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30 October, 2006
Seven trade unions representing Continental AG rubber workers in six countries gathered 18-19 October in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to discuss the German manufacturer’s labour practices. The meeting was hosted by the independent SNTGTM in Mexico.
A declaration resulted from the conference on undertaking future work, including a Day of Action at Continental’s global worksites on 13 December 2006. The declaration includes a call to IGBCE of Germany, as the major trade union of Conti workers there, to conduct a meeting of Continental trade unions in order to work toward creation of a global union network.
Continental Tyre unionists
in front of the San Luis Potosi plant
Trade unionists from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico and the US attended the meeting in San Luis Potosi. The host union described how management at this plant sacked some union leaders, with SNTGTM taking the matter to court in order to get reinstatements. With that successful, the union has still found it difficult to bargain with the company each year.
Mark Cieslikowski, a local union leader from US affiliate United Steelworkers (USW), told delegates of the harsh manner in which Continental closed a tyre factory in Charlotte, state of North Carolina, this year. Brazilian trade unionists told how, despite a collective agreement in place, managers at a facility in Canaçari block union representatives from entering the plant to speak with or organise workers.
Jörg Schustereit, IGBCE member and member of the works council of ContiTech, called “Euroforum,” spoke about the process and workings of that council, while ICEM’s Rubber Sector Officer, Michael Wolters, reported on Conti’s economic situation, as well as the company’s current business strategy.
The ICEM will update Rubber Sector trade unions about developments at Continental, as well as alert unions at Continental worksites about the Day of Action, 13 December 2006.