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Global worker No1 2022

Global worker No2 2022

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<p>The IMF will only be as strong as its affiliates and will only have the power its affiliates give to it. Therefore, our priority is building strong national trade unions that, in a permanent democratic relationship with workers, are capable of achieving real gains through collective bargaining, by organising the unorganised, striving for trade union unity at the national level and building unions through training, education and effective exchange of information.</p>

Preface

3. GLOBAL SOLIDARITY IN ACTION

3.3 Defend and protect workers rights

1. OUR MISSION

2. THE WORLD TODAY

2.1 Profits over people

2.2 Unemployment and job insecurity

2.3 Unions under attack

2.4 Fundamental workers´ rights denied

2.5 Spreading influence of Transnational Corporations

2.6 World trade system in disarray

2.7 An unsustainable future

2.8 Alliances, resistance and opportunities

3.1 Build strong national trade unions

3.1.1 Organise the unorganised

3.1.2 Strive for trade union unity at the national level

3.1.3 Build unions through education, training and effective exchange of information

3.2 Strengthening collective bargaining

3.3.1 Fight for trade union rights

3.3.2 Fight for Equal Rights

3.3.3 Fight for safe workplaces

3.4 Build a counterweight to the power of transnational corporations

3.4.1 Strengthening union solidarity and cooperation across sectors and TNCs

3.4.2 Advance fundamental rights through International Framework Agreements

<p>In the process of developing a new Action Programme we see the strengths of the International Metalworkers' Federation. We find that the things that unite us are much greater than the things that divide us.  In the borderless world of today, we share common experiences, challenges and an analysis of the situation facing workers globally. </p><p>This common ground helps the IMF family to decide upon the direction we will take in order to tackle the problems metalworkers confront every day. </p><p>The fact that this Action Programme was adopted in the midst of a global economic crisis is not insignificant. But we didn't need the global crisis to understand that the neoliberal model that used to dominate the world was destructive to workers' rights and social development. </p><p>This IMF Action Programme adopted at the 32<sup>nd</sup> World Congress puts increased emphasis on concrete action and what IMF affiliates can accomplish together through global solidarity. In order to maximise our influence we need to mobilise the forces of the whole IMF family.</p><p>We have to invest more resources in organising everywhere.  We will systematically target transnational companies that are reluctant to allow workers to exercise their fundamental rights.</p><p>The campaign against precarious employment becomes solidified in this document.  The Programme recognises that we need to say and do more on the question of sustainable development and combating global warming. </p><p>Building trade union networks in transnational companies offers a possibility for exchange of information and joint action to make sure that enterprises behave well wherever they operate.  Union building programmes help us strengthen trade unions where they are weak.</p><p>This Action Programme contains exciting and challenging new commitments for IMF affiliates to respond with real and effective action to build stronger unions and when workers' rights are violated.  If we work together to implement this Action Programme, we can achieve our mission. </p><p>In solidarity,</p><p align="left">Jyrki Raina,<br />IMF General Secretary</p><p>June 2009</p>

PREFACE

<p>GENEVA: <em>Union Roadshow: Organisning EPZ workers in Indonesia</em> hit the big screen this year at the third annual Geneva Labour Film Shorts Festival. The film, produced by the International Metalworkers' Federation, was one of fourteen films selected to be shown.</p><p>&quot;It has always been extremely difficult for unions to organise EPZ workers, with employers and even governments crushing unionisation attempts,&quot; said Jenny Holdcroft, IMF's Director of Equal Rights and EPZs and one of the film's producers. &quot;But in Indonesia, unions are helping workers to move from temporary contracts to permanent employment. Wages are increasing and so is union membership.&quot;</p><p>The video showcases the successful organising strategies that Indonesian unions are using to organise EPZ workers. The IMF is hoping that the lessons learned in Indonesia may inspire unions in other parts of the world to intensify their efforts to organise EPZ workers.</p><p>Other films screened at the festival include a Bollywood meets 1970s horror flick health and safety training video for Indian mine workers; a satire on U.S. immigration policy; the story of Palestinian migrant workers living in an abandoned mall outside of Tel Aviv; and the festival's winner for <strong>Best Labour Film Short</strong>, <em>Abandoned, not forgotten: the plight of Burma's migrant fishers </em>which exposes the brutal treatment of migrants working in Thailand's billion dollar export fishing industry. </p><p>The event took place on June 16 and was hosted by all global union federations, the ITUC and TUAC. For more information visit the festival website at: <a href="http://www.labourfilmshorts.org/">http://www.labourfilmshorts.org/</a>.</p><p><em>Union Roadshow</em> can be viewed online here.</p><object></object>

The third annual Geneva Labour Film Shorts Festival debuted fourteen films made by, for and about unions.

