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5 December, 2011
The right wing government of Viktor Orbán in Hungary has systematically over the past year and a half dismantled many trade union freedoms and social dialogue relationships. The new Labour Code is not only completely undermining workers’ ability to fight for just conditions in the workplace, but is now empowering companies to re-open old conflicts and punish trade union activists for actions taken under the previous legislation.
ICEM affiliated unions were shocked to be informed at Congress of Japanese rubber conglomerate Bridgestone’s move to initiate a penal procedure against Tamás Székely, president of VDSZ, the Hungarian chemical workers union. The case against the union president is focused on a 2009 report in the union journal “Vegyipari Dolgozó” or “Chemical Worker” on the treatment of a company employee.
VDSZ President Tamás Székely
Tibor Skoflek suffered occupational health problems in the spring of 2009 and Bridgestone at the time rejected any responsibility for this. Local management even failed to supply transport to hospital for Tibor Skoflek, and he was taken by a bus driver.
This is the first time in 20 years of Hungarian trade union work that a company initiates a penal procedure against a union leader with absolutely no negotiations or consultation beforehand.
The clear policy of the Orbán regime is to create fear among Hungarian workers so that they rescind trade union membership.
The ICEM condemns in the strongest terms this crackdown on fundamental labour rights in Hungary, and specifically in this case against Tamás Székely, and will be exerting pressure at company and government levels.