Trade Unions Reject US Aggression Against Venezuela
January 6, 2026
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Trade Unions Reject US Aggression Against Venezuela and Stand in Solidarity with People of Venezuela
Unions around the world have expressed their solidarity with the people of Venezuela and joins the Latin American and internationalist trade union movement in its absolute and unequivocal rejection of the US military operation in Venezuela in flagrant violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.
The Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, along with the International Trade Union Confederation issued the following response
Condemnation of military intervention: We denounce this action as a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law. The use of military force and incursion into the territory of a sovereign nation constitute an unacceptable act of war that jeopardises peace and stability throughout the region.
Defence of sovereignty and self-determination: In line with our historic position in defence of the autonomy of peoples, and in support of the statements issued by the governments of the region demanding unrestricted respect for Venezuelan sovereignty, we reject any attempt at regime change by force or through foreign interference. The fate of Venezuela must be decided exclusively by the Venezuelan people through democratic and peaceful mechanisms, without imperial tutelage.
Demand for Human Guarantees: We join the immediate international demand for proof of life, respect for physical integrity, and the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as well as any other citizens detained in this illegal operation. Their current status must be made transparent to the international community immediately.
Call for Peace and Dialogue: We agree with the position expressed by the governments of Brazil, Mexico, and other sovereign nations in condemning violence and urging a return to diplomatic channels.
Similar statements were issued by the AFL-CIO, the Africa Region of the ITUC, and the European Trade Union Confederation
Below is a compilation of some of the statements released by unions in the TUED network based in Latin America and elsewhere:
International Unions:
The ITUC and the CSA strongly condemn the US military aggression and violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.
PSI condemns US military aggression and violation of Venezuela's sovereignty
ITF condemns US military aggression against Venezuela
Mexican Electricians' Union (SME): The Mexican Electricians' Union strongly condemns the imperialist military aggression of the United States against the Venezuelan people and their legitimate government.
CUT Chile - Endorsement of the statement by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA)
ANEF Chile Anef Condemns US Military Intervention in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
No to war!
Respect Venezuela's sovereignty!
International solidarity with the Venezuelan people!
Further Context
The January 3 US military operation included bombings of critical infrastructure and civilian areas as well as the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. The attacks were preceded by months of military escalation across the Caribbean under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations, resulting in the extrajudicial killing of about 115 people. These aggressions violate international law and national sovereignty while simultaneously setting a dangerous precedent for democracy throughout Latin America.
In 2025, the US intervened in the national elections of Argentina, Ecuador, and Honduras in a flagrant disregard for democratic processes. These interventions, along with the January 3rd attacks on Venezuela, are particularly concerning given the multiple upcoming elections cross the region in 2026, including (in chronological order): Costa Rica, Perú, Colombia, Haiti, and Brazil.
Lastly, as a network of unions, we affirm that Venezuelan resources, including oil and mineral reserves, belong to the Venezuelan people alone; we support their use to advance a Public Pathway to a just energy transition in Venezuela, one with public ownership and democratic control of energy.
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