May 15, 1980 – May 15, 2025, 45 years of intense struggle for the emancipation of the Haitian people, for the defense of the causes of workers who dedicate their lives to producing wealth.
This anniversary coincides with that of the WFTU, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, a world trade union federation of class and mass struggle. CATH salutes its efforts and wishes the WFTU a long life. Today, CATH, as a member of the Trade Union International of Leather, Clothing, Textiles, and Footwear workers and the Trade Union International of Pensioners and Retirees, notes that all struggles to change the living conditions of workers encounter enormous obstacles that are difficult to overcome (low wages, the high cost of living, mistreatment of workers in the workplace, systematic violations of their rights, dismissals without apparent cause, non-payment of workers’ contributions to the Old Age Insurance (ONA) pensions and the Workplace Accident, Sickness and Maternity Insurance Office (OFATMA) benefits, etc.). These obstacles have led not only to the degeneration of the country but also to the deepening poverty of our workers.
What are the root causes of this situation? For more than three (3) decades, Haiti has experienced only shadow governments appointed by the global capitalist and imperialist system, exploiting the labor force of our workers. These visionless, irresponsible, careless, and useless leaders are working for the destruction of their country. They prefer to join the so-called “state banditry” to decimate an entire defenseless people for the benefit of capitalist and imperialist countries that want to suck the blood of our workers at all costs. Therefore, banditry is a vicious lever of exploitation.
CATH, as a class-based and mass trade union organization, cannot associate itself with unhealthy and unacceptable initiatives. CATH denounces with repugnance the destructive policies pursued by the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), which fail to take into account the situation of the Haitian people, particularly workers and pensioners.
More than 97% of the Haitian capital has been handed over to terrorists, in full view of the CPT. This is intentional and planned. May 18, the date on which the Haitian people celebrate their flag and university, is seen as a secondary event because the government cannot celebrate it in its usual location due to the occupation of that site by the desired and planned terrorists. The location of the May 18 celebration has been transferred this year to Cap-Haïtien following the security crisis. What a shame for the government and the CPT! The leaders placed at the head of state solely to steal and plunder resources have failed in their republican responsibilities. They cannot give any satisfaction to the Haitian people, knowing that corruption is the rule.
The CATH notes that: The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) spent a year doing nothing, disregarding the Haitian people; 2. The referendum promised by this government team failed miserably, even though the leaders already know the extent of the security crisis and constitute a blockage. The leaders persisted until failure to save bonuses, per diems, etc.
The government is not taking any security measures to protect the Haitian population (for example, the territories controlled by terrorists are increasing, namely: Kenscoff, Pétion-ville, Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Croix-des-Bouquets, Gressier, Artibonite, Mirebalais, Carrefour, Arcahaie, etc.) and they have issued threats to take over other important municipalities.
CATH demands:
An adjustment of the minimum wage to 2,500 gourdes ($19.14);
The unconditional departure of the useless, disengaged, and irresponsible members of the CPT.
Long live the workers’ struggle!
Long live CATH!
May peace reign in Haiti!
Thank you!
Louis Fignole SAINT-CYR
General Secretary
Autonomous Center of Haitian Workers (CATH)
