This delegation represents 20 million public service workers from 150 countries. We have come from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Belgium to convey our support to Public Services International affiliates in Guatemala. For PSI, defending the rights of our affiliate trade union members in Guatemala is our top priority – and it will remain so until the situation for trade unionists and workers in this country improves.

Guatemala has taken the shameful place of the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists today, with the highest number of murders of and violent attacks against union leaders and members. Not a single person has yet been sentenced in of any of the cases of the 58 trade union leaders who have been murdered in recent years. We also demand that the real authors of these crimes, those who have ordered them, be brought to justice.

We have to underline the total absence of the rule of law, which means that in a power relation – the worker always loses. The state fails to provide protection and support to its citizens and as a result is an accomplice of the crimes that are committed every day. The denial of justice is a crime against humanity.  
In March 2013, an agreement was signed between the Minister of Labour and the International Labour Organization Workers’ Group. The main objective of this agreement is to put an end to impunity and promote social dialogue. When can we expect a substantial change?

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