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IN THIS UPDATE
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NEWS: Chavez Returns to Venezuela, Riding High in Polls
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NEWS: Venezuelans Celebrate New Labour Law
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REPORT: MPs, cultural figures, writers, union leaders & others support Venezuela
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SOLIDARITY: Viva Venezuela!
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REPORT: Delegation Deepens Links & Solidarity
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News & Events Update, May 18 2012
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NEWS: Chávez Returns to Venezuela, Riding High in Polls Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez returned to Venezuela last week, announcing a successful conclusion to his radiotherapy treatment & his intention to return to the frontline of Venezuelan politics. Meanwhile, polls show him extending his advantage over rival Henrique Capriles Radonski ahead of the October Election.
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Viva Venezuela! no 4 - focusing on the run-up to October's elections & the 10th anniversary of the coup is available here!
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NEWS: Venezuelans Celebrate New Labour Law for Social Justice & Workers' Rights
Over a million people celebrated May Day in Venezuela, as new labour legislation was signed into law after a five month consultation process. The law will see the working week reduced, maternity leave increased & outsourcing eliminated. Here, Unite Assistant General Secretary Tony Burke welcomed the law, saying "We have long argued that union rights are human rights, & these rights are universal. With the new progressive labour law Venezuelan workers & their unions are able to show to the world the social progress being made under President Chavez."
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REPORT: Leading Figures from Britain Celebrate 10th Anniversary of the Defeat of US-backed Coup in Venezuela
As Venezuelans celebrated the 10th anniversary of the defeat of the US backed coup of 2002, a broad range of prominent figures showed their support for the expansion of democracy & social progress that has followed its reversal, warning against further US intervention in Venezuela. In Parliament, despite a short 'lifetime' for the EDM due to recess & the Queen's Speech, 30 MPs from four different parties supported a motion congratulating "the Venezuelan government on its strong democratic record & strengthening of social progress since the coup.”
Further support came in a statement initiated by the VSC & published on the well-read Liberal Conspiracy blog stressing the ongoing threat from the US to the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own affairs. In addition to those who signed the motion above, the statement attracted further MPs, poet Linton Kwesi Johnson; film director Ken Loach; John Pilger; writers Owen Jones & Richard Gott, musician Jon McClure (Reverend & the Makers,) prominent academics & a number of trade union, peace movement & student leaders.
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SOLIDARITY REPORT & SLIDESHOW: Viva Venezuela!
On April 14, 170 supporters of Venezuela came together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s return to power after the US-backed coup. Fiesta-goers were treated to Latin American food and cocktails, a salsa lesson & speeches from several distinguished speakers. The highlight for many was when special guest Linton Kwesi Johnson treated guests to a poetry performance. The event also raised vital funds for the VSC's Countdown to the 2012 Elections special financial appeal.
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REPORT: Delegation to Venezuela Deepens Links & Solidarity
Delegates from Unite, the CWU, NUT, UCU & RMT recently took part in a 10 day delegation to Venezuela, meeting with government ministers, trade unions & social movements, plus delivering greetings to a rally for the Labour Law, as well as seeing groundbreaking social programmes. UCU President Terry Hoad said "When I signed up to join the delegation, I knew I would be having my first experience of a country undergoing rapid & transforming political & social change. I could not have known however, just what an eye-opening experience it would be. We came away both better informed about the situation in Venezuela, & with a strong impression of the very different approach to political & social issues in that country, based on the underlying principles of seeking to provide decently for the whole population & of allowing an effective voice to every citizen."
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