Brothers and Sisters,

Since Monday June 30, factory worker Alejandro Zarabia, together with former union leadership of the Manaco shoe factory, leaders of the Federation of Factory Workers of Cochabamba and leaders of the General Confederation of Factory Workers of Bolivia, has been on a hunger strike demanding respect for workers rights and to denounce the formal Manaco union and government Ministry of Work functionaries.

Alejandro Zarabia, who manned a leather cutting station, had worked for the factory for 27 years when he was unfairly fired. He asked his union for help but the leadership sided with management, showing their underlying interests to serve the bosses and not the workers. In addition, it was shown that the company has troubling contracts under which the worker is forced to relinquish his labor rights.

Today marks the strikers 7th day without food. They are physically weak but are strong in spirit because this action goes beyond just being about Zarabia’s restitution and better working conditions. For these men, it is a struggle much larger: the recuperation of the identity, dignity and unity of the worker movement.

For these reasons and more, we are asking for your solidarity.

Please send letters of support to mbecerramatias@gmail.com or cklopez@gmail.com

Or send a fax to the Federación de Trabajadores Fabriles de Cochabamba at: 591- 4- 4503530

It doesn’t matter if it’s in english or any other language. They will be enlivened by any message of support that arrives.

Many thanks.