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3 February, 2000The French metalworkers' union has witnessed a remarkable, steady growth in recent years.
FRANCE: In a supplement to the February issue of their monthly news magazine, the IMF-affiliated FO Métaux reports on its recent organising successes. In the last three years, 5,000 new members have joined the union, with 194 new locals established in 1999 alone.
Some of the comments of new trade union activists in explaining why they chose to join FO Métaux were:
- It's a union which really knows how to welcome its members, listen to their needs, be convincing and maintain close contacts with the working people whom they represent.
- The policies of FO Métaux are very clear and well-defined.
- FO Métaux is committed to promoting employment for all. It stands for independent trade unionism which respects genuine trade union ethics.
- Trade unionism should not just focus on mainstream labour demands. Trade unions must also look into the individual workplace problems of their members, and be competent, efficient and responsible.
The FO Métaux general secretary, Michel Huc, says that "any real social progress rests on the ability to mobilise organised workers, and it is through our hard struggle and deep convictions that we have succeeded in promoting the interests of our members." He maintains that trade union independence is essential in order to be free to make demands, negotiate, conclude agreements, take initiatives, without being dependent on the influence of others.
Some of the comments of new trade union activists in explaining why they chose to join FO Métaux were:
- It's a union which really knows how to welcome its members, listen to their needs, be convincing and maintain close contacts with the working people whom they represent.
- The policies of FO Métaux are very clear and well-defined.
- FO Métaux is committed to promoting employment for all. It stands for independent trade unionism which respects genuine trade union ethics.
- Trade unionism should not just focus on mainstream labour demands. Trade unions must also look into the individual workplace problems of their members, and be competent, efficient and responsible.
The FO Métaux general secretary, Michel Huc, says that "any real social progress rests on the ability to mobilise organised workers, and it is through our hard struggle and deep convictions that we have succeeded in promoting the interests of our members." He maintains that trade union independence is essential in order to be free to make demands, negotiate, conclude agreements, take initiatives, without being dependent on the influence of others.