CTV’s Cova claims PR victory at ILO HQ in Geneva
www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, March 20, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue
Venezuelan Confederation of Trade Unions (CTV) general secretary, Manuel Cova, currently in Geneva at the International Labor Organization (ILO) HQ to seek support for the CTV and secure a public condemnation of the Venezuelan government, has told Union Radio that he has been exchanging views with ILO general director, Juan Somabia about the labor situation in Venezuela.”
“The general director has promised to continue supporting our struggle to make the government respect international agreements. “
Cova says he hopes the ILO will issue a statement calling on the government to reinstate dismissed oil sector workers.
As a former Construction Trade Union leader, Cova has clinched support from the International Federation of Construction & Timber Workers in the form of a resolution and a visit to Venezuela by the Federation president.
Commenting on reactions to CTV president Carlos Ortega’s asylum, Cova says there is widespread support at the ILO and people realize that it is a political ploy … “the government wants to use the Judiciary to persecute political opponents.”
In a revealing statement, Cova says many people at ILO who questioned the tight bond between the CTV and the Federation of Chambers of Industry & Commerce (Fedecamaras) now understand things better.