4 Oct 2012 Attention: Mario Simas Filho, Editor, Isto É mariosimas

4 Oct 2012
Attention: Mario Simas Filho, Editor, Isto É
[email protected]
Sergio Pardellas, Political Editor
[email protected]
Dear sirs,
This is to advise you that Public Services International is receiving legal advice in Brazil and France
that we have grounds to demand moral and financial restitution for damages to our organisation and
staff caused by your magazine, Isto É’s, publication of a false and defamatory article about PSI this
week ( N° Edição: 2238 | 28.Set.12 - 21:00).
The article was totally unconscionable and violates every moral and journalistic ethic. I am sure you
wish to show, however, that you are committed to holding your reporters and magazine to the highest
professional and social standards. We appreciate that you removed this story from your website
following the meeting with PSI Americas Regional Secretary Jocelio Drummond.
However, we require that you take further immediate action, within the next 24 hours, to
publish a full and unreserved apology and correction that is placed in equal prominence to the
original story in both your printed magazine and websites. This could help to mitigate any
damages owing.
Here is text that we would find acceptable for a published apology:
The publishers of Isto É wish to apologize for the factually incorrect article that was published
in our magazine on 28 September 2012, and deeply regret any harm that has been caused to
Public Services International or its staff. We have withdrawn this article and are taking
immediate steps to reprimand those Isto É staff responsible. Contrary to what was inferred by
our magazine, Public Services International is a highly-respected international organization
that has been in existence for over 100 years. It is headquartered in France and has an office in
Brazil. PSI has an esteemed record both within Brazil and internationally in carrying out its
mandate to advance and defend quality public services and the full rights of trade union
members. The financial figures cited and related allegations made by Isto É were false. In fact,
PSI’s accounts in Brazil and elsewhere are rigorously audited by external auditors and
reported on an annual basis. PSI is supported by direct dues from affiliate members only. The
publishers of Isto É sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or misperceptions caused by our
erroneous article.
I look forward to your prompt reply and immediate action in making redress in this matter.
Sincerely,
Peter Waldorff
General Secretary
Public Services International is a global trade union federation representing 20 million working women and men who deliver vital
public services in 150 countries. PSI champions human rights, advocates for social justice and promotes universal access to quality
public services. PSI works with the United Nations system and in partnership with labour, civil society and other organisations.