Yemen Labor Union Denounces Sana'a Statement, Citing Houthi Agendas

The General Union of Yemeni Workers has declared that a recent statement issued by its executive office in Sana'a regarding attacks on industrial facilities does not represent the Yemeni workers or the independent trade union movement. The union asserts that the statement reflects the political agenda of the Houthi militia, which it accuses of seizing union institutions by force and co-opting them to serve its objectives.

In a rebuttal statement released on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the union explained that the Sana'a-based executive office lost its trade union legitimacy following the Houthi militia's takeover of the union's institutions. It highlighted that the current leadership is not based on free union elections and does not represent the independent will of Yemeni workers. The union emphasized that the internationally and Arabically recognized body is the legitimate authority responsible for defending the rights and interests of workers across Yemen.

Regarding the targeting of industrial facilities, the union condemned any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. However, it accused the Houthi militia of converting industrial and civilian facilities into military sites, fuel depots, and centers for manufacturing drones and missiles. These, the union stated, are then used in attacks against Yemeni cities and civilian installations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The statement further indicated that the militia has transformed the ports of Ras Isa and Hodeidah from economic gateways serving citizen needs into hubs for smuggling Iranian weapons and looting oil. It warned that militarizing economic and industrial facilities and using them for military purposes exposes them to risks, holding those responsible for such actions accountable.

Concerning humanitarian and economic issues, the union accused the Houthi militia of imposing blockades and starvation tactics on Yemenis. It cited the ongoing blockade of Taiz city, denying its residents access to food and medicine, and the targeting of displaced persons and workers in Marib and Taiz governorates with missiles and drones. Additionally, the union alleged the looting of humanitarian aid and the withholding of salaries for over 1.2 million employees and workers.

The union criticized what it described as the Sana'a executive office's neglect of violations against workers and employees, including dismissals based on opinions and stances, the recruitment of children from workers' families for combat, the detention of female workers, and the destruction of factories, homes, and health facilities in several governorates.

It underscored that Yemeni workers face extremely difficult economic and living conditions due to the decline in industrial activity, the destruction of facilities, and the disruption of income sources. The union holds the Houthi militia responsible for the deterioration of workers' conditions and the widening scope of poverty and humanitarian suffering.

The union reiterated its rejection of the statement from the Sana'a executive office, characterizing it as a political statement unrelated to independent trade union work. It called upon the international community and Arab and international trade union organizations not to engage with statements issued by the Sana'a office, deeming them, according to the union's position, to be issued by a body subservient to the de facto authority.

The union demanded the lifting of the blockade on Taiz, the disbursement of salaries to workers and employees, and an end to child recruitment. It stressed the necessity for the Yemeni trade union movement to remain independent of political and military conflicts and agendas, aligning itself with the rights of workers and the interests of the nation and society.

The union concluded its statement by affirming that Yemeni workers will not serve as shields for any political or military project and that its stance will remain committed to the rights of workers and all segments of Yemeni society.