Glencore and Xstrata epitomize the resource curse: Unions oppose their merger4 July, 2012Trade unions representing Xstrata’s and Glencore’s unionized workforces across the world have voiced their opposition to the proposed merger of the two companies and especially the extreme retention bonuses being paid to Xstrata management.
IndustriALL signs global agreement with Saab4 July, 2012IndustriALL Global Union Swedish affiliate IF Metall concluded a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) setting out principles of respect for core labour standards and sustainability with Saab AB, an aerospace and defence aircraft manufacturer.
Iraqi workers protest against the latest government interference29 June, 2012IndustriALL affiliates in Iraq were at the forefront of a major demonstration and picket on the morning of 25 June 2012 in Basra. Fresh from her election as an Executive Committee member of the new IndustriALL Global Union, Hashmeya Muhsin al-Saadawi, leader of the Electricity Utility Workers’ Union, was one of the leaders of the protest which also included the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU), Federation of Workers Councils Unions of Iraq and other Basra based organizations. Protesters marched and chanted slogans denouncing the continued blatant government intervention into internal trade union affairs and the ban on trade union organization in the public sector.
IndustriALL responds to Glencore's snub12 July, 2012In response to Glencore and Xstrata’s arrogant refusal to meet with a delegation of IndustriALL Global Union affiliates to discuss labour issues in light of their intended merger, IndustriALL joined a delegation of activists in a demonstration at their headquarters in Zug, Switzerland.
ILO calls on Mexico for tripartite dialogue on Protection Contracts9 July, 2012Recommendations put forward by the Committee on Freedom of Association and approved by the International Labour Organisations’ Governing Body in June call on the Mexican government to examine the issue of Protection Contracts.
IndustriALL and Rhodia-Solvay meet to improve safety9 July, 2012IndustriALL and Rhodia, part of the Belgian-based Solvay chemicals group, held the third meeting of the Global Safety Panel at the company’s operation in Chalampé, France on 26 to 27 June 2012.
Mining accident in South Africa kills 5 workers6 July, 2012On 2 July, five workers were killed and 14 others were hospitalized for smoke inhalation at the KDC West mine operated by Gold Fields in South Africa, when a fire broke out. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) put the blame on poor mine management. NUM will conduct a memorial service for the deceased in their memory which is attended by the all the workers at the mine.
Solidaridad con los trabajadores colombianos de Mafylm5 July, 2012A 150 trabajadores de Mafylm, contratista de Drummond, se les impidió el ingreso a la planta, Hace más de tres meses que los trabajadores luchan por un pliego petitorio y la empresa no respende.
Mexico: independent union formed at Flex-N-Gate in Puebla27 June, 2012The democratic trade union SITIAFNG was formed Sunday 24 June 2012, in a context of low wages, repression, harassment and the existence of a protection union. This is an historic moment for the workers and they hope that the labour authorities will recognize the union.
Jyrki Raina's speech to the Foreign Press Association, London26 June, 2012One week after the creation of IndustriALL Global Union, General Secretary Jyrki Raina announces to the Foreign Press Association his intention of shining a light on Rio Tinto’s unethical behavior around the world, starting with the release of a report on the company’s operations in Africa.
