A Luta Nafatin (The Struggle Continues)

Trade unions have been active in Timor Leste since 2001 when the Timor Leste Confederation of Trade Unions (KSTL) was formed with support from Australian unions. The major employer at the time was the United Nations and the young country was still under UN administration. Aside from very high unemployment and a government eager to attract foreign investment often at the expense of workers' rights, unions have also been at the forefront of struggles for oil and gas justice in the Timor Sea. Almerio Vila Nova is the General Secretary of the General Workers Union of Timor Leste and represents the younger generation of union activists trying to organise in very challenging economic and political conditions. He shares stories from current and historical industrial struggles as well as some experiences within the clandestine movement as a teenager. The interview has been translated from Tetum so the english translation is voiced by Mark Tyler.