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China: Freedom of association is a right, not a crime

19.03.19 Urgent Action
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The government of China continues its relentless repression of workers seeking to exercise their right to freedom of association. Over 40 workers and labour rights supporters are currently in criminal detention following efforts by workers to form a trade union at Jasic Technology in Shenzen last summer.

In July 2018, workers attempting to form a union at Jasic were dismissed from their jobs, beaten by thugs and taken into criminal custody, with the active complicity of the state-controlled trade union organization ACFTU.

The repression has widened steadily since then, with the arrest and 'disappearance' of worker activists and labour rights supporters in Shenzen and across China. Some of those detained have been denied legal assistance and contact with their families.

Workers in China continue to take collective action in defense of their basic rights -strikes and work stoppages have continued in Shenzen and elsewhere in China despite the crackdown on the Jasic workers.

And the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) - the only independent trade union in China - continues to defend the rights of workers on the mainland despite the growing restrictions on democratic rights in Hong Kong.

The HKCTU has launched an online labourstart campaign to pressure the government to release the detained workers and their supporters - CLICK HERE to show your support!