Labour Start

Guaranteed Health Care for All

Support and Demand national health care. "Medicare for All" Act (HR 676)

G8 Union Leaders Issue Urgent Call to Tackle Jobs Crisis

The global union movement is issuing an urgent call for the leaders of the Group of Eight nations to tackle the deepening jobs crisis at their summit meeting in L'Aquila, Italy, next month. The leaders must develop a coordinated and jobs-orientated international recovery and sustainable growth plan that focuses on creating good jobs and re-regulating the global financial system, American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) President John Sweeney told a gathering of G8 union leaders in Rome. The global economy continues to deteriorate at an unprecedented rate. Workers around the world-who are the innocent victims of this crisis-are losing their jobs and incomes. The International Labor Organization (ILO) predicts that unemployment is likely to increase by up to 59 million worldwide by the end of 2009. Unemployment in the G8 countries-Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom and United States-is likely to almost double over the next 18 months, according to the ILO. At the same time, more than 200 million workers could be pushed into extreme poverty, lifting the number of working poor to 1.4 billion. Earlier this week, President John Sweeney and the union leaders of the world's top economies outlined a plan to stimulate the global economy. When the global economic crisis is over, said Sweeney, the G8 leaders must ensure there is no return to business as usual. While this crisis was caused by global economic imbalances and financial speculation, it was underpinned by the lack of effective economic regulation over preceding decades. Rather than planning exit strategies that are a more brutal version of failed past policies, there is a need to establish a new model of economic development that is stronger and more efficient, socially just and environmentally sustainable. And this time, workers views should be represented in the plan, Sweeney said. Trade unions and the workers we represent have no confidence that this time governments and bankers alone will get it right. We are asking for a seat at the table
Source: AFL-CIO Now Blog--AFL-CIO is a national trade union center in the United States

Solidarity Delegation to Miners of Mexico Slated Next Month

The International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers Unions (ICEM), United Steelworkers (USW) of the US, and the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) are coordinating a trade union and parliamentary/ congressional delegation to Mexico in support of the National Miners and Metalworkers Union (SNTMMSRM) and their fight for free and independent unionism in the Latin country. The delegation, rescheduled due to the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, will go ahead July 8-12 and the destination is Mexico City. The delegation will meet with the Congressional Commission on Cananea, with ambassadors of delegation countries, hold an International Solidarity Conference, and a Solidarity visit to Juan Linares, a political prisoner in Reclusorio Norte prison. Delegates will then hold a public meeting to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Los Mineros in Lazaro Cardenas. On 13 July, delegates will visit the Pasta de Conchos mine site in Sabinas, to pay tribute to the victims, widows, and families of the deadly 2006 mine explosion in which 65 miners perished. Participating unions in the solidarity mission will come from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Peru, South Africa, Sweden, UK, and the US, alongside leaders of the ICEM and IMF. Participating members of parliaments and members of congresses that are expected to join the delegation are from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and UK. The Mexican government has been largely successful in reaching its goal of destroying trade unionism in Mexico. Los Mineros is one of the very few unions in the country to resist government control and to continue fighting for improved wages and labour laws. Following the union’s denouncement of the multinational mining corporation Grupo Mexico, as well as the national government, over the explosion at Pasta de Conchos, the government cooperated with Grupo Mexico in efforts to destroy the union. Mexican security forces have repeatedly been involved in beatings, death threats, and illegal arrests in the union busting campaign. Last week, a striking worker was killed by police. The courageous strike at major Grupo Mexico locations has been in place for 22 months, even though Grupo Mexico gained a decree halting it
Source: ICEM InBrief--ICEM uniting 20 million workers in 379 industrial trade unions in 123 countries

