The unions at the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS), Staatsolie, Airport Management, Stichting Bosbeheer en Bostoezicht and even the Progressive Labor Federation C-47 expressed concern regarding the attack on the headquarters of the union that represents the workers at the Energy Company Suriname (EBS) and pointed out that there were serious indications regarding EBS management’s interference in the internal affairs and board elections of the union prior to the elections that were held Friday. “There is no room for management at the executive table of an independent union. The union also does not sit on the chair of management. An independent union must be free to choose its board, organize its members and protect its interests without being put under any kind of pressure. Employees who are being given preferential treatment must realize that they will be filled with regret when the union loses its independence. That which has happened has crossed the line. We were horrified when we heard that shots were fired at the building where OWOS is located. The investigation must determine if the shooting is linked to the elections. But the labor movement cannot and may not take this development lightly. This is the moment to draw a clear line,” said the unions and the foundation in a joint statement. These organizations also urged all parties involved to prevent each form of escalation and to let the legal state do its job. “The perpetrators must be tracked down and they must also be held accountable,” said the unions and the foundation which expressed solidarity with OWOS. “No fear, no intimidation, no interference. We do not surrender our democratic rights.”