IMF&#039;s Union Roadshow screened at film festival

<p><img src="" alt="" title="Berthold Huber" width="120" height="134" align="right" /></p><p>Berthold Huber was elected President of the International Metalworkers' Federation in May 2009, at the 32<sup>nd</sup> World Congress in Gothenburg.</p><p>Born in February 15, 1950, in Ulm/Donau Germany, Berthold Huber has been a member of IG Metall since 1971. </p><p>He completed his apprenticeship as a toolmaker and was employed at Kässbohrer (now Evo-Bus) in Ulm. In 1978 he became head of the Kässbohrer works council and general works council. In 1990 he became a full-time officer for IG Metall in East Germany and in 1991 the Director of President's Office. </p><p>In 1998 Mr. Huber became Regional Director for Baden-Wuerttemberg before becoming Vice President of IG Metall in 2003. He has been President of IG Metall since 2007. </p>

Berthold Huber, IMF President

<ol type="A"><li>The Congress shall elect from among its ranks twenty five members, of whom a minimum of six are to be women, who, together with the President of the Federation, shall constitute the Executive Committee, for the purpose of assisting the Federation's Secretariat in its work and making decisions between meetings of the Congress. <br /><br /><br />Seats shall be distributed as follows: <br />Africa: 4  representatives, including at least 1 woman; <br />Asia &amp; the Pacific: 4 representatives, including at least 1 woman; <br />Latin America &amp; Caribbean: 4  representatives, including at least 1 woman; <br />North America: 4  representatives, including at least 1 woman; <br />Western Europe: 6  representatives, including at least 1 woman; and <br />Central &amp; Eastern Europe: 3 representatives, including at least 1 woman. <br />However, should vacancies on the Executive Committee occur between Congresses, the Central Committee retains its authority to elect new members.</li><li>If an Executive Committee member is unable to attend a meeting, the substitute designated by the Executive Committee member shall attend the meeting. The Executive Committee members shall designate in writing to the General Secretary their substitutes within 60 days after the conclusion of the Congress.  The substitutes are to be confirmed by the Executive Committee.</li><li>The Executive Committee shall determine its own rules. In doing so, the Executive Committee may hold its meetings and conduct its business by utilising new technologies.</li><li>The Executive Committee has the authority to establish special committees for specific work on areas of important concern.</li><li>The Vice President shall  conduct proceedings in the President's absence.</li><li>Presidents of Industrial and Organisational Departments shall participate in Executive Committee meetings as observers.</li><li>The Executive Committee shall appoint a certified public accountant to audit the books and accounts of the Federation.</li><li>The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice a year and, subject to the requirement to act consistently with the decisions of Congress and the Central Committee, is responsible for all policies and activities between meetings of the Central Committee.</li><li>The General Secretary and the Assistant General Secretaries shall take part in meetings in a consultative capacity.</li><li>The salaries of the General Secretary, the Assistant General Secretaries, the Department Heads and the Representatives of the Regional &amp; Project Offices, as well as their conditions of employment shall be determined by the Executive Committee as proposed by the President.</li></ol>

