Turning HRDD from compliance into power24 February, 2026More than 100 trade unionists from across the world met in Paris on 19–20 February for the final conference of the first joint industriAll Europe and IndustriALL globgal union project: ABC of RBC (Responsible Business Conduct). The conference delivered a clear message: human rights due diligence (HRDD) along global supply chains must deliver real change for workers.
“I was not a prisoner, I was hostage of the system”: Gennady Fedynich after his release from Belarusian jail18 February, 2026Gennady Fedynich is the long-time leader of the independent Radio and Electronics Industry Workers’ Union (REP) in Belarus. One of many Belarusian trade unionists imprisoned in the crackdown on free unions, Gennady was released from prison in September and immediately deported to Lithuania without any documents or access to his pension.
India: 300 million workers mobilize16 February, 2026Trade unions across India delivered a powerful display of collective strength on 12 February 2026, as a nationwide general strike brought vast sections of the country to a standstill. Called by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions, the strike was a clear rejection of anti-worker policies and the Indian government’s continued refusal to engage in social dialogue.
Beyond the mining deals12 February, 2026The annual convergence in Cape Town of the Investing in African Mining Indaba and its counterpoint, the Alternative Mining Indaba, once again highlighted the stark divide that characterises much of the continent’s extractive sector: on one side, deal-making among investors, mining houses, and governments; on the other, demands from affected communities and trade unions for a more equitable share of the proceeds.
UAW-Volkswagen deal marks historic breakthrough6 February, 2026In a landmark moment for workers’ rights in the US South, the United Automobile Workers (UAW) and Volkswagen have reached a tentative contract agreement at the company’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The deal marks the culmination of nearly two years of sustained organizing and collective bargaining since employees there voted overwhelmingly to join the UAW in April 2024.
NCP delays enable continued military-linked investment in Myanmar6 February, 2026As the OECD Forum on Responsible Business Conduct in Garment and Footwear convenes in Paris next week, Myanmar marks five years since the military seized power. For workers and trade unions, those five years have meant systemic abuses of the OECD Guidelines and the collapse of any meaningful due diligence.
Brands and trade unions renew Pakistan Accord5 February, 2026Brands and global trade unions have agreed to extend the Pakistan Accord, securing the continuation of a legally binding factory safety programme that covers thousands of garment workers in Pakistan.
Chinese-owned Zimbabwe mine dismisses women after forced HIV tests2 February, 2026The management of a Chinese-owned gold mine in Zimbabwe is facing legal action from the union after subjecting female workers to mandatory HIV testing before summarily dismissing them. The union describes the management’s actions as a flagrant breach of national laws on privacy, equality and non-discrimination.
Myanmar coup anniversary exposes sham elections and ongoing repression29 January, 2026Five years after the military seized power in Myanmar, workers continue to face repression, while sham elections, international complaints and unprecedented action at the ILO expose the junta’s failure to deliver rights or democracy.
Union busting at Apple supplier Lumileds Malaysia29 January, 2026Workers at Apple supplier Lumileds Malaysia are facing retaliation after exercising their legal right to organise. In response, IndustriALL Global Union and its Malaysian affiliate, the Electronics Industry Employees Union Northern Region (EIEU-NR), have launched a LabourStart campaign demanding that Lumileds end union busting and reinstate dismissed workers.
