Conference on Coordination and Harmonization of Union Networks in the Chemical Industry in Latin America

The IndustriALL Global Union’s Conference on “Coordination and Harmonization of Union Networks in the Chemical Industry in Latin America” was organized with the support of Brazilian affiliate CNQ-CUT and Germany’s FES foundation on 3-5 September in São Paulo, Brazil.

Over 60 trade unionist participants representing the networks of six selected multinational companies in the chemicals sector came together for debates, panels, workshops and teleconferencing for a thorough exchange of experience and information as well as planning of future activities. Countries and multinationals represented were Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Peru, and BASF, Bayer, Lanxess, St. Gobain, Solvay and Akzo-Nobel.

The goals of the seminar were to asses current levels of organizing and strength in the networks, to identify strategies to internationalize the networks, exchange experiences for example of European Works Councils with South American experiences. IndustriALL’s German affiliate Chemical, Energy and Mine Workers’ Union IG BCE was represented by Michael Wolters to bring direct experience from the German-based multinationals. Further goals were enhance the training of union leaders so as to strengthen the global networks and increase women and youth participation.

IndustriALL Assistant General Secretary Kemal Özkan addressing the opening of the seminar stated:

This activity is a crucial milestone in the struggle for globalization of labour rights. We stand together against precarious work that is the greatest threat to the union movement in the world. We want to organize, organize, organize.

The seminar was connected via teleconference with colleagues in Europe allowing for exchange and joint planning for next steps within various networks on the global scale.

CNQ-CUT’s International Secretary Fabio Lins explained the fractured trade union situation in Brazil where new unions are being created constantly leading to a divided movement. In this situation company and sector trade union networks are even more important. “We have to practice union action and not only union reaction,” said Lins.

The supporting organization FES shares IndustriALL’s belief that consolidation of trade union networks is a decisive policy that strengthens workers’ demands for social dialogue, improved working conditions and access to fundamental labour rights.

In closing the seminar, each network coordinator reported reflections and future work plans of their network. Target countries were identified to expand company networks, meetings were scheduled and the Akzo-Nobel network announced the upcoming publication of its magazine. Coordinators reported that the meeting had been extremely useful for them, equipping them with the tools to reinforce partnerships within South America and with colleagues throughout the world, and to organize. It was agreed that networks coordinates will meet once a three-month period under the coordination of IndustriALL.