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Urgent appeal for support in the run-up to the Ecuador referendum |
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In the last few months, since the Ecuadorian National Assembly voted in new legislation outlawing labour sub-contracting across all sectors of the economy (thanks solely to a six-year campaign by banana plantation workers and FENACLE), workers have lost the fear to organise and ten new unions have sprung up in banana, pineapple and sugar plantations since 1st May (when the legislation was approved). So far, even the erstwhile most hostile employers have not sacked people who have created the new unions.
 However, the war of words has become really fierce over the referendum
on the new Constitution, and the oligarchy and its allies have
mobilised an unprecedented (and doubtless externally-backed) alliance
in recent weeks, threatening to overtake the 'Yes' vote in the polls
ahead of the September 28th referendum. Catholic churches across the
country have massive banners inciting people to vote 'no', and the
media campaign has been vicious. All the new laws brought in by the
National Constituent Assembly, including the one outlawing
sub-contracting, will fall if there is a 'No' on 28th September...and
the latest polls give only a two-point lead to the 'Yes' at this
moment. Please pledge your support to the 'Yes' campaign by making a
contribution and support this real citizen's revolution that is taking
place in Ecuador.
Donations can be made via Banana Link.
For any further information on how you can support the 'Yes' campaign
and defend workers rights in Ecuador please contact Jacqui Mackay on
01603 765670 or email info@bananalink.org.uk
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