Sri Lanka: Indictment of women workers under the Prevention of Hostage Taking Act
As a late consequence of a sit-down strike in a 2005 labour conflict at GP Garment factory,
women workers have now been indicted under the Prevention of Hostage Taking Act, following
wrongful allegations by management. Persons under this charge can be convicted to lifelong
imprisonment. During the process, they will be placed under remand custody, unless they are
able pay very high bails. This is a scandalous effort to render union action impossible, and
a very clear and blatant violation of ILO Conventions on freedom of association and collective
bargaining! The legal action is designed to victimize innocent female workers. We urge you
to take action by writing solidarity letters.
Original Appeal by FTZ&GSEU union, July 23, 2008 >>
Appeal Update, July 28, 2008 >>
Press clipping Financial Times, July 27, 2008 >>
Sample protest letter >>
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