Bangladesh is one of the world’s worst countries for workers 5 July, 2023The recently published ITUC Global Rights Index 2023, which ranks countries based on the status of workers’ rights, reveals a grim picture of the situation for workers in South Asian countries. While Nepal and Sri Lanka witness regular and systematic violations of workers’ rights respectively, Bangladesh has been ranked as one of the worst countries in the world for workers.
Sweden must respect international law 4 October, 2023The situation for Belarusian union activists continues to deteriorate, mainly in the country, but also for those in exile. Leader of Free Metalworkers' Union Ala Tsvirko, who left the country in 2021 to avoid detention over her union activities, is now facing deportation from Sweden, putting her life in danger.
Thai workers demand Ratification of ILO Conventions 87 and 98 16 October, 2023On World Day for Decent Work, 7 October, approximately 800 trade unionists marched from the Democracy Monument to the United Nations office in Bangkok, calling for an end to precarious work, a stop to reforming the state enterprise and Ratification of ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
We want a business and human rights treaty with stronger protections for workers 23 October, 2023This week, the UN negotiations for a business and human rights treaty will resume for its ninth session in Geneva, Switzerland. Together with the ITUC and the other global unions, IndustriALL are pushing for a legally binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
Brands commit to long-term future and expansion of International Accord 6 November, 2023Global trade unions and fashion brands and retailers have reached agreement on a new International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry. The renegotiated contract secures the work of the Accord until the end of the decade, strengthens the complaint mechanism for workers and includes commitments for an expansion into other countries.
FKMTU leader released on bail 15 November, 2023The general secretary of Federation of Korean Metalworkers' Trade Unions (FKMTU), Kim Jun-yeong, was released on bail from Gwangju prison on 3 November, after being arrested during a sit-in protest earlier this year. His next hearing will be on 20 November.
EU must end support for MADE in Myanmar and EBA policies11 January, 2024After almost three years of military rule in Myanmar, IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll Europe reiterate their call for the European Union (EU) to withdraw support for the Multistakeholder Alliance for Decent Employment in the Myanmar Apparel Industry (MADE in Myanmar) project and the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) preferential trade agreement. The presence of EU brands in Myanmar provides vital foreign exchange which sustains the military regime and facilitates the purchase of arms, ammunition, and fuel.
IndustriALL supports Argentine unions in the face of attacks by far-right president Milei22 January, 2024IndustriALL Global Union stands in solidarity with its Argentinean affiliates in their efforts to defend democracy and fundamental rights in the face of attacks by far-right President Javier Milei.
Belarus: Union leader released from jail4 February, 2024Political prisoner Zinaida Mikhniuk, activist and former chairperson of IndustriALL affiliate Radio and Electronics Industry Workers Union REP, has been released from jail after serving a two-years sentence for "insulting Lukashenka”.
Garment workers in Sri Lanka attacked by employer 15 February, 2024On 9 February, management of Sumithra Group in Sri Lanka physically assaulted union members in the Hasalaka factory and forcefully prevented workers from attending a union meeting scheduled that day. According to the union, brands sourcing from the factory include ASDA, Superdry and Dillard’s.
