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Sri Lanka: unions protest government’s debt restructuring and labour law changes

Tue, 07/25/2023 - 08:57

Despite heavy rains Sri Lankan unions held a protest in Colombo, on 25 July, against the proposed anti-worker labour law amendments and domestic debt restructuring plan which involves using the hard-earned provident fund amounts of workers and implementing anti-worker labour law amendments.

Young trade union leaders strengthen union action through international exchange

Tue, 07/25/2023 - 07:11

From 17 to 21 July, 24 young trade union leaders from South America participated in the third trade union exchange program at IG Metall's training center in Sprockhövel, Germany. The exchange emphasized the importance of collective struggle for better working conditions and the development of action plans to strengthen trade union organizations.

Korean trade unions protest against escalating repression

Tue, 07/25/2023 - 05:04

On 20 July 2023, the Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU) took another strong stand against trade union repression in Korea, calling for an end to the heavy-handed tactics employed by the government. The protest gained momentum as over 100,000 KMWU members from various industries participated in a nationwide strike in early July, demanding better labour rights and justice.

Three workers killed in explosion at Indian cement factory

Mon, 07/24/2023 - 06:03

On 18 July, an explosion caused by an oxygen cylinder at UltraTech Cement's plant in Himri, Chhattisgarh, India, resulted in the death of three contract workers. Two other workers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Working in war-torn Ukraine

Thu, 07/20/2023 - 03:49

IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan shares why it is crucial to highlight and discuss workers’ situation and violations of their rights in Ukraine.  

Protecting workers' rights in Ukraine during the war and in the reconstruction of the country

Thu, 07/20/2023 - 03:32

Trade union gathering in Ukraine followed by tripartite meeting with Ukrainian government, ILO and UN exposes extent of labour rights abuses and addresses trade union demands for post-war reconstruction. 

Indian unions call for better working conditions amidst country’s rise as a major chemical and tyre manufacturing hub

Wed, 07/19/2023 - 06:25

Organising precarious workers, strengthening networks, demanding equal pay for equal work, and workplace health and safety emerged as top priorities for Indian affiliates participating in the chemical, pharmaceutical and tyre sectors meeting, held during 11–13 July.

Malagasy unionists arrested over QMM protests must be released!

Wed, 07/19/2023 - 01:34

From 26 June to 3 July, Madagascar’s independence days, communities from the villages surrounding the Rio Tinto subsidiary QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) mining site at Mandena in Toalagnaro (Fort Dauphin) protested inadequate financial compensation on loss of livelihoods, water pollution, and community exclusion from consultations when the mining licence was renewed by the government. In dispersing the protestors, the police and gendarmerie used disproportionate force which saw ten demonstrators injured and over 80 arrested and imprisoned, including five trade unionists.

Brazil enacts law to ensure equal pay for women and men

Tue, 07/18/2023 - 03:19

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva has signed a law guaranteeing equal pay for women and men. This is a historic step for a country where women workers earn lower average wages than men, even when their levels of education, jobs and length of service are similar.

Germany: strike ends at Vestas

Mon, 07/17/2023 - 10:56

The 123-day strike at Vestas Deutschland GmbH, subsidiary of Danish Vestas, came to an end as workers voted overwhelmingly to accept a negotiated collective agreement. The outcome includes tariff commitments for wage increases, inflation compensation bonuses, partial retirement options, a remuneration system with job-related requirements, and a salary table for service technicians.

Unions file complaint against Italian brands remaining in Myanmar

Mon, 07/17/2023 - 05:44

Three Italian unions and an NGO have filed a complaint with the OECD’s NCP in Italy against a number of garment brands, including Love Moschino and OVS, who still produce in Myanmar despite continuing violations of workers’ rights.

Workers in Nepal demand fair wages

Fri, 07/14/2023 - 05:59

IndustriALL affiliates in Nepal have submitted a joint memorandum to the Labour Minister and Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, demanding that the minimum wage be raised to NPR 26,200 (US$200).

Malagasy trade unionist seeks justice

Thu, 07/13/2023 - 04:12

Malagasy trade unionist, Zotiakobanjinina Fanja Marcel Sento Chang (26), vividly recalls the events leading to his unjust imprisonment for nine months for a social media post about discussions during a meeting with management at the E-Toile SA garment factory in Antananarivo where he worked as a machinist. 

NUMSA secures permanent jobs for 100 workers at Bell Equipment

Thu, 07/13/2023 - 03:48

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) successfully negotiated for permanent contracts for 100 workers at earthmoving equipment supplier, Bell Equipment, which will become effective this month. For 10 years the workers were employed through labour brokers and the union was on the verge of a strike over the issue. 

Up skilling youth in Ghanaian trade unions

Wed, 07/12/2023 - 04:22

Are young workers in unions using digital technologies effectively for organizing and improving their involvement in occupational health and safety at the workplace? A project evaluation meeting in Accra on 3-6 June learned what is happening in the unions.  

Italian metalworkers strike sends strong message to government

Tue, 07/11/2023 - 08:41

Italian trade unions FIM-CISL, FIOM-CGIL and UILM held a national strike on 7 and 10 July, urging the government to take action to help the struggling manufacturing sector.

MADE in Myanmar Project - EU must stop supporting military junta’s rule

Tue, 07/11/2023 - 04:10

IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll Europe are reiterating their call for the EU to withdraw support for the MADE in Myanmar project, which effectively funds Myanmar’s military junta, as well for the withdrawal preferential tariffs under the Generalised System of Preferences. EU citizens and public funds should not be used to benefit the military junta, nor should they be associated with an EU-funded project where workers are threatened, dismissed or arrested without cause. Read the full statement.

US workers strike for green jobs

Mon, 07/10/2023 - 01:34

The picket lines around the Wabtec facility in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, continue to be strong as the strike enters its third week. 1,400 workers at the facility which manufactures locomotive engines, are striking for green jobs.

South African workers march against socio-economic crisis

Fri, 07/07/2023 - 10:35

South African workers fed up with corruption, crime, high levels of unemployment, rising inflation and gender-based violence downed tools yesterday in a national day of action on 6 July.  

Bangladesh is one of the world’s worst countries for workers

Wed, 07/05/2023 - 10:15

The recently published ITUC Global Rights Index 2023, which ranks countries based on the status of workers’ rights, reveals a grim picture of the situation for workers in South Asian countries. While Nepal and Sri Lanka witness regular and systematic violations of workers’ rights respectively, Bangladesh has been ranked as one of the worst countries in the world for workers.

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