Many aid agencies will be collecting funds over the next weeks for the Asian Earthquake disaster. Unfortunately the same corrupt government whose policies have helped to increase the death toll will be in charge of distributing these funds. The Socialist Party is helping to raise funds for the Trade Union Rights Campaign in Pakistan (TURCP), who are supporting workers and poor victims of the disaster.

We are appealing to people to make donations, which will go directly to help workers and trade unionists on the ground.

The money will also be used to build and rebuild trade unions in affected areas as well as to organise campaigns to ensure that the rebuilding efforts are carried out in the interests of the working class and poor peasants and to ensure that big business does not profit out of peoples’ suffering.

All donations will be acknowledged and regular reports will be sent out explaining how donations are being used. Supporters can be assured that every last cent of your donation will go directly to people in need on the ground. No money will be spent on ?administration? costs or fees. SP will cover the costs of the bank transfer.

We are trying to raise the modest amount of $1200, this will go a long way in Pakistan. We must admit that this appeal is close to our hearts as we have received news that six members of the TURCP and many of their relatives, in the village of Kalam, North West Frontier Province, have died in the earthquake. Other Kashmiri members of the campaign, now living in Pakistan, have possibly lost all their relatives in their home villages.

If you are able to help us by contributing to this appeal there are several ways you can go about it.

Cash can be delivered to our National Office in Melbourne or cheques and money orders can be sent to PO BOX 1015 Collingwood VIC 3066

We have also set up a bank account in London to collect funds outside of Asia. Cheques can be made payable to ‘TURCP’ and send them to Trade Union Rights Campaign Pakistan, PO Box 52135, London E9 5WR, Britain. Or alternatively send the money by Bank Transfer to: TURCP, account number: 00574699, sort code: 30-95-03, Lloyds TSB, 797-799 High Road Leytonstone.

If you are sending a bank transfer please send an email to turcpakistan@yahoo.com giving details of the transfer or alternatively by post to the above address.

The following unions in Pakistan have backed the campaign: Railway Workers Union workshops, PTCL joint workers action committee, PTCL Lions union, Postal Employees union, Muthida Labour Federation, Informal sector workers organisation, Teachers union, commercial workers union Lahore, RMS Employees union, Pakistan state life staff union, Agriculture workers union.

The Trade Union Rights Campaign - Pakistan was set up in April 2005 to help coordinate solidarity and support for workers’ struggles against downsizing, privatisation, and the neo-liberal agenda of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund which is followed slavishly by the Musharraf government in Pakistan.

For more info please feel free to contact me at anytime on 0396399111

Yours in unity

Anthony Main


SP National Office