Chilean trade ban

Press, 20 July 1979, Page 12

Chilean trade ban

Sir, — Mr G. C. Morell (“The Press,” July 17) believes that trade union leaders in. Chile ask that the trade ban be lifted. He mentioned Mr Castillo (Copper Mine Workers’ Union) and Mr Madina (“Trade Movement of Workers’ Representatives”). General Pinochet has insisted that all trade union leaders be approved and appointed by the military junta. Clearly, such “trade unionism” is no trade unionism. The United Nations, Amnesty International and the Roman Catholic Church constantly point out that there are no free trade unions in Chile. Mr Castillo and Mr Madina are no more representative of Chilean workers than Pinochet himself: they are merely an. attempt to provide an “international image.” Mr Morell has obviously fallen for the trap, and allowed himself to be deceived. The credibility of Social Credit plummets with this clear misrepresentation. —Yours, etc., D. J. CASEY, Chairperson, Chilean Working People’s Solidarity Committee. July 17, 1979.