What are South Africa’s green jobs? 17 julio, 2025With South Africa at a critical moment in its pursuit of a greener economy, the findings of a research report titled Mapping of Green Jobs, Skills Development and the Just Energy Transition, underscore the transformative potential of green jobs. The report highlights the need for targeted upskilling, international cooperation and policies to ensure a Just Transition that protects workers’ rights and livelihoods.
Lithium in the Southern Cone: Tensions and opportunities in the global supply chain17 julio, 2025A study on lithium mining in Argentina and Chile reveals the complex relationships between trade unions, companies and governments in a strategic industry for the energy transition. The report, produced as part of the FES-IndustriALL project on the battery supply chain, highlights the challenges in terms of governance, labour conditions and human rights due diligence.
Latin America’s trade union leaders meet to strengthen the paper sector17 julio, 2025Union representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay met in Buenos Aires to examine the challenges facing the pulp and paper sector and to strengthen coordinated action in the region. The event was attended by representatives of the Belgian union federation ACV-CSC BIE, building on an international alliance aimed at pursuing joint strategies.
Workers continue to fight after Next’s Sri Lanka factory closure 15 julio, 2025In May, more than 1,400 workers were reportedly dismissed via a WhatsApp message when UK retailer Next closed its wholly owned factory in Sri Lanka without proper notice. Two months on, the affected workers and their union remain determined to challenge what they call an unlawful and irresponsible closure. Those who refused to sign resignation letters are now unemployed while their case is heard by the Department of Labour’s Employment Unit. Many face severe hardship during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, with some skipping meals daily.
Sub-Saharan African unions launch online worker-education platform10 julio, 2025Seventy participants from IndustriALL affiliates across 17 Sub-Saharan African countries launched an online worker-educators forum, a joint initiative with the International Federation of Workers Education Associations (IFWEA), on 1 July.
Just Transition manifesto: garment workers demand a fair, worker-led shift10 julio, 2025Workers must not be forced to bear the costs of the green transition. That was the resounding message from the third workshop on decent jobs and social protection for a Just Transition in the textile and garment supply chain, held on 7 July, by the ITUC’s Just Transition and Climate department, IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll European Trade Union.
India: millions of workers go on strike to defend workers’ rights9 julio, 2025Today, millions of workers across India—from both formal and informal sectors and from rural and urban areas—went on strike and took to the streets to defend their rights, which have been severely undermined under the current right-wing government.The countrywide general strike was called by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions in India, along with sectoral and independent federations and farmers’ organizations to intensify the fight against the government’s anti-labour policies.
South East Asia sees surge in trade union youth movements8 julio, 2025Since the adoption of the IndustriALL Global Union 2021-2025 Action Plan, the secretariat has been actively driving its transformative agenda, strengthening youth empowerment through enhanced structural arrangements.
Threats target Colombian mining union officials8 julio, 2025Union leaders in Colombia’s mining sector are facing renewed threats and intimidation, sparking calls for urgent government action to protect their safety. The latest incidents target members of Sintracarbón, underscoring the persistent dangers for trade unionists in one of the world’s most hazardous countries for labour activism.
India: Over 40 killed in factory explosion 4 julio, 2025On 30 June, a massive fire broke out at a pharmaceutical unit of Sigachi Industries in India, leaving more than 40 workers dead and injuring over 30 others. Many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition and DNA samples had to be collected to identify the victims. Media reports indicate that some workers are still missing as authorities continue to clear debris at the site. Approximately 143 workers were present in the factory when fire engulfed the building.
