Global union federations call for an immediate cease fire and an end to the military escalation in Iran and the Middle East4 March, 2026The undersigned Global Union Federations (GUFs) condemn the recent military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, including air strikes that have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries, and the destruction of critical public infrastructure — among them schools and medical facilities.
Responsible exit is the only responsible choice in Myanmar’s war economy25 February, 2026Five years after the military coup, Myanmar is no longer a “high-risk sourcing destination.” It is a war economy. In this joint op-ed, Myanmar trade union leader in exile Khaing Zar and IndustriALL Global Union General Secretary Atle Høie set out why responsible exit is now the only responsible choice.
Initiative in Mexico targets industrial homicide after Pasta de Conchos25 February, 2026Twenty years after the industrial homicide at Pasta de Conchos that claimed 65 miners’ lives, families are still demanding justice. Not all the bodies were recovered and Grupo México has never taken full responsibility. A new legislative initiative seeks to reform the law to include criminal liability for individuals in cases of industrial homicide, aiming to prevent tragedies like Pasta de Conchos.
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.
