It is with great concern that we, longshoremen from the port of San Francisco, California, write you concerning fate of the Volta Redonda Public Workers Union (SFPMVR), its president Geraldo Ribeiro, and union member Marcello Carega. Further, we have heard that Military Police have invaded union assemblies.
Brother Ribeiro, democratically elected union president, was doing his job protecting a black woman member, Regina Celia, against a racist firing and carrying out the will of his membership by disaffiliating the municipal guardas (police) from the union. He has been unjustly charged under a law decreed by the old military dictatorship.
It is also disturbing to hear that SFPMVR member Marcello Carega has been charged with "disobedience" for leading 150 workers in struggle during the June 21 nationwide general strike.
In solidarity, we insist that the charges against Geraldo Ribeiro and Marcello Carega be dropped and that the police keep their hands off the union.
Yours truly,
Longshore Union Local 10
Wešve just recently heard about your struggle in Volta Redonda. As longshoremen in the ports of San Francisco and Oakland we have stood in defense of workers struggling against the military dictatorship in Chile and the apartheid regime of South Africa. We are prepared to defend your struggle as well.
Our constitution states that: "We also recognize by experience that organization of the working class and unity of action is imperative and essential to combat the encroachments of organized and consolidated capital on the fundamental rights of labor."
Furthermore, our constitution also bans police from membership, a basic class principle for which you and your union are being attacked. We stand with you in your struggle.
Please keep us informed of the developments. Enclosed is a letter in defense of the SFPMVR that we faxed to Governor Alencar.
Fraternally,
Longshore Union Local 10
