Brussels, 19 January 2016
ETUC letter of support to Philippe Martinez, General Secretary of CGT French Union
Dear Philippe,
The ETUC is gravely concerned about the sentences handed down by the court of Amiens on 12 January for the eight former Goodyear workers. 24 months in prison, of which 9 months are mandatory, is unprecedented. It severely punishes workers who fought for nearly 7 years to save their jobs on their territory.
By this letter I would offer these workers the solidarity and the support of the European Trade Union Confederation. Trade union rights are an essential pillar of democracy. We therefore hope that the French justice will repeal this decision and restore the dignity of those workers.
In solidarity,
Luca Visentini
ETUC General Secretary