17 September, 2002During two weeks in June, the IMF's second Summer School took place in Chexbres and Geneva. 23 trade unionists from 17 countries briefed one another on their respective organisations; discussed globalisation and the challenges for the trade union movement and paid visits to Swiss metal industries.

17 September, 2002Boonwat Sodok is a metalworker at a car parts manufacturer in Bangkok, Thailand. After being hit by the "Asian crisis" in 1997, Thailand is slowly recovering, and once again attracting foreign investors.

15 September, 2002Members of the IMF-affiliated International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) refuse to ratify company offer but decline industrial action.

12 September, 2002IAM recommends rejection of the company's last offer and strike approval.

10 September, 2002If mediation fails, South African car industry will see indefinite strike.

8 September, 2002Metalworkers will join forces with the construction workers' union by the year 2004.

3 September, 2002Agreement is reached without a conflict.

23 August, 1999Nothing happens when Europe is on vacation. It's summertime!

22 August, 1999Striking port and airport workers have been violently attacked by the police and armed forces, with many arrests carried out.

18 August, 1999The International Metalworkers' Federation expresses its profound sympathy with the people of Turkey, and with all metalworkers and their families affected by one of the strongest earthquakes this century, and urges humanitarian support.