“The Mexican Government has declared war on the union movement,” according to Margarita de la Cruz, a leader of the Mexican Electrical Workers (SME). Last month, 500 federal police seized 100 power facilities around Mexico City in a move to fire workers, privatize the industry, and outlaw the union that represented 43,000 active and 22,000 retired workers.

Electrical workers are the latest targets of President Felipe Calderón’s anti-labor offensive, and a government victory would prove a decisive blow against unionists and social movement activists.

According to Manuel Camacho Solís, leader of the Broad Progressive Front, “If you can do it to the strongest, then you can do it to the weakest. If the most combative union can be defeated, then so can any other force.”

Thousands of SME workers are fighting for their jobs and to protect one of Mexico’s oldest and most democratic unions, a key opponent of government assaults against workers and the poor. Supporting the SME, tens of thousands of unionists, students, and activists demonstrated in Mexico City and around the country in October and November.

Workers have received solidarity statements from unions in Canada and the United States, as well as countries in Europe and the Middle East, “expressing their disgust,” says de la Cruz.

Now the workers need direct financial assistance. The union is running low on funds and workers are locked out. Even buying paper and other supplies to spread the message is difficult.

Tens of thousands of families are without wages, and the movement depends on urgent donations. The workers most in need are those who are defying the government’s action by refusing to apply for their severance pay. Hope for these workers, their families, and the movement relies on generous solidarity from workers around the world.

You can donate directly to the SME here.

Also, please send solidarity statements to the SME, whether or not you can donate financially.