Union supports freedom for political prisoners

Union supports freedom for political prisoners

By Vannessa Hearman

MELBOURNE — Following an address from representatives of Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET), the Victorian Australian Services Union's Victorian branch council passed a resolution in support of the campaign to free Indonesia's political prisoners.

The resolution calls on the Indonesian government to release all jailed trade unionists; to cease attacks on independent workers' organisations, such as the Indonesian Centre for Labour Struggles and the People's Democratic Party; and to ensure that all international labour organisation standards on freedom to organise are respected.

It also calls on the Australian government to demand from the Indonesian government the release of all jailed trade unionists and to ensure that human rights standards form part of trade agreements.

The union branch plans to affiliate to ASIET to provide ongoing support for the campaign. It will also refer the question of support for Dita Sari, Indonesia's only female political prisoner, to its women's committee.

From GLW issue 301