Organizing for Mexican Food and Energy Sovereignty

Cooperation of various unions and workers' organizations is a key way to create a united front against the unjust policies of NAFTA and the elitist Mexican government. Increasing collaboration augments the number of people that can work together in demanding food and energy sovereignty in Mexico and around the world. This is an issue that divides the ruling class and the government from the workers and peasants who are directly effected by the policy decisions made without voter consent. In order to demand a voice in the deliberation over NAFTA's renewal a united front of workers and peasants should demonstrate sentiments where we can - on the street and on campuses.

Seattle University students showed their solidarity for the Mexican struggle by demonstrating against a speaking presentation by Trade Commissioner of Mexico in Western Canada and the US Pacific Northwest, Sergio Rios. Protesting that the Trade Commissioner presented only the business interests of NAFTA, students handed out informational pamphlets describing the detrimental effects that NAFTA has on Mexican workers and farmers, distributed corn husks with personal stories of economic downfall caused by NAFTA, and dropped banners with powerful slogans. This direct action and the continual demonstrations within Mexico illustrate the popular demand for a change in trade agreements that have caused injustice and poverty for the working class. The participation of people in fighting this issue is gaining momentum as NAFTA will soon be up for renewal and cannot slow if we are to succeed in altering the agreement in favor of workers and farmers.

See the article below for specifics on the participation of Mexican unions, indigenous groups, and farmers coalitions in demonstrations for food and energy sovereignty. - Editor

Mexican Orgs Defend Sovereignty

Mexico, Feb 26 (Prensa Latina) Over 40 Mexican rural and trade organizations inked a pact to defend national food and energy sovereignty Tuesday prior to a meeting with the government.

The document includes revising the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), rejecting the privatization of the oil industry and repudiating neo-liberal policy.

Also on the list is opposing reforms to penal justice, and public and labor safety currently in debate at the National Congress.

The National Workers' Union, the Mexican Union Front, the Permanent Agrarian Congress, the National Congress for Rural and Fishing Organizations, and rural entities attending the January 31 rally against the NAFTA signed the pact.

Other statements include the defense of social property and agreements on rights and indigenous culture.

Signers expect to defend political interests, the rights of workers and farmers, class unity and boost a public convergence process in a national pact to favor majorities.

Cruz Lopez Aguilar, leader of the National Rural Confederation, said that the meeting with the government will review again the NAFTA and the national agricultural policy.

Max Correa, from the Cardenista Rural Union, and Rafael Galindo, from the Independent Rural Union, stated that the march and April protests were not cancelled and continue to be prepared.