the strike will come to nothing. It demanded an end to all provocations and violations of the trade union's rights and freedoms.

The World Federation of Trade Unions, continuing its support to the workers' struggles in the length and breadth of the world, expresses its internationalist solidarity and supports the demands of the countywide strike that is going to take place on November 26, against the anti-labour, anti-farmer and anti-national policies of the Indian government.