SERGAY GOOS

Early day motion 1343, tabled 24 April 2009 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 37 members.

That this House condemns the sacking of a leading activist in Ukraine's Independent Media Workers' Union from his job on the Kiev-based Ukrainian Weekly magazine for trade union activities; notes that Sergay Goos was the full-time president of the independent union but was forced to work as a journalist on the magazine when funds ran low; further notes that in response to low pay and interference in editorial policy by shareholders, Sergay and other union members set up a chapel and when they sought a collective agreement Sergay was sacked; believes that free and independent trades' unions are a positive force in the world, being vital to democracy and providing protection for working people; is appalled that many workers face victimisation for union activities; reaffirms its commitment to protecting and extending trades' union rights across the world; and urges the Ukrainian Weekly magazine to reinstate Sergay and enter into negotiations to establish a collective agreement with Independent Media Workers' Union Chapel at the Ukrainian Weekly magazine.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 3, Independent 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.