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“As soon as I heard about the ‘Continental’ story, I knew that this was something I wanted to become involved in. This multinational tyre company based in Germany conflicted with the workers’ union in their Mexican plant. Then they simply closed the factory, ultimately exposing the workers and their families to hunger. They did it illegally, ignoring Mexican law as if it did not apply to them. That’s why we need a strong and well-coordinated international network and joint action. The workers went on strike; here in Mexico we filed a court case against the illegal closure, while lobby work simultaneously started in Germany. We captured the attention of the German government, of the ‘Continental’ shareholders and of the Mexican authorities, including that of the president. Our joint fight ultimately resulted in the re-opening of the factory. Workers were able to resume their jobs and even became shareholders themselves. So we made it and even in future we will not allow any foreign investor – be it a government or a private company – to exercise such neo-colonial dominance. We know our rights and are proud to claim them!”