12 July, 2011Affiliates from 16 African countries met in Johannesburg, South Africa on 6th and 7th July 2011 to discuss progress of the women's programme, the implementation of the IMF action programme and the creation of the new global union federation.
Also present at the conference were IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina, COSATU President Sdumo Dlamini, International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM) President Senzeni Zokwana, who is also President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in South Africa, ICEM coordinator Fabian Nkomo, the International Textile Garment and Leather Workers Federation (ITGLWF) Regional Secretary Thabo Tshabalala as well as trade unionists from South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU).
At a women's workshop preceeding the conference, delegates took stock of what had been done so far in the region to promote 'equal pay, equal opportunities'. Much of the discussion focussed on an internal reflection of women's participation and representation in the trade unions, with many delegates giving voice to the need for unions to create space for women. Also discussed was the gender representation in the structures working towards the new global union federation as well as in the new global union federation once it is formed.
In the regional conference IMF General Secretary, Jyrki Raina presented to delegates the rationale for the creation of the new global federation, which is to increase the strength of worker voices internationally to tackle challenges brought about by globalisation. He explained to delegates the work that is being done to set up the new global union federation and what structure it is expected to have. Delegates discussed representation in these structures as well as the practicalities of the regional presence. Also discussed was the need to determine regional priorities that would feed into the priorities of the new international.
Steve Nhlapo, IMF Africa Regional Representative, reported on the activities of the IMF in the region. Much attention has been focussed on building unity through greater collaboration of unions in countries and work towards mergers. Another core area has been union building activities, looking to strengthen affiliates in the region. Delegates then looked at aspects of the current action programme including MNCs, sustainable trade and development and trade union rights. Reports were given by delegates from Swaziland and Zimbabwe to inform continued work on these two political campaigns. The needs for moving forward on a climate change position and building capacity in this area were identified. Participants were also made aware of the efforts to improve communications in the region and internationally and the role that they play in this.
Participants agreed that it was vital to develop priorities for the region and that these must be taken into the new global union federation. A framework was put together identifying these priorities, outlining the structure and content of a paper. The paper is to be developed by the IMF Africa region in consultation with regional representatives of ICEM and ITGLWF and circulated to affiliates for their comment. This paper will serve to mandate regional representatives in IMF structures and inform participants of regional priorities at the IMF Central Committee meeting in December 2011.