Mailing of the Illinois Labor Network Against Apartheid signed by Johnnie Jackson, President, Chicago Chapter, Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW); Jack Parton, Director, District 31, United Steelworkers of America; and Bill Stewart, Director, Region 4, United Auto Workers (UAW). The mailing says the freeing of Moses shows that international solidarity works. Unions in South Africa and throughout the world waged an extensive campaign on his behalf; posters calling for his release could be seen throughout South Africa; Moses' fellow union members packed the courtroom day after day. The mailing says nearly 3 years ago Moses was arrested; one year later, after being held in solitary confinement,...
Mailing of the Illinois Labor Network Against Apartheid signed by Johnnie Jackson, President, Chicago Chapter, Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW); Jack Parton, Director, District 31, United Steelworkers of America; and Bill Stewart, Director, Region 4, United Auto Workers (UAW). The mailing says the freeing of Moses shows that international solidarity works. Unions in South Africa and throughout the world waged an extensive campaign on his behalf; posters calling for his release could be seen throughout South Africa; Moses' fellow union members packed the courtroom day after day. The mailing says nearly 3 years ago Moses was arrested; one year later, after being held in solitary confinement, he and 4 others were charged with treason, sedition and subversion. The mailing says the 1 1/2-year trial was a visible part of the government's vicious crackdown on trade unions and dissent; a guilty verdict would have had a chilling effect on the growing black trade union movement; the prosecution by the government, however, was not supported by the facts in the case; the Supreme Court judge dropped all charges against the 5 accused. The mailing says we want to express our deep appreciation to you for the tremendous response you have shown; your petitions, letters and contributions were many; you helped to make Moses' freedom a reality. The mailing says we will continue to remain vigilant; we want to ensure that Moses remains free; further attempts to prosecute union leaders and other opponents of apartheid will be met with our fierce opposition. The mailing says we invite you to a CELEBRATION! on Wednesday, May 10; details of the celebration are enclosed with this letter; leaflets for the June 17 Soweto Day Rally and postcards asking the U.S. Senate for sanctions against South Africa will be available at the celebration.
