On 10 December, Fishermen’s Day, BKMU organized a peaceful protest to advance the legitimate interests of our members During this lawful exercise of trade union rights, BKMU leaders & union member were arrested, along with other members.
Although they were subsequently released with assurances from the government in good-faith negotiations that no further action would follow, however the authorities are now referring their case to the Criminal Court.
Pursuing criminal charges in response to peaceful union activity constitutes a serious violation of freedom of association and the right to peaceful assembly, and undermines internationally recognized labour standards.
We call on the Government of the Maldives to immediately withdraw the case scheduled for tomorrow and to ensure full respect for the trade union rights of all workers without retaliation. @MMuizzu@Shiyamaldives@iufap@ILOColombo@SolidarityCntr@itucasiapacific@mtucMV@MateyZakir
Urge the Maldives Gov to immediately release all arrested fisherman’s incl all migrant workers & BKMU Captains, and TEAM Vice President Sodig. They committed no crime—only exercised their fundamental rights. We must stand together to defend labour rights.
#ReleaseTheFishermen