by Chris McLaughlin

FOREIGN Secretary David Miliband has been urged to intervene against the Mexican government’s “systematic” attempts to crush and destroy the country’s biggest mining and steel workers’ union.

More than 40 MPs have called on the Government to act over the persecution of the union, which has involved at least one murder, shootings, beatings, kidnap, torture, harassment of families and the illegal removal of the organisation’s general secretary.

Michael Leahy, general secretary of the British steeland clothing workers’ union Community, which is leading the campaign in defence of the Mexican workers, has written to Mr Miliband urging him to raise serious concerns with the Mexican government.

In his letter, Mr Leahy, also acting in his capacity as the British secretary of the International Metalworkers’ Federation, writes: “I know that you believe that the existence of free and independent trade unions and the practical ability for them to operate are essential hallmarks of any democracy.

“It appears clear to me… that the current situation in Mexico means that their democracy does not currently qualify to receive such a hallmark.”

A House of Commons motion, signed by more than 40 MPs, calls for the prosecution of those responsible for the illegal removal of former general secretary Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, who has been forced to flee the country after death threats to himself and family.

It calls for the return of illegally seized union funds and an investigation into the involvement of Grupo Mexico, the country’s largest mining company, into the killing of miner Reinaldo Hernandez Gonzales and the detention and torture of 20 of the union’s members.

Community and the IMF have accused the Mexican government of  colluding with Grupo Mexico to destroy the National Miners’ and Metalworkers’ Union of Mexico (SNTMMRSM) following its campaign against dangerous working conditions and poor wages.