The Global Unions’ Committee on Workers’ Capital (CWC) has released its baseline expectations for asset managers on fundamental labour rights. Developed by trade unions and pension fund board members as part of the CWC Asset Manager Accountability Initiative, the expectations will help asset owners hold the asset managers they contract accountable on fundamental labour rights. 

According to IndustriALL affiliates in Pakistan, as of 7 July, there had been around 60 accidents in the country’s mines, killing more than 90 workers and severely injuring around 40. Workers are killed by underground explosions, methane gas poisoning, suffocation or mine walls collapsing due to lax safety procedures and the unavailability of the first line of treatment at mining sites.

Philippine trade unions are committing to organizing more lens manufacturing companies in the Philippines, and envisage building a stronger Essilor union network in South East Asia.

Workers at Saint-Gobain in Mexico have voted against the current collective bargaining agreement, stating that it had been negotiated by an employer-friendly union that made decisions behind the workers’ backs and in the interests of the company.

Despite attempts from IndustriALL Global Union, PT Tainan Enterprises Indonesia, who produce clothes for GAP, Ann Taylor and Macy among others, are refusing to reinstate union leaders fired last year for forming a local union.

The heavy oppression against unions in Belarus continues. The government wants to declare the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions and all independent unions ‘extremist organizations’.

After a week-long strike to push for wage increases and standing firm against a surge of fake news to discredit the unions, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and Solidarity, signed a wage deal with Eskom on 5 July.

In an online meeting on 28 June, IndustriALL brought together industry experts to discuss and consolidate the strategy on battery supply chains. 

Last week, IndustriALL affiliates Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation and US Workers United joined United Students Against Sweatshops, Model Alliance, Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility at Levi’s flagship store in Times Square in New York City, to call on the denim giant to join the International Accord.

The 2022 ITUC Global Rights Index is raising alarm over the shocking violations of workers fundamental rights that include the right to strike, to form and join a union, to register a union, and the right to collective bargaining. The right to justice is also being denied as well as freedoms of speech and assembly. In some countries workers are excluded from labour protection that is provided for in national laws and international labour standards.

Last week, Bangladesh’ ministry of labour and employment launched a pilot for an employment injury scheme in collaboration with the International Labour Organization. The scheme will cover the country’s four million ready-made garment (RMG) workers.

IndustriALL affiliate, the Japan Council of Metalworkers' Unions (JCM), submitted a request to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on human rights due diligence.

On 22 June, IndustriALL affiliate, the General Federation for Textile Clothing, Leather and Shoes (FGTHCC-UGTT) organized a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Tunis, calling for the government to raise wages following an agreement made in 2021.

IndustriALL Global Union South Asia office organized the first ever regional youth workshop in Kathmandu on June 14-15. Around 25 young trade unionists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka participated.

IndustriALL Global Union organized the South Asia regional women’s meeting in Kathmandu on June 16-17. Around 25 women trade unionists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka participated.

The transition to a more sustainable aviation sector will impact workers and trade unions are demanding concrete measures to ensure a Just Transition and a fair transformation of the sector, which is inclusive and maintains and creates decent jobs.

Ten years ago, IndustriALL was founded, a new global force in organizing, defending workers’ rights and confronting global capital. Since then, the organization has fought many battles, claimed victories in its continued struggle for a better world of work.

Migrant workers planning on finding work or already working in Mauritius can find information about their rights at work, health and safety, and living wages on an interactive mobile app accessed on their smartphone.

Over 100 employees at one of Apple’s stores in Maryland, USA, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining a union, IndustriALL affiliate International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

The steering committee for ICT, electrical and electronics met online on 8 June. The 70 participants discussed the changing industry and resulting challenges. To be prepared for the future, an action plan, containing organizing in semiconductors and electronics manufacturing service (EMS) companies, use of due diligence acts, as well as adding gender prospective in the sector work, was agreed upon.