From the Handy Shipping Guide:
Neighbours Cause Perpetrators to Flee as Victim Moved to Secure Location
HONDURAS – A most disturbing report has reached us of an attack made on a dockers trade union boss last week when several armed assailants tried to batter their way into the man’s home in a murderous attack, evidently with the intention of killing him. The incident apparently follows several anonymous death threats telling Victor Crespo to stop seeking a collective contract at the town’s port, which ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services Inc) won a concession to operate in February.
Writing to the head of ICTSI, the ITF said:
“Death threats to a trade unionist on account of their promotion and defence of workers’ rights will not be tolerated by either our organisation or the millions of workers we represent. We have been in touch with the Honduran government over this matter and, as with any case of this gravity, we would be forced to take all possible global action should there be any suggestion of employer involvement in an intimidation campaign of this kind.
ITF Americas regional secretary Antonio Fritz commented:
“This was a shameful and cowardly attack that we believe is linked to the union’s legitimate and lawful request for a collective bargaining contract which, despite being repeatedly refused by the employers, it is certain to secure. We have no doubt that Victor is in danger of his life, and that the members of his union are also at risk. We are doing everything possible to defend him and them, but it is also time for the Honduran government and authorities to fulfill their obligations too.”