What many of you will not know however is that the IWW has a small but growing presence among diamond miners in the country. Its international One Big Union structure, again important given the isolation of Sierra Leone and its recnet troubles. The union is organising itself to prevent widespread cheating and blatant theft practised by the mine owners. The IWW is establishing an office and providing worker controlled scales to ensure that proper wieghing is undertaken. Just before the military coup members of the IWW in Britain had decided to mount a fund raisig drive among other unionists.
Leaflets are in preparation.
The military coup has prompted us to take matters forward a bit earlier than we had anticipated. One of the first casulaties in any coup is freedom and we certainly consider our small organisation in Sierra Leone under some threat. At this point in time we are limiting our activities to fund raising. If you can make a donation, either individually or through your union please do so. No amount will be considered too small.