CUBA, June 12, 2007.- The commitment to reach the standards of what the International Labor Organization (ILO) defines as decent work is still unfulfilled, said Cuban Workers Federation leader Salvador Valdes during the 96th Conference of this organization underway in Geneva, Switzerland.
Valdes assured that it takes more political will by governments, and mentioned the power of transnational companies supported by developed countries as a hindrance. The idea of decent work is in conflict with the control reached by the capital, he added.
In Latin America, the testing ground for neo-liberal politics, privatization has become entrenched, the role of the State has been minimized and the market law rules at the expense of workers and their relatives, said the Cuban Union leader.
As tangible actions, he made reference to the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), an integrationist project started by Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Cuba, to share wealth, knowledge, education and healthcare programs.
Despite Washington's strong blockade against Cuba now for almost fifty years, the island's economy grows solid, substantial investments are being made, an energy revolution is underway, and children are not threatened by slave work.
ILO's 96th Conference started on May 30 and will run through June 15. Debate is focused mainly on decent work, particularly children's work. (Cubaminrex-AIN)