Guadeloupe workers appeal for supports

Guadeloupe, an archipelago 600 kms from the Dominican Republic in the Carribean, has been a colony since 1812. Although integrated into the French in 1946 as the 97th French Department, it has, like all other French possessions, remained economically backward and exploited. According to 2007 figures, unemployment is well over 23 percent and prices for all basic necessities are 30 to 60 percent more expensive than in France.100,000 people live below the poverty line in a population of about 450,000 inhabitants.

A general strike against rising living costs has been in progress on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe since January 20. Forty-seven trade unions, associations and political parties under the umbrella organization LKP—The Committee against Extreme Exploitation (lyiannaj kont pwofitasyion in local dialect)—have brought economic activities to a standstill.

A massive demonstration of 25,000 took place on January 24 in the capital Pointe-à-Pitre. All shops, supermarkets, schools and public services were closed. Road blockades have been maintained.

The demands of the strikers led by the majority trade union, the UGTG (General Union of Guadeloupean Workers), have centred on the price of basic necessities. They call for an immediate reduction of 50 centimes on car fuel, a lowering of prices of transport and water, a rent freeze, an increase of 200 euro ($260) in the minimum wage, permanent contracts for all temporary workers and the right to education and training for youth and workers. One demand calls for priority to be given to Guadeloupeans in key employment posts and an end to racism in employment. The development of local production to satisfy the population’s needs and an end to taxes on fertilizers and cattle feed also figure among the total of 146 demands advanced by the strikers.

The French government responded to the crisis, besides some concessions, is to send state police to the islands. On February 12, 130 police were send and then on February 18, another four units of state police were dispatched.

Last week, the protest spread to another French Caribbean island, Martinique, and now an alliance of unions in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion is calling for a general strike there on March 5. Up to 10,000 people held a protest in this neighbouring island , and unions had already launched a strike on February 5. Most shops, cafes, banks, schools and government offices have been shut and the strike has hit the key tourism industry. On February 14, a mass demonstration in the capital of Martinique demanded greater economic and political power for the African majority. The French elite who are the descendants of the former plantation owners in Martinique, still control the economic institutions that make up the basis of the domestic and foreign trade.

In French, 13 left-wing parties marched in Paris in February 15 evening, including the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA), the Party of the Left (PG, the French Communist Party (PCF, Workers Struggle (LO) expressing their total support to the strikers in Martinique and Gaudeloupe. According to one of the organizers, 4,000 people marched.The lead banner read "Caribean and France, yes we can" Another banner read "Colonization has ended, Sarkozy, enough of your scorn!"

Under the threat of police terro, the LKP issues an appeal to the international commuinity for solidarity and supports.

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Appeal to the International Workers' and Democratic Movements

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

As we wrote in our last international appeal of February 6, 2009: "The bosses and the representatives of the French State are hoping that the general strike will die down, so that they can then begin the repression."

This is visibly the political thinking that prompted the French State to take action, as they did on February 16.

In the face of the obstinate refusal by the French State and the bosses to heed our demands, in the face of their scorn for the people of Guadeloupe, the Liannaj Kont Pwofitation Strike Collective, or LKP, issued a call to the population on the 28th day of the General Strike to reinforce the picket lines across the country. The French State proceeded to repress the movement, seriously injuring one trade union leader, injuring others less seriously, and arresting more than 70 activists, including many trade union leaders of the LKP Strike Collective.

The population, the workers, the youth have said, "Enough is Enough!" They refuse to give up the struggle.

A number of elected officials protested against this State violence, which was also denounced by the LKP.

The workers, the youth, the people of Guadeloupe have strengthened their mobilizations on the ground. Their resolute actions won the freedom of all the jailed activists.

Today, on the 29th day of the general strike [Feb. 17], Guadeloupe is paralyzed by barricades in nearly every commune.

Youth were arrested the night of February 16-17, 2009.

This repression is going to continue, as the French State has just sent in a reinforcement of 1,000 mobile police troops [to bolster the 4,000 troops sent in on Feb. 7 -- translator's note]. The LKP has issued a call to the population to reinforce their mobilizations.

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

In the name of international labor solidarity, in the name of democracy, we call upon you once more to request your support for our just struggle.

The workers and people of Guadeloupe have the right to fight for their legitimate demands!

In solidarity,

ADIM - AFOC - AGPIHM - AKIYO - AN BOUT'AY - ANG - ANKA - ASSE - ASS.AGRICULTEURS DU NORD BASSE-TERRE - ASS.LIBERTE EGALITE JUSTICE

Guadeloupe, February 17, 2009