IMF Congress Elects New Leadership

International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) affiliates were united in their support for the new leadership team elected by Congress with a mandate until 2013. Following adoption of amendments to the IMF Rules, the Congress held elections for five leadership positions ensuring greater representation of the various regions of the IMF. Berthold Huber, IG Metall President, was elected IMF President. Huber has been a member of IG Metall since 1971 and served as IG Metall Vice President since 2003 and President since 2007. Thomas R. Buffenbarger, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, was elected by Congress delegates as IMF Vice President. Buffenbarger leads over 700,000 active and retired IAM members in Canada and the US. Jyrki Raina, Nordic IN General Secretary, was elected IMF General Secretary. Recognising the unanimous support for his election, Raina said, Our unity is the base of our force. It is with pride and a great sense of humility that I accept this election. Raina began his trade union work in Finland and for the last six years has co-ordinated the Nordic unions activities in Europe and at the global level. Hiroshi Kamada and Fernando Lopes were elected by the Congress as IMF Assistant General Secretaries. The Congress also elected the members of the Executive Committee and Auditing Committee
Source: IMF News--IMF represents the collective interests of 25 million metalworkers from more than 200 unions in 100 countries

Education International Calls For an End to Child Labour

Every year at this time, members of Education International (EI) join with other trade unions and concerned citizens around the globe to mark the World Day Against Child Labour. Ten years ago, the international community adopted the landmark ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour. As we celebrate the important progress that has been made since then, we must not lose sight of the ongoing challenges - especially exploitation of girls. Ultimately, though, our goal is to eliminate all forms of child labour, said Jan Eastman, Deputy General Secretary of EI, which is the global union federation representing 30 million teachers and education workers in more than 170 countries. Around the world more than 200 million children - half of them girls - are forced to labour in fields and factories, in households and on the streets. Because of gender discrimination in the family, the community and all levels of society, girls are more likely to be deprived of education than are boys. Girls endure additional hardships and face extra risks, often hidden from the public eye in situations of domestic servitude. Girls are also more likely to be victims of trafficking and extreme exploitation through prostitution, pornography, bonded labour and slavery. To address these issues, EI member organisations are planning a wide range of activities including television advertising and other awareness-raising campaigns, rallies and marches to Education Ministry offices, workshops and research projects. Teachers unions will be active in Albania, Bulgaria, Burundi, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Honduras, India, Kenya, Morocco, Zimbabwe, and elsewhere. EI and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have collaborated to produce lesson aids for classroom use and a new publication entitled Give girls a chance: End child labour. It aims to educate teacher trade unionists, civil society and governments about the urgent need to take action against child labour, in particular the multiple disadvantages faced by girls. EI has also produced other materials for teachers, including posters and pencils for use in its awareness-raising campaign with governments and the public. All materials may be downloaded from: www.ei-ie.org Quality public education is the best solution to the scourge of child labour, Eastman said. Teachers have a key role to play in helping to bring about a world in which all children - both girls and boys - can claim their universal right to free quality public education. This is our goal, on World Day Against Child Labour, and all year round
Source: EI News--

A Stronger European Public Services Federation Created

The EPSU Congress has voted on the merger between European Public Service Unions (EPSU) and PSI (Public Services International)-Europe. With this merger, membership will rise to 255 public service unions (from 224). Delegates have also voted on changes to the EPSU Constitution underpinning the merger process. EPSU-PSI Europe Merger was agreed unanimously. EPSU General Secretary, Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, and PSI General Secretary Peter Waldorff had asked their respective Executive Committees to adopt the merger proposal. They also asked to formally note their gratitude to the working group which had brought the two organizations to this positive conclusion, particularly Hugh Lanning of UK union PCS. The Congress noted that this was a well-balanced decision which would benefit public service unions in Europe and globally. Ms. Fischbach-Pyttel stated that: EPSU was looking forward to assuming its new role as the regional organization of PSI in Europe. Geographically, EPSU will now cover the European continent, central Asia, and Israel. Ms. Fischbach-Pyttel added that: this decision will allow EPSU and PSI to greatly improve their co-ordination, particularly in European Union neighborhood and external policies
Source: EPSU Press Release--

Joint ITUC, EI, ITF, IUF release: World Protests to Demand Union Rights for Iranian Workers

