19 May, 2010Organizing the electronics industry has long proven to be a difficult challenge for trade unions. Unionization rates remain extremely low in an industry where precarious employment is rife and labour abuses abound. To make matters worse, the electronics industry has been one of the hardest hit by the economic crisis, bringing job losses and additional downward pressure on pay and conditions. But at IMF's recent conference for the ICT, Electrical and Electronics industries on 'Organizing, Trade Union Rights and Sustainability', IMF affiliates reasserted their commitment to organizing electronics workers and improving their working conditions.
19 May, 2010According to official data, in Russia, a country with a population of over 140 million, in 2009 there was a grand total of one strike. Of course, this reflects not the actual situation, but rather the unjustifiably strict legal requirements for holding strikes. The unconvincing figures from the Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) conceal the real story of labour conflicts: hundreds of collective disputes, a multitude of clashes with management and government, which both are often prepared to go to any lengths to destroy active and combative unions.
19 May, 2010Indonesian workers win unprecedented legal battle to secure lost wages and termination compensation.
19 May, 2010In solidarity with workers from South Korea, European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF) Automotive Committee calls on French automotive components maker Valeo to enter into negotiations with the union regarding closure of South Korea plant.
18 May, 2010In a "David versus Goliath" struggle, braving a 15-week lock-out, scabs, and attacks by Rio Tinto's union-busting firm, ILWU members at Rio Tinto borate mine secure new contract resisting job outsourcing and attacks on union rights.
28 April, 2010Global Unions commemorate Workers' Memorial Day with delegation visit to the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations calling on Canada to halt promotion of asbestos exports to the developing world.
26 April, 2010In Mexico, an IMF delegation attended a tribute to miners who died at Lázaro Cárdenas, a press conference that focused on IMF complaints to the ILO and a protest outside the offices of Grupo Mexico.
23 April, 2010Consolidating union strength, dealing with the challenges of precarious work, climate change and industrialization in Africa was the focus of IMF affiliated metal unions in Southern Africa during their sub-regional meeting in April.
