IUF Solidarity with Spanish Unions Following Madrid Train Bombings

Posted to the IUF website 12-Mar-2004

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The IUF has strongly condemned the murderous March 11 rush-hour train bombings in Madrid which killed an estimated 200 persons and wounded 1,400. The following message of solidarity and support was immediately sent to the IUF's Spanish affiliates:

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

On behalf of the 346 organisations affiliated to the IUF in the sectors we represent, we would like to express our solidarity with the victims of the bombing attacks carried out in Madrid this morning.

These attacks targetted against Spanish workers represent a direct attack against the Spanish working class and a threat to democracy on the eve of the legislative elections. They testify to a contempt for humanity which is completely at odds with the values of the trade union movement. The deliberate use of murderous violence in the pursuit of a cause inevitably disqualifies that cause.

We call on the Spanish authorities to make every effort to ensure that those responsible for this vile and barbarous act are identified and brought to justice. We count on the authorities to consult with the unions to establish the means to ensure the protection and security of the population.

Yours in solidarity,
Ron Oswald
General Secretary.

The two Spanish national trade union centers UGT and Comisiones Obreras issued a joint statement calling upon workers and citizens across Spain to condemn the attacks and show solidarity with the victims by stopping work for 15 minutes on March 12 and taking part in national demonstrations the evening of the 12th. The unions have appealed for a "massive vote for liberty and democracy" in the March 14 elections.