Foxconn plans union elections in China7 February, 2013Foxconn, the electronics manufacturing giant, is preparing to conduct elections for a representative labour union in its Chinese factories. The move follows severe criticism from trade unions and human rights groups for workers’ suicides, poor working conditions and employment relations at the company.
Dismissed Maruti Suzuki workers face state repression7 February, 2013Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU) organized an all-India day of solidarity action on 5 February 2013 to condemn the state repression and demanding release of arrested workers and reinstatement of all dismissed workers of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL).
Textile companies abscond leaving 5,000 jobless in Pakistan7 February, 2013NTUF is campaigning for 5,000 textile workers rendered jobless after an international exporter absconded and closed two companies, Joe's Fashion Export and J&M Clothing.
Canadian unions in action on Mexico7 February, 2013Unions and worker rights supporters took action across Canada as part of the Mexico Days of Action 18 to 24 February 2013.
Workers on strike at Cerrejón in Colombia8 February, 2013Workers at Carbones del Cerrejón, represented by their union, Sintracarbón, have begun a strike for improved working conditions. Negotiations failed to reach an agreement and the interim settlement deadline passed without the company making an acceptable offer.
Emcocables refuses to negotiate a collective agreement 21 February, 2013SINTRAEMCOCABLES, the union representing workers at the Colombian steel cables company, Emcocables S.A., is demanding a 5.75% pay rise. The company is offering 4.5%.
Russian unions join global days of action through letters to the Mexican president21 February, 2013See here the 18 February letter from IndustriALL-affiliated
South African unions come out in support of Mexican workers21 February, 2013200 members of IndustriALL’s South African affiliates the NUM, Sactwu and Numsa gathered outside the Mexican embassy in Pretoria to protest the disregard of trade union and labour rights in Mexico.
Sintracarbón continues on strike but open to negotiations21 February, 2013The union representing workers at Cerrejón has attended all scheduled negotiating meetings and has conducted itself in a respectful manner. The company has broken off talks but the union remains open to reaching an agreement.
Gerdau workers demand safe work21 February, 2013More than 600 workers stopped production at the Gerdau plant in São Leopoldo for more than 2 hours on 19 February, demanding action after a severe workplace injury occurred on 16 February.