Deplorable working conditions at textile and garment factories in South Africa 25 enero, 2024In December last year labour inspectors from the department of employment and labour visited textile and garment factories in Mandeni in KwaZulu Natal Province, about 80 km from Durban, and were shocked by the deplorable working conditions that they witnessed.
Kazakhstan must respect workers’ right to strike 29 enero, 2024Around 500 workers in Kazakhstan’s oil industry have been on strike since December last year. They now face dismissals, interrogation and intimidation.
Belarus: Union leader released from jail4 febrero, 2024Political prisoner Zinaida Mikhniuk, activist and former chairperson of IndustriALL affiliate Radio and Electronics Industry Workers Union REP, has been released from jail after serving a two-years sentence for "insulting Lukashenka”.
Union win at Pontus Footwear 7 febrero, 2024In a victory for organizing, Pontus Footwear in Cambodia has agreed to reinstate three local union leaders from Collective Union of Movement of Workers (CUMW). This follows over a year of engagement with American brand VFC who sources from the factory.
Indian garment workers protest delay in wage increase14 febrero, 2024On 12 February, the Garment and Fashion Workers’ Union (GAFWU), affiliated to IndustriALL through Unions United, protested outside the labour commissioner’s office in Chennai, India, against the prolonged delay in the notification of the new minimum wage.
Garment workers in Sri Lanka attacked by employer 15 febrero, 2024On 9 February, management of Sumithra Group in Sri Lanka physically assaulted union members in the Hasalaka factory and forcefully prevented workers from attending a union meeting scheduled that day. According to the union, brands sourcing from the factory include ASDA, Superdry and Dillard’s.
India: workers’ strike ahead of upcoming general elections16 febrero, 2024Today millions of workers in India went on strike to highlight real issues of working people ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections this year. Main demands of trade union organisations include withdrawal of the four labour codes, fixing the minimum wage at INR26,000 (US$313), withdrawal of the proposal to privatise public sector enterprises, including the Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant, and restoration of the old pension scheme for organised and unorganised workforces.
Solidarity still strong with Ukraine22 febrero, 2024Today, in a moving gathering, Ukrainian trade unions and international allies commemorated almost two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an event that has drastically reshaped lives, economies, and Ukrainian society. The meeting, titled "Ukrainian trade unions: two years in wartime – challenges, priorities, and further support," brought together voices from across sectors, shedding light on the resilience and struggles of workers on the front lines of this conflict.
Sintracarbón signs agreement with Cerrejón Colombia and avoids strike action4 marzo, 2024Colombian union Sintracarbón signed a collective bargaining agreement with multinational Carbones del Cerrejón Limited on 27 February, ending a dispute and preventing a strike. The agreement provides for additional benefits, including higher wages, the conversion of temporary contracts into permanent contracts and longer maternity leave.
Switzerland accepts historic social solidarity initiative6 marzo, 2024In Switzerland, for the first time, a popular initiative was accepted that fundamentally enhances the country's 1st pillar old-age pension insurance (AVS) by introducing a 13th pension payment. In an encouraging move, led by the Swiss Trade Union Federation (USS) and supported by women's and retirees' organizations, this initiative addresses the pressing issue of inflation that has hit pensioners hard.
