Unions push for stronger human rights protections in the base metals sector4 October, 2024Trade unions are intensifying efforts to ensure that human rights due diligence (HRDD) frameworks lead to meaningful improvements in workers' conditions within the base metals sector. At a workshop held in Prague on 3-4 October, IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll Europe gathered union representatives from around the globe to address the industry's notorious risks to workers' rights and safety. Supported by the European Commission, the event focused on how unions can actively shape HRDD processes and hold companies accountable.
Rubber sector workers say: “if united we can shake the world”.3 October, 2024On 25-26 September, 140 representatives from rubber and tyre unions from across the globe gathered in Turkey to address key issues impacting major multinational companies like Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Pirelli/Prometeon. The focus was on strengthening union power, improving health and safety standards, empowering women, and tackling supply chain challenges.
Organizing under tough economic conditions in Zimbabwe’s garment industry 3 October, 2024With the closing of garment factories over the years due to a prolonged economic crisis, recruitment and organizing has been difficult for most trade unions in Zimbabwe.
Manager physically assaults workers at Yura factory in Serbia 1 October, 2024A South Korean manager at Yura’s Leskovac factory in Serbia, physically assaulted three female workers during the first shift on 27 September. The victims, employed in seated preparation roles due to medical conditions developed while working at Yura, were initially subjected to verbal abuse before he kicked their chairs and threw one at them. One worker sustained injuries and another lost consciousness, requiring hospital treatment.
Ghanaian government cancels mining licence for Bogoso-Prestea Mine after union petition30 September, 2024After conditions of employment for over 1,000 workers deteriorated and became precarious, the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) and other organizations, campaigned and petitioned the Ghanaian government to cancel the gold mining licence for Bogoso-Prestea Mine.
Caterpillar global trade union network commits to support workers and demand change30 September, 2024The Caterpillar global trade union network met in Paris on 25 September to strengthen global solidarity among workers at the manufacturing giant. As Caterpillar continues to post staggering profits — more than US$ 9 billion in 2023 — workers around the world face stagnant wages, job insecurity and growing anti-union practices.
Malaysia: Union busting at auto supplier Valeo30 September, 2024Valeo Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s union busting attempts failed when courts ruled in favour of the National Union of Transport Equipment & Allied Industries Workers’ (NUTEAIW) right to organize. Valeo Malaysia tried to disrespect workers’ free choice at secret ballot result and filed multiple legal challenges against the NUTEAIW.
Palestine: Global unions file ILO complaint to recover wages of over 200,000 Palestinian workers in Israel 27 September, 2024A complaint against the Israeli government for blatant violations of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Protection of Wages Convention has been filed by nine global trade unions, with members in over 160 countries representing 207 million workers. The complaint highlights the obligations of Israeli authorities to redress and remedy a range of abuses, including unpaid wages and withheld benefits for more than 200,000 Palestinian workers employed in Israel.
New centre for Tunisia’s women garment workers 26 September, 2024A new women’s centre has opened in Tunis to support female workers in Tunisia’s textile and garment industry. Run under the auspices of Fédération Générale du Textile, de l'Habillement, Chaussure et Cuir - FGTHCC-UGTT and IndustriALL and sponsored by online retailer ASOS, the centre will support female workers around gender-based violence and health and safety, training and campaigning for women-related matters, especially ratification of C190.
Iran: mine explosion kills 50 26 September, 2024One of the worst industrial accidents in Iran killed 50 mine workers and injured 16 more as methane gas exploded in a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, on 22 September. The day before the explosion, workers informed management about the smell of methane gas in the tunnels, but they were still made to go to work.
