International labour organisations, including the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), UNISON, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions, and the Swiss Trade Union Federation, have issued solidarity statement, strongly condemning the sentencing in the primary case as a grave violation of civil rights in Hong Kong. They have collectively called for the immediate release of unionists and activists.
On 19 November, 45 pro-democracy activists, including vocal trade unionists Carol Ng and Winnie Yu, have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from four years and two months to ten years for “conspiracy to subvert state power.”
Luc Triangle , ITUC General Secretary stated, “We denounce the criminalisation of trade unionists for standing for democracy. These severe prison sentences given to Carol Ng and Winnie Yu for taking part in elections as part of their trade union work are inexcusable. Their persecution through the courts under the guise of national security is a gross violation of international labour standards.”
Triangle urged the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to repeal the National Security Law in line with recommendations from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Human Rights Committee, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists.
BWI: The imprisonment of these leaders will not extinguish the fire of democracy in Hong Kong.
The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million members worldwide, issued its ‘strongest condemnation’ of the sentencing in the primary case. Describing the trial as a ‘chilling assault’ on democracy, human rights, freedom of association, and free speech in Hong Kong, BWI called for the immediate release of those imprisoned.
The union further urged the international community to condemn what it described as ‘this egregious miscarriage of justice’ and hold both the Hong Kong and Chinese governments accountable for their blatant human rights violations.
BWI asserted, “The imprisonment of these leaders will not extinguish the fire of democracy in Hong Kong. On the contrary, it will galvanise workers, trade unions, and civil society worldwide to redouble their efforts in the fight for freedom, justice, and human dignity. BWI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the working people of Hong Kong in their courageous struggle for a just and democratic future.”
UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union with 1.3 million members also strongly condemned the sentences. Its General Secretary, Christina McAnea, wrote to Catherine West, MP, the minister for Asia Pacific in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, expressing concern about the case.
McAnea remarked, “Imagine being sent for a very lengthy stay in prison for standing in an election to ensure workers have a voice in Parliament. I can’t.”
She called on the Labour government to strongly condemn the sentencing of the 47 pro-democracy defendants, demand the immediate release of the 45 imprisoned activists and others facing political persecution, push for the repeal of the National Security Law, and reassess the status of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) and the Swiss Trade Union Federation (SGB) have sent letters of protest to the Chinese consulates in their respective countries. FNV stated in their letter, “We also appeal to the Chinese authorities to end their crackdown on peaceful activism and independent unions in Hong Kong. These actions not only harm individuals but also erode trust in governance and goes against the ILO fundamental labour rights. It is imperative that governments worldwide stand together to reject these repressive measures and advocate for the restoration of democracy and civil liberties in Hong Kong.”