17 November, 2008
The ICEM and some of its major mining affiliates made a historic step in trade union work around Xstrata, a major global mining house. The meeting took place in Montréal, Canada, on 25 October.
The meeting was initiated by the United Steelworkers (USW) and included mining unions from Canada, Peru, Chile, Australia, Germany, and the Dominican Republic, along with the ICEM.
The meeting was a first step in building a world council of Xstrata trade unions. The company is based in Switzerland and traded on London and Swiss stock exchanges. Efforts are underway to involve other ICEM affiliates in the mining sector, as well as other trade unions.
Euclide Hache and Mike Willett from USW New Brunswick Mine, Canada
Martin Schindler, IG Metall Wesermarsch, Germany
Bodo Bar, Xstrata Zinc Nordenham, Germany
Bob McGregor, USW New Brunswick Refinery, Canada
On November 10, rank and file CFMEU delegates from Xstrata’s coal operations throughout Australia endorsed a campaign to defend collective bargaining and fight the company’s efforts to promote individual contracts. The delegates also voted to be part on an active international network. “We must confront Xstrata on equal global terms or we’ll be picked off one by one", said Andrew Vickers, CFMEU General Vice-President.
At the 25 October meeting, a statement was adopted. It can be found at here. (please note that the strike by members of the Canadian Auto Workers has been settled)