4.     The Executive Committee

<ol type="A"><li><div>The Central Committee is composed of the delegates of affiliated organisations which have fulfilled their obligations to the IMF.</div></li><li><div>The President, the Vice President, the General Secretary and the Assistant General Secretaries of the Federation shall be present at all Central Committee meetings.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee shall hold an ordinary meeting at least every other year and is responsible for policies and activities of the Federation between Congresses.</div></li><li><div>The President and the General Secretary are authorised, with the approval of the majority of the Executive Committee members, to convene special meetings of the Central Committee.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee has the authority to elect the President, the General Secretary, the Vice President or Assistant General Secretaries of the Federation in case of a vacancy between Congresses.  The Central Committee has also the authority to replace Executive Committee members in case of vacancies between Congresses. The same applies to the Auditing Committee.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee has the authority to elect the Presidents of Industrial and Organisational Departments.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee shall determine its agenda and programme.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee is entitled to raise subscriptions between the Congresses (see Article 8.6.).</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee approves the annual accounts reviewed by the Auditing Committee (see Article 3.6.C.) and discharges the General Secretary and the Executive Committee of any further responsibility.</div></li><li><div>To ensure orderly preparation for the work of Congresses, the Central Committee is empowered to set up<strong> </strong>such<strong><em> </em></strong>committees<strong> </strong>as Rules, Resolutions and Credentials.  In the composition of these committees, fair representation of gender<em>, </em>membership and the various continents in the Federation shall be taken into account.  Final confirmation rests with Congress.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee shall determine guidelines for establishing and for the operation of regional groupings and regional offices for the IMF.</div></li><li><div>The travelling and delegation expenses of delegates to the Central Committee are to be borne by the respective organisations. Any affiliated organisation requiring financial assistance for its participation should in advance make arrangements with the General Secretary.</div></li><li><div>The Central Committee defines the duties and powers of World Councils and working groups.</div></li><li><div>For voting in the Central Committee, Article 3.2. I. and J. of the Rules apply.</div></li></ol>

3.     The Central Committee

<ol type="A"><li><div>The highest authority of the Federation is the Congress.</div></li><li><div>The Congress takes place as often as seems advisable, but at least every four years, and is convened by the General Secretary on the decision of the Central Committee.</div></li><li><div>The place, date, and agenda are determined by the Central Committee.</div></li><li><div>Notification of the convening of Congress must be given to affiliates at least four months beforehand.</div></li><li><div>The Congress is composed of representatives of the national organisations affiliated with the Federation.</div></li><li><div>Each affiliated organisation shall determine the number of representatives at the Congress and shall bear their expenses. Affiliated organisations requiring financial assistance to secure participation should make arrangements with the General Secretary well in advance of Congress.</div></li><li><div>A delegate may also represent several of the organisations of his or her country. </div></li><li><div>Such authority shall be in writing to the General Secretary signed by the Principal Officer of the affiliate delegating the representation.</div></li><li><div>Each affiliated organisation, which has fulfilled its financial obligations to the IMF, has the right to vote at the Congress.</div></li><li><div>For the first 200,000 members, affiliates have voting rights according to their membership.  For membership above 200,000, voting rights are in proportion with the subscriptions ratio paid under Article 7.</div></li><li><div>The Congress shall review reports, motions and resolutions offered by affiliates and the Executive Committee.</div></li><li><div>All reports and motions for the Congress must be received by the General Secretary three months before the opening of Congress<em>.</em></div></li><li><div>The General Secretary must notify all affiliated organisations of the Federation of the motions, allowing enough time for them to be brought to the notice of their members before the Congress meets.</div></li><li><div>Reports, motions and resolutions of the Congress are to be adopted by a simple majority of the eligible votes, while alterations of the Rules must require a two-thirds majority of the eligible votes.</div></li><li><div>Each regular Congress shall elect by simple majority of eligible votes<em> </em>the President of the Federation who holds an elected position within his or her organisation.</div></li><li><div>Each regular Congress shall also elect by simple majority of eligible votes the General Secretary of the Federation.</div></li><li><div>Each regular Congress shall also elect by simple majority of eligible votes the Vice President of the Federation who holds an elected position within his or her organisation.</div></li><li><div>Each regular Congress shall also elect with simple majority of eligible votes one or more Assistant General Secretaries of the Federation.</div></li><li><div>Each regular Congress shall also elect by simple majority of eligible votes<em> </em>the Executive Committee members.</div></li><li><div>Each regular Congress shall also elect by simple majority of eligible votes<em> </em>the Auditing Committee members.</div></li><li><div>The Congress determines its own standing orders.</div></li></ol>

2.     The Congress

<ol><li><strong>Overall Structure<br /><br /></strong>The official structure of the International Metalworkers' Federation consists of: <ol type="A"><li><a href="../index.cfm?c=20022&amp;l=2">the Congress</a></li><li><a href="../index.cfm?c=20023&amp;l=2">the Central Committee</a>,</li><li><a href="../index.cfm?c=20024&amp;l=2">the Executive Committee</a>,</li><li><a href="../index.cfm?c=20025&amp;l=2">the Finance Committee</a>,</li><li><a href="../index.cfm?c=20026&amp;l=2">the Auditing Committee</a>. </li></ol></li></ol>

