CTV executive in damage control as it fights off criticism

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, March 06, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

The Confederation of Trade Unions executive (without Carlos Ortega) is embarking on some damage control as it fights off criticism inside the trade union movement regarding its seemingly compliance to the wishes of Federation of Chambers of Industry & Commerce (Fedecamaras).

Executive secretary Pablo Castro says it’s time for reform and suggests pruning the top heavy federation and union affiliation structure. “We have a union structure as if we were a developed country … Germany has reduced unions to around 15 and has come out stronger.”

The structure the CTV in Venezuela, Castro says, must streamline itself to between 15 and 20 organizations according to economic sectors.

Castro admits that the proposal will have a stormy passage as old-style union bosses resist change and fear a loss of power.

The CTV has convened a Congress for April 8-9 and Castro’s proposal will figure high on the agenda. The CTV leader adds that Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) union structure must change with the times and says he has the support of Froilan Barrios and Alfredo Ramos.