This anniversary coincides with that of the WFTU, which is celebrating its 80^th 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)

The post CATH Position on its 40th Anniversary, Which Coincide With the 80th Anniversary of the WFTU first appeared on Labor Today.

For 80 years, the WFTU has stood as a beacon of internationalism and a powerful voice for workers worldwide. Guided by an uncompromising commitment to class struggle and unity, its affiliates have mobilized across continents to face every challenge. Under the flag of the WFTU, the working class has achieved its greatest victories. The flag of the WFTU was raised in all the small and great struggles for national and social liberation. The WFTU defended the people and the revolution of Cuba, the people of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Korea in their right to follow their own independent path against colonialism and imperialism. It supported the struggle of the South African people against Apartheid for freedom and independence, struggled for the decolonization in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and stood and continues standing by the heroic Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and dignity!

Today, as we commemorate this historic milestone, we reaffirm the pillars that continue to guide our actions. Our resolute anti-imperialist struggle remains at the core of our mission, as we consistently oppose imperialist interventions and wars that undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the peoples around the world.

Central to our mission is the relentless protection of workers’ rights, guaranteeing access to health, education, dignified work, and social security for all.

The WFTU actively participates in international organizations, a participation which amplifies the voice of the working class and forges strategic alliances in our struggle against oppression.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to the education and ideological empowerment of workers, ensuring that every individual is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary for an informed and militant struggle.

As we look back on the proud history of the WFTU and the sacrifices made by generations of trade unionists, we also celebrate the present strength and growing influence of the international class-oriented trade union movement. Today, the WFTU represents the voice of more than 105 million members from 133 countries—a testament to our expanding reach and enduring commitment to our just struggles. With each passing year, our membership grows not only in numbers but also in strength and unity, reaffirming our role and task as a pioneering force in the international trade union movement.

As we officially declare 2025 as a year of celebrations for the 80^th anniversary, we announce that several activities, campaigns, and events will be organized by our bodies, structures, and affiliates. We call upon every worker of the world to join the World Federation of Trade Unions in this rich plan of action, in this rich plan of struggles! Our ambition with these celebrations is to highlight the history of the struggles and actions of the WFTU and to showcase its distinction from organizations of compromised trade unionists and yellow unions that promote class collaboration and integration into the system of exploitation.

This anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance but also a call to action. We reaffirm our dedication to advancing the founding principles of the WFTU by engaging workers across all sectors and generations, opposing imperialist interventions, and promoting universal rights to a life of dignity.

With dignity, honoring our 80 years of class struggles, we continue fighting for a future where workers are free from poverty, discrimination, and inequality. We honor the struggles of the international class-oriented trade union movement for peace and against imperialist wars, and we are committed continuing and strengthening these struggles.

With internationalism and solidarity!

WFTU Presidential Council
March 5, 2025

The post Declaration of the WFTU Presidential Council for the WFTU’s 80th Anniversary first appeared on Labor Today.