Four global union organisations representing over 170 million workers have called a worldwide action day on June 26 to demand justice for Iranian workers. Demonstrations will take place outside Iranian embassies and consulates to protest the ongoing denial of rights and arrests of trade unionists within the country. The ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation), EI (Education International), ITF (International Transport Workers Federation), IUF (International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Associations) are forming a coalition for the event, which is the latest move in an ongoing campaign to secure justice and trade union rights inside Iran. Amnesty International has backed this campaign. They are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed trade union members and leaders including Mansour Osanloo, Ebrahim Madadi, Farzad Kamangar, and the annulment of the one year prison sentences recently handed down against the five leaders of the Haft Tapeh Sugarworkers' Union, as well as the release of trade unionists arrested in Tehran on May Day. Guy Ryder, ITUC General Secretary explained: Each of these organisations has campaigned to protect their colleagues in Iran, and now we are all joining forces to do it even more effectively. We have exhausted all avenues of reasonable dialogue to persuade the government of Iran to allow basic human and trade union rights. Their answer has been repression and arrests. Given this failure we must take to the streets to demonstrate that the world is watching what they are doing and what is happening to our colleagues within the country
Source: ITUC OnLine--ITUC represents 170 million workers in 312 affiliated national organisations from 157 countries

Creation of CONTUA

From 2 to 5 June 2009, Public Services International (PSI) affiliates and friendly organisation will meet in Panama City for the founding of the new Confederation of Workers of the Universities of America. Involving at least 16 countries, CONTUA will have as one of its main objectives the protection of the public university, with decent working conditions for administrative staff, to ensure quality higher education. CONTUA has been created as thanks to the participation of many countries mainly in Latin America, but we have a vocation in the future to organise university workers throughout the world, says Marcelo Di Stefano, one of the leaders in the formation of CONTUA
Source: PSI World News--PSI represents more than 20 million members in over 600 trade unions in 160 countries

