30 May, 2011UK union Unite and the Japan Council of the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF-JC) commit to building a stronger alliance to benefit workers in Japanese companies.
GENEVA: During the IMF's recent Executive Committee meeting, Unite the union and the IMF-JC met to discuss ways to support workers present in Japanese companies. The global operations of Japanese automobile manufacturers are conducted in numerous countries around the world, and Honda, Nissan, Toyota have a significant presence in the UK. These facilities have brought significant benefits to local economies, including employment, industrial development and technology transfer. The outcome of the meeting was a commitment to build a stronger alliance between both parties.
However the meeting took place against the background of the recently failed attempt to derecognize Unite at the Honda plant in Swindon. Unite has had a recognition agreement at Honda UK since 2002 which was signed by the then AEEU section of Amicus (now Unite). The UK's Central Arbitration Council which rules on union recognition issues in the UK recently rejected the challenge to Unite.
Although Unite won its bid to stop the de-recognition both parties discuss ways in which the UK and Japanese unions can assist each other to prevent further such activities. A number of immediate and long term steps were agreed in order to strengthen communication channels, including establishing a resource person for each organization who can keep both informed of any problems.
During the meeting Tony Burke, Unite Assistant General Secretary, stated, "We need the support of our Japanese union colleagues to strengthen our activities in the Japanese companies. Our interest is in building a strong alliance that benefits us both and delivers when we are faced with a situation like that at Honda in Swindon. Our aim is to build union membership and density in these companies."
Rob Johnston, IMF Executive Director, added, "A fundamental principle of the recognition agreement is recognition of the union, Honda management must uphold that principle and clearly state that they recognize Unite."
In addition to the discussions about Honda, Unite and IMF-JC also discuss Nissan and Toyota. In Sept 2012 Nissan will host its World Joint Seminar and Unite have been invited to participate. The seminar brings together trade unions from all over the world.
Koichiro Nishihara, IMF-JC President and President of the Confederation of Japan Automobile workers' Unions, stated that the IMF-JC is fully committed to supporting Unite in its activities within the Japanese companies including its activities at Honda in Swindon.