Peru: Unions lament political crisis, reject democratic backsliding
This was the sentiment of SUTFACAP, FETRACEPPE, SUTRART, SINTRACESANLO and SINTRAFAPESA, affiliated to BWI, as well as the Federation of Civil Construction Workers of Peru (FTCCP) and the General Confederation of Workers of Peru (CGTP).
In a statement, FTCCP reaffirms its commitment to democracy, saying that workers have won, advanced and enjoyed a lot of reforms under a democratic construct, such as the freedom of association, the rights to collective bargaining, workplace health and safety and early retirement, and a more sustainable construction industry.
The CGTP said that a protracted political crisis favours the agenda of the country's political and economic elite and puts the interests of millions of Peruvian working families at risk.
Meanwhile, FETRACEPPE, which brings together under its wing the trade unions of the cement industry, deplored the impact of the deep political crisis on Peru's democracy and governance.
Expressing solidarity with Peru's workers and trade unions, BWI said that the country's political crisis was unfortunate. The global union said that it joins its Peruvian affiliates and other trade unions in opposing all acts that undermine democracy, particularly the insistent attempts to disqualify and diminish the figure of their president, stressing that the electoral mandate of the people of Peru must be respected.
On Wednesday, 7 December, Pedro Castillo was ousted as president of Peru amidst clashes between the government’s executive and legislative branches over events whose details are still subject to scrutiny and deliberations. Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as the country's new president, becoming Peru's first female president.
Meanwhile, various trade unions are calling for nationwide mobilisations on 15 December demanding the closure of Congress, the holding of fresh elections, and the crafting of a new constitution.