News from around the world

Since 4 March, the 460 workers of the Swedish giant Electrolux’s subsidiary in Satu Mare, in northwestern Romania, have been on strike. As working conditions deteriorate with unbearable rates of work or temperature variations of 30 degrees in the factory, the strikers are demanding a gross increase of 650 Lei (137 euros), or nearly 40% of their salary for many of them.

The Awami Workers Party extends its solidarity with the organizers of the Aurat [Women]Azadi [Freedom] Marches and Aurat Marches in various cities of the country against the vicious attacks on them from various quarters after the women’s day marches.

In spite of the urgent call from his family, friends and a broad international support, Baba Jan has not been transferred to an Islamabad well-equipped hospital for a thorough examination of his health situation, while he was feeling strong chest pain.

The popular movement has just registered a first moral victory by forcing the regime to abandon the 5th term and to cancel the elections of April 18, so much denounced by the people.

Since 12 February, the electronic site of news and popular debates Aporrea.org <http://aporrea.org> has been blocked for access inside Venezuela by the state company CANTV - Movilnet.

I would like to thank everyone who has signed the petition or attended a protest for our release. I am encouraged to note the valour with which a new generation of community leaders and activists are fighting. I ask you to remain steadfast, dedicated to the community, and despite any provocations to remain civil and non-violent.

On 6 March, the small and independent Swedish Dockworkers Union were planning to take all out strike action in response to the very aggressive anti union strategy of the Swedish harbour employers organisation. The dockworkers have been up against, not only the employers, but also the neoliberally oriented social democratic government, the majority of the big media and the majority unions hoping to get full monopoly on the labour market.

From midnight on March 6, Swedish dock workers will take all out-strike action after a major assault by the Ports of Sweden who falsely claim that the union broke off negotiations, in order to try and undercut popular support.

The gigantic popular mobilizations of these last ten days that have shaken the authoritarian power of Bouteflika, have not been enough to make him give up a 5th mandate.

Stop this madness on both sides