Our friends in North America have formed the Unions in Solidarity With Haiti to support the work of CTH and other real grassroots unions that are for defending workers rights, the public enterprises and democracy. It is also calling for an end to the occupation of Haiti by foreign soldiers that began after the 2004 coup d'etat. To contact the group in North America call phone 778-858-5179 or 613-864-1590. The group has just released this first statement:

TRADE UNION RESOLUTION

ON SOLIDARITY WITH THE HAITIAN PEOPLE

Whereas, the people of Haiti are suffering a deep economic and social crisis, combined with persistent human rights abuses;

And whereas, under pressure from foreign governments and lending institutions, the Haitian government has embarked on an extensive program of privatization of public enterprises;

And whereas, foreign governments, including Canada, bear a heavy responsibility for the situation in Haiti due to their participation in the removal of Haiti’s elected government in February, 2004;

Therefore be it resolved that (this organisation) commit to the following action plan:

1. Demand the withdrawal of all foreign police and military presence from Haiti.

2. Support those working in Haiti for the release of political prisoners and the wrongly detained.

3. Press the Canadian government for substantial assistance to social and economic development in Haiti. Assistance must respect the sovereignty of the Haitian government.

4. Promote delegations traveling to Haiti to learn more about the country and its people, including Canada's role, and to develop support to trade unions and other organizations concerned with human and social rights.

5. Encourage education programs that promote solidarity with the progressive social movements in Haiti.