Appeal from the Albanian Trade Unions
to the International Trade Union Movement

Considering that child labour continues to be a serious problem in Albania, including in companies which are exporting their production allover the world, such as shoes&garment (operating with the cooperation of foreign companies) and agriculture,

Considering the conclusions of the Conference on child labour organised with the ICFTU in Tirana in 2004, (see conclusions attached), and the agreement between trade unions, employers organisations, government institutions and other stakeholders, (see attached),

Considering the lessons learned by the project against child labour implemented by two edcuation trade unions (FSASH and SPASH) since 2001 (with the support of IPEC and ICFTU) and 2004 (with the support of the FNV and its teachers federation, AOb),

Being gathered today in Tirana in a meeting which purpose is to involve more and more branch unions in the fight against child labour,

We, leaders of the Trade Union Federation of Education and Science of Albania, Indipendent trade Union of Albanian Education, Trade Union Federation of Textile, Garment and Handicrafts of Albania, Independent trade Union of Light Indistry, Independent trade Union of  Construction and Public Services of Albania, Trade Union Federation of Building, Wood Workers and Public Services of Albania, Trade Union Federation of Health Care of Albania , Independnet trade Union of Agriculture, Independent trade Union of Chemistry and Metalurgy and Trade Union Federation of Defence Civil Employees, part of The Union of Independent trade Unions of Albania, BSPSH, and the Confederation of the Trade Unions of Albania, KSSH, as well as authonomous trade unions:
Independent trade Union of Textile, Garment and leather of Albania, and Trade Union Federation of Commerce and Banks of Albania:

Are requesting the help of the international trade union movements in order to get a support in our actions against the exploitation of children in the exporting industries. We are specifically looking for the help of the trade unions of the main buying countries to support our actions aiming at eliminating child labour and reintegrating them into schools.
A support from the international trade unions and from unions of the buying countries would be a strong encouragement for the Albanian trade unions in their fight against child labour.

Tirana, 26 April 2008