Employer Campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act

As part of its multi-million dollar campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act, U.S. employers, that violate - every day and on a massive scale - the basic rights of U.S. workers to organise and bargain, are invoking democracy to cover their misdeeds. They are pitting what they call democracy against the fundamental human rights of workers to be free to form trade unions and to bargain collectively. In addition, they claim that allowing a majority of workers to choose to have trade union representation without being subject to the vicious anti-union campaigns that commonly accompany U.S. elections for union representation would be undemocratic and contrary to the international labour standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Guy Ryder, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and Secretary of the Council of Global Unions (CGU), rejected that view, saying, there is absolutely no way that an argument that the Employee Free Choice Act violates ILO standards can be sustained. The International Labour Organisation, the only tripartite body (with representatives of governments, employers, and workers) in the UN system has been charged since its establishment in 1919 with setting and dealing with international labour standards. In reacting to the ambition of U.S. employers to assume that role, Ryder said that the ILO is responsible for its standards and has never contracted out that central function. It is tried and trusted and it brings results. There have been literally thousands of complaints over the years. If the ILO had taken the kind of politicized approach now being adopted by the U.S. employers, would it have helped to change the nature of the world in which we live through, for example, its action in Poland? The Employee Free Choice Act would, in fact, move the United States considerably closer to being in conformity with the human rights standards of the ILO. Although workers could still have a secret ballot election if they wished, proof of majority support would be sufficient to enable them to bargain with their employers. Typically in the United States, a representation election becomes a battle ground rather than what the employers refer to as American industrial democracy. This procedure forces workers to campaign against their bosses even to get a seat at the table. An election implies at least two sides and puts employers into something, a decision of workers, which is none of their business. And, elections do not mean free elections. Employees are forced to listen to anti-union propaganda in captive audience meetings while trade unions are denied full and free access to the workplace. The limitations on employer free speech are weak, making lies and deceit the order of the day. About 75% of employers use union busting consultants to help them generate fear and chill he exercise of democracy and ensure that workers cannot enjoy their basic rights. Some protections for the right to organise exist in the U.S. legislation, but their enforcement is so weak that there is rampant corporate lawlessness. For example, tens of thousands of workers are fired for union activity each year. That means that union supporters are dismissed in around a quarter of such campaigns. The Employee Free Choice Act would increase penalties for this kind of unacceptable behaviour. But, even after workers have run the gauntlet of harassment and intimidation and mustered the courage necessary to form trade unions, they may never get a collective bargaining agreement. Due to delays, stalling tactics and other forms of bad-faith bargaining their struggle is often in vain. In 44 per cent of the cases, they never get that first collective bargaining agreement. The Employee Free Choice Act would require mediation and, if necessary, arbitration, to provide an environment for constructive and productive industrial relations. Further information on the provisions of the Employee Free Choice Act. This gaping legal and industrial relations deficit has made the United States one of the major subjects of global trade union solidarity, alongside such countries as Columbia, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh. Global Union Federations (GUF), representing trade unions by occupation and sector, receive a flood of cries for help from US trade unions. Anita Normark, General Secretary of Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) and Chair of the CGU, stated, we and other GUFs have so many requests to talk with or put pressure on multinational companies operating in the United States precisely because the law and its enforcement is so poor there. There is no other industrialised democracy and few developing companies where the volume of solidarity action asked from trade unions is on that scale. That is one reason why the entire global trade union movement strongly supports the Employee Free Choice Act. And, the situation on the ground for American workers is also a reason why we place such a strong emphasis on non-interference by employers in trade union representation decisions when we negotiate international framework agreements. We know from experience that, without explicit provisions, the dominant American anti-union corporate culture will prevail. It is the job of governments to protect human rights. And, the United States government is not doing its job. Trade unionists from other lands are shocked to learn of U.S. anti-union tactics and are even more concerned when they see some of the companies with which they have good and constructive relations behaving irresponsibly in the United States because, unlike at home, they can get away with it. Such practices should never take place in one of the largest, most important democracies in the world. And, unfortunately, workers in some others experience an unwelcome export - the U.S. industrial relations model. Although the meaning of international labour standards is distorted, if not warped, by U.S. employers, there are some issues in which their positions may represent positive movement. In their joint letter to leaders of the U.S. Congress, the United States Council for International Business and the United States Chamber of Commerce state, As you know, although the U.S. has not ratified ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on these subjects, the U.S. Government is bound by the 1998 Declaration, and its principles are cited in numerous pieces of U.S. legislation and key provisions of trade agreements. The U.S. employers have blocked the ratification of both ILO conventions since their adoption in 1948 (87) and 1949 (98). If they now feel that the United States government is bound by them, there would appear to be no remaining barrier to ratification. And, in the accompanying U.S employer document, which will be published later this year by the International Organisation of Employers, they strongly, clearly and unambiguously support and defend the right to strike. However, in spite of that progress, they are determined to spare no effort to kill the best chance in generations for U.S. workers to be free to form trade unions and bargain. With the strong support of the President Barak Obama, passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is an important beacon of hope in these bleak times. As Guy Ryder concluded in his statement, Tens of millions of working people are losing their jobs, their houses, and, in some countries, like the United States, their health care coverage. They are not asking for millions of dollars in golden parachutes. They are only seeking simple justice, the right and freedom to form their own organisations and to work and live in dignity
Source: Global Unions Denounce U.S. Employer Deception

Unilever's Lipton Tea Workers in Pakistan - 100% Outsourced, 100% Disposable

Repeal Taft-Hartley

The Labor Management Relations Act, also known as Taft-Hartley, has been on the books since 1947. The anti-labor, anti-workingclass provisions of Taft-Hartley, which were drafted by employers, include a ban on secondary boycotts, allows states to pass so called right-to-work laws, prohibits strikes by certain government employees, and allows management to "interfere" in union organizing drives. It is time to repeal this law that infringes on workers civil and human rights. Visit the following sites to contact your Senators and Congresspersons