ARTICLE 1 - PURPOSE OF THE FEDERATION

ARTICLE 2 - MISSION OF THE FEDERATION

ARTICLE 3 - STRUCTURE OF THE FEDERATION

ARTICLE 4 -- EXECUTING BODIES OF THE FEDERATION

ARTICLE 5 - DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT

ARTICLE 6 - NATIONAL SECTIONS AND COMMITTEES

ARTICLE 7 - ADMISSION

ARTICLE 8 - FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

ARTICLE 9 - SUBSCRIPTIONS IN ARREARS AND EXONERATIONS

ARTICLE 10 - REVISION OF RULES

ARTICLE 11 - IMF HEADQUARTERS

<ol><li>In order to achieve these objectives, the IMF works to build a strong international trade union movement capable of effectively representing and promoting workers' interests, in the face of an ever-expanding global economy -- a global economy that has yet to embrace, let alone recognise, adopt and enforce workers' rights.</li><li>The IMF affirms<em> </em>that only through trade unions and the practice of collective bargaining the goals of attaining social security and constant progress for workers can be achieved. The IMF therefore fights for all workers in their desire for freedom of association to form their own trade unions, the right to collective bargaining, the right to enter into collective agreements and the right to strike to achieve their demands.</li><li>The IMF also supports all its affiliated unions, particularly in developing countries, in their efforts to achieve higher living standards for workers and to promote democratic, economic and social development.</li><li>The IMF also fights for all other related internationally recognised labour standards, such as the right to a livable wage, safe and healthy working conditions, prohibitions against discrimination, and prohibitions against child labour or compulsory forced labour.</li><li>The IMF stands ready to make common cause with other independent, autonomous, and democratic trade union organisations, notably the International Trade Union Confederation and other Global Union Federations in pursuing international trade union objectives. It seeks to work with non-governmental organisations which share a commitment to promote trade union and other human rights.</li><li>Specific IMF activities which support these objectives include: <ol type="A"><li>Supporting the organisational efforts of metalworkers everywhere, particularly in developing countries and in all countries where freedom of association and the existence of free trade unions are threatened.</li><li>Actively voicing metalworkers' positions on potential international trade union, political, social, and economic issues concerning metalworkers throughout the world. Such participation includes appearances and submissions with respect to relevant international forums such as the World Trade Organisation, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, International Trade Union Confederations, etc.</li><li>Serving as a catalyst, depository and exchange of information and material for affiliates needed in accomplishing these objectives.</li><li>Providing moral and practical support and leading in the development of creative and innovative strategies to assist in economic, political and social conflicts.</li></ol></li></ol>

<p>NIGERIA: In 2005, the Nigerian government passed the Trade Union Amendment Act. One of the key changes for the labour movement was that union membership would now become voluntary. While such freedom is in principle to be welcomed, it was widely believed that the main aim of this change was to weaken the cohesion and unity of the trade union movement. Former IMF affiliate, Steel &amp; Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN) fell prey to this strategy, unable to manage the challenges of organizational change needed for the union to recruit and organize workers, the union split in four along sub sector lines and was expelled from the IMF in 2008.</p><p>Recognizing the need to rebuild worker power through unity two of the emergent unions from SEWUN and two staff associations, made up of workers that were previously not allowed to join a trade union have come together to build one strong union. These parties have made significant progress, having already drafted a constitution. However, the Trade Union Amendment Act does not allow for a trade union to be registered to represent workers in a sector where a trade union already exists, requiring SEWUN to be deregistered.</p><p>This part of the Act is one of issues that the ILO has taken up with the Nigerian government, to ensure that workers have the right to form and join organizations of their own choice even if another organization already exists. In the report of the committee of experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations in all member states of the ILO recently released by the ILO headquarters, attention is brought to this part of the act which is in violation of Article 2 of the Convention No. 87 of 1948 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize which states that workers have the right to establish and join organizations of their own choice without distinction whatsoever.</p><p>Despite this setback, the parties remain committed to a merger and in the meeting formulated a programme of collaboration which includes joint workshops for shop stewards. They have also agreed to joint plant visits and worker meetings as well as to establishing a joint approach to bargaining to strengthen the position of workers in the bargaining council. </p>

In April, the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) Africa Regional Representative, Steve Nhlapo, met with two trade unions and two staff associations representing metalworkers that have begun the process of merging, to offer support in an effort to bring Nigerian metalworkers back into the IMF family.

Uniting metalworkers in Nigeria in progress

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