In a different era– when labor struggles were not seen simply as unpleasant historical anomalies– this news from the Philippines would probably be getting a lot more worldwide attention:
In a violent strike dispersal in Hacienda Luisita last November 16, 2004, 14 people were killed, including two children aged 2 and 5 years old who died from suffocation from teargas lobbed by the police and army dispersal teams. One of the victims was allegedly strangled after being shot and his dead body hanged in the factory’s gate. At least 35 people were reported to have sustained gunshot wounds, 133 were arrested and detained, hundreds were wounded and another hundred still missing.
Eric Lee at Labourstart is encouraging messages of protest against the massacre. He reports in an email: “That campaign has resulted in thousands of messages being sent to government officials, non-governmental organizations and unions in the Philippines.”
Please take a moment to add yours.
