African Activist Archive

Message from Nomonde Ngubo, International Representative, United Mine Workers of America. The message sends greetings from the United Mineworkers of America, the South African National Union of Mineworkers and Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Last year, Ngubo says, you gave me a warm reception; this year you extended the same hospitality to Tony Kujawa and demonstrated your solidarity and support for The Pittston strikers by raising $5,000. Since health is a big part of The Pittston strike, support from an Association of Black Lung victims is very moving. Ngubo's message says miners know well that the working class has to fulfill its historic mission and the path to winning that objective has many pitfalls; we share the same pain of having to deal with laws which try to take away our benefits. The South African Mines and Works Act Regulation removes health and safety from the area of collective bargaining, whilst in the U.S. the Labor Department uses collection agencies to go after Black Lung recipients. There have been some victories, including the unconditional release of eight political prisoners on October 15 - a victory due to international pressures; sanctions, the Shell Boycott, lobbying and a massive internal Defiance Campaign by the Mass Democratic Movement, COSATU and the UDF (United Democratic Front). The message concludes by asking Sister Kathy Devine to sing the ever true miner's song: "Step by Step the Longest March can be Won." The message mentions the leader of Solidarity Lech Wałęsa, the AFL-CIO Convention, Paul Siegel, and F.W. de Klerk.

African Activist Archive

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE TO CHICAGO AREA BLACK LUNG ASSOCIATION DELIVERED BY KATHY DEVINE OF ILLINOIS LABOR NETWORK AGAINST APARTHEID

Creator

Contributor

Place Created

Date

Type of Item

Length/duration

Description

Organization

Coverage Africa

Language

Digital Format

Rights Management

Collection