Representatives of the Belgian trade union centres and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) met today with Hermann Aschentrupp, head of chancery at the Mexican embassy in Belgium.

Representatives of the FGTB, CSC and CGSLB confederations, affiliated to the ITUC, attended the meeting.

The trade unionists presented the key demands of unions from across the world, which are taking part in the Global Days of Action for Labour Rights in Mexico. Efforts to tackle the serious violations of trade union rights in the country were among the main demands.

One of the most critical issues raised by the trade unions was the widespread imposition of "protection contracts", self-styled collective agreements drawn up by bogus unions and employers, with the backing of the judicial authorities.

As a result of this practice, the vast majority of Mexican workers are not even consulted when agreements are signed "on their behalf". Over 90 per cent of the collective agreements registered in Mexico are drawn up in this way.

The trade unionists also called for justice for the families of the 65 miners who died in Pasta de Conchos on 18 February 2006. Another issue raised at the meeting was the need to resolve the dispute over the dismissal of the 16,599 workers from the Mexican electrical workers’ union SME (Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas).

The embassy’s Head of Chancery undertook to inform the authorities of the issues highlighted and stated that the present government is committed to trade union rights. The Belgian confederations and the ITUC will follow up on compliance with the commitments undertaken.