Sunday, September 18, 2011

TUC Congress 2011: Latin America Solidarity Reception

Sorry this is late. On Monday after close of Conference I went to the fringe "Defending Progress and Fighting for Justice". The speakers: were Esther Armenteros, Cuban Ambassador; Samuel Moncada, Venezuelan Ambassador; Guisell Morales-Echaverry, Charge d'Affaires, Nicaraguan Embassy; Billy Hayes, CWU and JFC chair; Len McCluskey, Unite and Christine Blower, NUT who chaired.

Christine reminded everyone that the previous day (September 11) was not only the anniversary of the 9/11 atrocities but was also that of the 1973 Chilean coup d'état that overthrew the democratically elected presidency of Salvador Allende. A military junta led by Pinochet. This event "politicialised" many people at the time. In his speech Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey (left) remembered being a young trade union activist who campaigned against the Coup.

Refreshments were provided, including Havana Club rum cocktails and Colombian beers. I couldn't stay since I had to leave to go to the London Labour Housing Group AGM.

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