29 March, 2011Trade unionists from within the IMF engaged in co-ordinating trade union networks within TNCs came together in Brazil in March to discuss how to strengthen their role in building and strengthening cross-border global solidarity and action.
BRAZIL: The International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) held a TNC Trade Union Network Coordinators meeting in Rio de Janeiro on March 24 and 25, 2011. The purpose of the meeting was to further develop the IMF's approach to TNC Trade Union Networks following the publication of its Guidelines on trade union networks in TNC in December 2010. Experts on TNC trade union networks from 20 countries attended the meeting and shared practical experiences.
What was clear from the start of the meeting was that the approach to networking varied greatly from region to region and depending on the participants own experiences. The TNC trade union networks highlighted at the meeting fell in to two categories: those that were recognized by management, and those that had developed despite management.
The first presentation focused on the practical experiences of Jorge Garcia Orgales of the United Steelworkers who is the global network coordinator for Gerdau and Tenaris. Jorge explained the practical steps that needed to be undertaken in his role, such as ensuring good communications, building trust within the network and developing a plan of action. During the following panel discussion on experiences of TNC network coordinators, it was highlighted that successful networks depend on the will of the local unions to work internationally. Additionally, that TNC trade union networks are built one step at a time through building contacts and relationships. Furthermore, coordinators play a central role in making the network function.
Outcomes and goals for action plans in TNC trade union networks was the second panel discussion. The panel discussion focused on how to get the interest of local unions in various countries, and what should be the role of the different parties in the network. Other areas included what preliminary work had to be carried out beforehand and how the company had reacted to the network. The experiences amongst the panelists varied, in most cases it was felt that the IMF had to play a central role. The local union leadership also had to be committed in order for the network to succeed. In terms of developing action plans it was felt that it was not possible to have a one size fits all approach.
After a presentation from CNM-CUT on their training manual for TNC Trade Union Network coordinators, participants then discuss what materials the IMF could develop for future use. Not surprisingly from countries new to networking there was a need to develop education materials and knowledge. From countries with more experience the request was to provide a better overview of existing networks. The outcome was that the IMF should develop an approach which encompasses both demands: an education program were its needed, and a publication which is based on case studies that provide an overview of the existing networks.
The final panel discussion focused on the need to develop an IMF internal mandate for other global level agreements. An extensive discussion served to highlight the different opinions and understanding among participants.
To conclude the meeting a communications workshop took place during which participants discuss good and bad examples of communication then reported back to a plenary session. The good examples highlighted the need for planning and rules, developing the appropriate tools, and building understanding among unions.