FREE TRADE UNIONISM AND DEMOCRACY IN THE NATIONS OF AFRICA

Hopes for the development and survival of African free trade unions and democratic governments have been seriously diminished by recent developments in that continent. The work of the American labor movement in helping democratic forces in African nations eradicate the vestiges of colonialism, undermine racist apartheid, and build free labor institutions may never reach fruition unless aggressive steps are taken now to strengthen the hand of unionists and others committed to democracy. The American Federation of Teachers will continue its historical concern for the future well-being of these nations and their people.

Efforts of the ruling whites to maintain apartheid and resist majority rule in places like South Africa, Namibia and Rhodesia have created an explosive situation that could bring new forms of repressive government to these states. In some nations, like Uganda, dictatorial governments have compounded their denial of basic freedoms with outright genocide. In others tribal feeling had led to regional warfare and policies of discrimination against tribal groupings.

The nations of Africa are now more vulnerable than ever before. Intervention by nations like the Soviet Union and Cuba could simply lead some countries to exchange one form of totalitarian control for another. In addition, many African countries are simply likely to strengthen their own dictatorial styles in an effort to minimize instability and stave off internal threats to their own power. The American government and the American labor movement must help these nations now so that both these alternatives can be avoided.

• Transition to majority rule in nations now controlled by white elites is essential. The American Federation of Teachers deplores the repression of non-white citizens in these countries. We denounce the detentions, bannings and police actions which deny basic human rights to blacks like Steve Biko who are attempting to democratize nations like South Africa, Rhodesia and Namibia.

• We insist that American corporations with investments in South Africa immediately recognize legitimate trade unions and engage in equal treatment of all employees regardless of race. Further, if the Union of South Africa does not move to abolish the violations of human rights in the paragraph above, then we urge American corporations to divest themselves of all South African affiliates and to sever all ties with South African corporations [and we urge] other democratic states to do the same.

• We call for the immediate recognition and registration of legitimate trade unions in all the nations of Africa.

• The AFT reaffirms its commitment to the work of the African-American Labor Center supported by the AFL-CIO. Aid and assistance must be provided to free trade unions which are operating under repressive conditions. As teachers, we offer special assistance to free teacher unions and urge their affiliation with the International Federation of Free Teacher Unions.

• We call on the nations of Africa and the rest of the world to deplore the suppression and genocide taking place in Idi Amin's Uganda and urge all international organizations to do everything in their power to insist that these actions stop.

• We protest the intervention of Cuba and the Soviet Union in conflicts between and within African states. African governments that invite their assistance should have no illusions as to their real intentions. We support President Carter's criticisms of these actions and urge the Administration to continue such pressure.