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6 April, 2009
The first meeting of the Latin American Regional Trade Union Network for workers of Dutch multinational Akzo Nobel was organised between 11-13 March in São Paulo, Brazil. The newly formed network had the participation of Brazilian, Argentine, and Mexican trade union representatives. ICEM, the Brazilian trade union confederation CUT, and Instituto Observatório Social (ISO) were also present in the meeting.
After the meeting’s opening, ICEM Chemicals and Rubber Industries Officer Kemal Özkan made a presentation on the global situation in the chemicals industry, and the impacts of the current financial crisis throughout the world. Dutch trade union representatives from Akzo Nobel contributed to the discussions by sending a report about the general situation and organizational structure of the company following Akzo Nobel’s merger with British ICI.
During the meeting, a video conference with employees in Mexico was conducted that allowed for sharing of information and experiences. The video conferencing also served to link Mexican workers into discussion on the construction of the network.
To better understand the reality facing workers, the participants visited the Akzo Nobel plant in Santo André, São Paulo state, a paint and varnish factory of ICI Parkingon on 12 March.
A Social Dialogue conference, organized on 13 March, had the participation of the human resources manager for South America, Adenilson Araújo, together with members of the new network. The main points discussed were the recognition of the Latin American Network of Workers’ for Akzo Nobel, and a search for information regarding a survey on health and safety in the various workplaces, as well as along the supply chain.
According to Araújo, Akzo Nobel recognizes the consistency of the movement and will discuss all points brought forward by the network. A record with such issues will be produced and signed by the parties.
"The network of workers in Latin America for Akzo Nobel workers is now a reality and our goal must be to strengthen the network, and build agreements and benefits that better the lives of workers," said Sergio Carasso, the coordinator of the network.