ITF and UNI Call For Dialogue at Global Delivery Firm Meeting

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and Union Network International (UNI) yesterday pressed global delivery firm DHL to work with trade unions in a new spirit of cooperation that will benefit the company, workers and shareholders alike. The two global union federations attended the company's shareholder conference in Frankfurt, Germany. The organisations believe that the new era of cooperation could be brought about if DHL honours its stated commitment to respecting rights through uniform standards and conditions for workers worldwide. Neil Anderson, head of UNI post and logistics commented: DHL has had a history of cooperation with the ver.di union in Germany and we want them to commit to cooperation with unions at all of their other sites worldwide. We are asking them to take a cooperative approach to employee relations, which we believe will lead to better jobs for thousands of workers around the world and better service for their customers. DHL employees want to do their part to ensure a strong future for the company but DHL must recognise that its responsibilities are not just to shareholders and customers but also to its workforce of more than 500,000 people. The federations bought DHL shares in order to be able to address management and investors who were considering the company's business plan and corporate social responsibility commitments. Speaking on behalf of the two organisations, ITF regional and industrial coordinator Ingo Marowsky tackled a number of key issues. These included the need to involve workers in the company's cost-cutting and restructuring proposals: workers, he said knew best how and where to save money as they were part of the processes that needed optimisation. He also highlighted DHL's poor labour relations in some parts of the world and asked why the company failed to report on its implementation of the International Labour Organization's core labour standards. He urged the company to enter into talks with the federations and unions over these issues. He summed up: We need a global agreement for a global company. We offer exactly this, for the betterment of the company, its shareholders, and its workers. This is the era of re-thinking the way capitalism works
Source: ITF News--ITF representing 4.5 million transport workers in 624 unions in 142 countries

Unions Demand Global Banks Protect Rights of Cleaning, Security Workers

Union Network International (UNI) Property Services will launch its Responsible Contractor Policy (RCP) with global action on 15 June against a number of the world's leading multinational banks. The RCP requires clients of cleaning and security contractors to ensure that these contractors meet minimum labour standards and guarantee workers rights to organise. At the UNI Property Services annual global meeting in New York on April 2-3, UNI and its affiliates agreed to call on some of the world's largest and most power financial services employers to live up to their social responsibilities to property services workers
Source: UNI Bulletin--UNI represents over 20 million workers in 900 unions in 140 countries

USA: Labor Leaders Form National Labor Coordinating Committee

Organizations representing 16 million working people -- affiliates of the AFL-CIO and Change to Win and the National Education Association -- have come together to create a new National Labor Coordinating Committee to act nationally on critical issues facing working families. Recognizing the historic moment we face, the American labor movement must unify to restore the American dream for working families, said David Bonior, the facilitator of the unification effort. Bonior serves as chair of American Rights at Work. The Committee will work on some of the biggest challenges confronting our nation, including the reform of our labor laws, the renewal of our economy and the passage of national health reform. The Committee pledged to complete its consultations among affiliates and other work on unification plans over the coming months. A unified labor movement is the way to ensure that the vast majority of Americans who want a union are able to join one, Bonior said. CWA President Larry Cohen has been the leading advocate of the reunification effort and has worked for several years to bring about a united labor movement. The members of the National Labor Coordinating Committee are the Presidents of AFL-CIO, Change To Win, and these unions: National Education Association, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, American Federation of Teachers, Communications Workers of America, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers International Union of North America, Service Employees International Union, Unite Here, United Auto Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers, United Steelworkers of America
Source: Communications Workers of America Newsletter

Global Labour University

Since its inception in 2004, the Global Labour University has welcomed trade unions in its Masters Programme in labour studies. The university is also a network of trade unions and universities aiming to facilitate research and spark debate. The inscription deadline for the Global Labour University programmes in South Africa is August 31, 2009 and in Germany, April 1st 2010

ILO Labor Standards

The International Labor Organization's labor standards take the form of International Labor Conventions which are ratified by member countries. Of the total number of ILO Conventions, eight are considered core labor standards, fundamental to the rights of workers

Trade Union Advisory Committee

The Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an International trade union organization which interacts on behalf of trade unions with a consultative status when meeting with the OECD Secretariat, committees, and member governments