SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELA

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2012 :: RMTnews 24 V enezuela is holding key elections in October and the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign has launched an appeal backed by the TUC and numerous unions. RMT general secretary Bob Crow: “We oppose external intervention and believe the Venezuelan people should be free to determine their future. Please back this appeal". As Venezuela approaches key elections US interventions will aim to intimidate and isolate the people of Venezuela. The US is directing more than $20million to the Venezuelan opposition to secure a compliant government and media lies have stepped up. VSC has a record of successfully exposing these lies. Support for Venezuela is a real barrier to the US project of isolating and demonising the country. We are already increasing activity, but need extra resources urgently. We don’t get big corporate donations or government funding. £10,000 will mean we can put our plan into action – Please donate today! You can donate online at www.venezuelasolidarity.co.uk Donations can also be sent by cheque – or to affiliate your branch please send a cheque for £30 with your details- to Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, PO Box 56210, London, N4 4XH. As part of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign delegation visiting this South American country I had the opportunity to see first-hand developments taking place over the last decade since Hugo Chavez was returned to power with an overwhelming mandate for change. Under the current socialist leadership of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), this oil-rich country has made amazing environmental, social and political gains. There has been a huge re- distribution of wealth away from the rich minority and to poor communities and the state. The people, especially the poor, recognise this and are hugely supportive of the revolution. One of the driving forces behind much of this change is the women’s movement. Their influence within community councils and political life in general cannot be underestimated. Community councils are made up of groups within each neighbourhood they are highly influential in grass roots democracy and are predominantly run by women. I was fortunate to meet a number of leading women who impressed me with their diligence, drive and dedication including Egle Sanchez. I also was pleased to meet Caracas Metro workers union president Edison Alvarado who took us on a tour of the new cable car station. Built at a cost of 1.5 billion dollars, it reaches up into the poorer areas and barrios of Caracas. Before its construction people had to either walk up hundreds of steps or wait for dangerously rickety buses. Now, for a fare of just one and a half bolivars, around 15p, they can travel swiftly and comfortably around the hills that surround the capital. It was a fantastic experience for me and I am grateful to the VSC for arranging it and helping me to make contacts and friends for the future. We are hoping to increase the size and frequency of solidarity delegations from British trade unions to Venezuela. For more information, to participate in future delegations, or to organise special delegations, please refer yourselves to the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, venezuelainformationcentre@yahoo.co.uk, www.venezuelasolidarity.co.uk SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELA Mike Sargent took part in a Venezuela Solidarity Campaign visit to the country recently representing the union SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELA AN URGENT APPEAL FOR SUPPORT!