El Universal reported that twenty five workers of the iron and steel company Sidor face trial due to their involvement in union demonstrations. At least 85 workers are facing judicial proceedings against them in Venezuelan courts for being involved in labor demonstrations. This week, a judge will give judgment in a case that could condemn a group of 14 workers of a Sidor contractor, despite the fact that they were exercising their trade union rights.

On April 29th 2009, Mr Leonel Griset, Mr Juan Valor, Mr Joel Hernández, who are the leaders of the Union of Iron and Steel and Allied Workers of Bolívar State and additional 11 members of the union will hear the verdict that could condemn them up to 10 years in prison, based on Article 56 of the Organic Law on National Security, which orders imprisonment of people staging demonstrations near virtually all government offices, core companies, military garrisons or taking any actions that may adversely affect public services.

Mr Griset said that the day of his arrest in September 2006, workers of the transportation company Camila, which is a contractor of iron and steel company Sidor, were protesting, as they did some days before.

The group that has been accused was arrested by the National Guard for exerting pressure, including the misappropriation of a forklift owned by the company, in addition to closing some roads.

(Sourced from El Universal)