13 March, 2002Ding Tei Bing is a metalworker at the port of Qinhuangdao, People's Republic of China. His country is going through fundamental changes as a market economy is being introduced. Ding: "If we do not introduce changes, we will not survive."

13 March, 2002Metals and mining group continues its assault on workers' and trade union rights.

12 March, 2002Majority of IAM mechanics at United vote in favour of latest contract proposal.

7 March, 2002A two-year contract offering improved conditions has been signed at the BHP Billiton-owned nickel mine.

5 March, 2002In order to protect its steel industry, the USA will place tariffs of up to 30 per cent on most imported steel, an action likely to lead to an international trade dispute.

20 November, 2001The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and its "Global Unions" partners have released a list of 250 multinational companies with business links to Burma.

13 November, 2001Congress vows international trade union action against the transnational metals and mining company.

12 November, 2001Bill Shorten, of the Australian Workers' Union, says that Australia's workplace laws and reform agenda are turning the country into an outcast of the developed world.

8 November, 2001Top official of British Iron and Steel Trades Confederation, in Australia for IMF Congress, returns to the UK because of the tragedy.

7 November, 2001Union says that plan does not address the workers' demand for a job guarantee.