CTV prepares May Day march promising more anti-Chavez protests

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Pessimistic Venezuelan Confederation of Trade Unions (CTV) general secretary,  Manuel Cova says workers have no reason to celebrate May 1st because the government has done absolutely nothing for them. 

"Unemployment is up, the social security system is in shambles, personal security has dipped to its lowest level ... the people gave the government what it wanted , a Constitution, a Constituent Assembly, parliamentary majority and municipal council majority and in return, the people have got nothing."  

May 1st march slogans will concentrate on jobs, salary increase and of course, the threat to democracy. 

Cova has thrown out a suggestion that if the government isn't willing to discuss salary increase and other demands, then Fedecamaras and national trade unions (not CTV as such)will convene  "bipartite" meetings. 

The May 1st march in Caracas will start at 9.00 a.m. from Plaza Morelos and move through Mexico and Universidad Avenues, pass the Attorney General's Office and National Assembly (AN) to end in Plaza O'Leary. 

CTV march organizer, Adolfo Padron has met local authorities and police commanders to arrange security measures to protect the marchers. "This year we expect marchers to beat last year's half a million." 

International Federation of Construction Workers & Carpenters general secretary, Anita Normark will attended the parade, as will Inter American Labor Regional Organization (ORIT)  general secretary, Luis Anderson, who lives in Caracas.  

Nuevo Sindicalismo trade union leader and Venezuelan Confederation of trade Unions (CTV) executive member, Alfredo Ramos says dismissed Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) executives, managers, employees and workers will lead the CTV march on May 1st.