31 May, 2013Caterpillar unionists from five continents strengthen network and solidarity
Forty trade union representatives, shop stewards and works council members of the US Caterpillar group met in Esher, UK to strengthen their trade union network. They not only exchanged information and experiences but also took action on behalf of their USW brothers and sisters.
The trade union representatives in this IndustriALL Caterpillar global network represent thousands of Caterpillar workers worldwide. They reinforced their networking activities, and reconfirmed their firm commitment to fight for better working and living conditions of Caterpillar employees all over the world.
The representatives came from Brazil, Japan, Germany, Australia, India, USA, UK, France and Belgium. Delegates especially committed to building global solidarity among contract workers and hired labour as well as third party contractors at Caterpillar.
The network confirmed their position:
Caterpillar workers worldwide are proud of their work. Without their continued labor and sacrifices over many years, there would be no record earnings, revenue or profit to boast about when Caterpillar increases executive compensation or declares a dividend for its shareholders.
Because of the hard work and dedication of the Caterpillar workers worldwide Caterpillar is the number one mining equipment maker in the world. For that reason and many others, Caterpillar management must recognize these workers’ contributions to the company, respect their loyalty, skills and experience and stand back from any attempt to undermine working conditions. Especially unjustified use of contract labour and any other form of precarious work won’t be tolerated.
Summing up the decisions taken by the body, Dennis Williams, Chair of IndustriALL Caterpillar global trade union network, stated:
Caterpillar management on each level, be it globally, national or on plant level, will have to accept that the workers we represent are the company’s most valuable asset. Caterpillar management will have to change its attitude towards their employees.
During this meeting, Anne-Marie Mureau, Director at IndustriALL, who accompanied the network over the last years, was said good-bye to. The delegates expressed their gratitude for Anne-Marie’s dedicated and always prompt work for this global network.