ILO gives unconditional support to Ortega and PDVSA executives & managers

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Venezuelan Confederation of Trade Unions (CTV) general secretary, Manuel Cova say the International Labor Organization (ILO) Administration Council  is treating the Venezuelan government's human rights, union freedom and collective bargaining violations as top priority. 

Cova has been visiting the ILO HQ in Geneva to whip up support for CTV president, Carlos Ortega, and Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) executives & managers trade union association (Unapetrol). 

• The Venezuelan government and the National Guard (GN) , Cova alleges, tortured and harassed employees and workers at the Coca Cola plant and Polar Beer Co. 

"The government of Hugo Chavez Frias has violated the Constitution and laws with legal processes against Federation of Chambers of Industry & Commerce (Fedecamaras) president, Carlos Fernandez, PDVSA executives & managers ... he wants to penalize them for the simple act of dissenting." 

The ILO has called on the government to respect Ortega's physical integrity and Cova has criticized the government delay in granting Ortega safe passage to Costa Rica. 

Cova has been receiving a helping hand from former CTV godfather and Accion Democratica (AD) colleague, Jesus Urbieta currently serving a term on the ILO Administrative Council. .