BWI on the arrest of Hong Kong labour leader Elizabeth Tang
The 12 million-strong Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) expresses its solidarity with Elizabeth Tang, a renowned Hong Kong trade union leader and one of the global labour movement’s distinguished women leaders.
As we are all aware, Elizabeth was arrested on 9 March 2023 by Hong Kong authorities on allegations that she "colluded with foreign forces to endanger national security.” She is currently out on bail and awaiting trial.
BWI attests to Elizabeth’s unassailable character and reputation. She is an active figure in the democratic trade union movement since the 80s, having co-founded the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) where she served as its Executive Director for 16 years. She is currently the General Secretary of the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), a global federation of household and domestic workers worldwide.
As part of the global trade union movement, BWI is closely monitoring Elizabeth’s case together with the human and trade union rights situation in Hong Kong. We expect the Hong Kong authorities to accord to Elizabeth the rule of law, particularly her right to due process and to legally defend herself before an impartial and competent court. We remind the Hong Kong authorities that accusation is not proof of guilt and conviction is based on the truth. BWI undoubtedly believes that Elizabeth is on the side of truth and justice. It is our hope and aspiration that she will be exonerated from all false accusations the soonest time possible.