the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Nov 10, 2025
This article is translated from the October 29 issue #1358 of Combat Ouvrier (Workers Fight), the paper of the Trotskyist group of that name active in Guadeloupe and Martinique, two islands that are French overseas departments in the Caribbean.
Hundreds of workers at the Industrial Development Company (CODEVI) industrial park in Ouanaminthe in Haiti went on strike on October 7.
The industrial park is in a free trade zone near the border with the Dominican Republic. Nearly 18,000 workers work in textile factories that export primarily to the Dominican Republic. The bosses reap enormous profits by exploiting the workers and also make deals with gangs.
Haitian comrades from the Revolutionary Workers’ Organization wrote a newsletter addressed to workers on October 15, translated below from Haitian Creole.
Strikes, demonstrations, and sit-ins: Eighteen thousand workers voiced their anger in the CODEVI industrial park in Ouanaminthe. Workers went on strike for four days against government deductions and taxes on their meager wages. These taxes eat up 20% of the minimum wage of just under $5.25 per day (685 Haitian gourdes).
Workers denounced poor working conditions and deteriorating living standards while corrupt bosses and politicians live comfortably. Strikers demanded a minimum wage of 19 dollars a day (2,500 gourdes), lower prices for basic necessities, and the elimination of payroll taxes. Faced with their anger and the support of local poorer people, the government quickly backed down and told employers to stop withholding taxes. But the workers remained mobilized to force bosses to comply with the government’s decisions.
The CODEVI workers are right to fight. This anger should spread throughout the capital, to the capital’s industrial park, small businesses, gas stations, and shops, and across the island. It’s the only way for workers and farmers to avoid starvation and live better.
Gangs have unleashed unrestrained violence against the working class and the entire population for over six years. This violence has let a small group of murderers enrich themselves, while bosses and politicians became even richer.
Our struggle can let us escape this trap of exploitation. This struggle must be waged to rid ourselves of the ruling class and the murderers who ruin our lives. We must seize power and the means of production to establish a classless society in the service of all workers.
Strikes, demonstrations and all forms of resistance are good training to prepare for battles to liberate the exploited throughout the country.
Let’s rely on our own strength!