ITUC Expresses Support for Democracy in Ecuador

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) deplores and firmly condemns the attempted coup staged in Ecuador on 30 September, when police rose up against President Rafael Correa, holding him hostage for over 12 hours.

The international trade union movement has strongly condemned the attempted coup, which placed the country’s democratic institutions at risk and left eight people dead and dozens injured; the resolution of disputes with a democratic government cannot be sought with a coup against democracy but through social dialogue and consultation involving civil society and trade union organisations.

The ITUC has joined with its affiliates and its regional organisation for the Americas, TUCA, in expressing its support and its solidarity with the Ecuadorian trade union movement, calling for every step to be taken to preserve the rule of law, defend legitimate democratic guarantees and protect workers’ rights. It is only within the framework of a democratic state and a government elected by popular vote that fundamental rights and social justice can be preserved.

"The ITUC is offering the people and workers of Ecuador its solidarity and full support for the preservation of constitutional rule and democratic process in Ecuador and will remain alert to the development of events in the country," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 621 018

Photo: Gobierno de la Republica de Ecuador