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29 June, 2009
ICEM’s Brazilian affiliate, the ABC Chemical Workers’ Union of São Paulo state, chose the motto “Strengthen Regional Integration and Decent Work” for its 10th Congress, which was held from 16-19 May. Aimed at promoting discussions over key challenges faced by workers in the workplaces as well as in the communities, the Congress extended over a period of 60 days and was divided into three stages.
At part one on 16 May, some 800 workers opened the Congress by starting political discussions over various topics dealing with more recruitment, and mobilization against the impact of global economic crisis. The session also took up the challenges at regional and national levels.
The second portion of the Congress was realised from 29 May to 17 June when chemical workers and union members were invited to discuss union actions in four main areas: the workplace; local, regional, and national councils and committees covering health, social security, environment, employment, and development; the various segments of the chemical industry, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, paints, and petrochemicals; and the union movement at both national and international levels.
In these sessions, participants adopted resolutions and elected delegates for the third and final step of the Congress programme, which will take place 17-19 July. This forum will approve and begin implementation of the main struggle points for the ABC Chemical Workers’ Union over the next three years.
ABC Chemical Workers' Union President, Paul Lage
The President of the union, Paulo Lage, stated: “Instead of presenting prepared arguments and proposals to debate, we adopted a methodology that facilitates participation in the sessions and working groups, where arguments and resolutions are developed for debate and adoption at the final Congress round.”
ICEM’s Latin American/Caribbean Region Vice-President Sérgio Novais, who is also an officer of the ABC Chemical Workers’ Union, also believes strongly in the innovative methodology of this process. He said it “improves the organization in the workplace, facilitates the organization of workers’ networks to understand globalization, and it presents real challenges and opportunities in which to find solutions.”