30 November, 2007Resolutions focused on trade and workers' rights in Russia, Kosovo, Korea, Mexico, India, Canada, U.S. and Africa.
BRAZIL: Affiliates of the International Metalworkers' Federation who participated in the IMF Central Committee in Brazil adopted a number of resolutions focusing on trade and workers' rights.
A resolution on the IMF Working Party on Trade, Employment and Development called for affiliates to support African trade unions and NGOs in their campaign against Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) that are to replace the Cotonou Agreement with ACP countries. The resolution, adopted by the IMF Central Committee, noted that the European Union is continuing to push toward a liberalisation of the markets without an evaluation of its impact on affected communities. For resolution text, click here.
Central Committee delegates adopted a resolution in support of the Mexican Miners' and Metalworkers' Union's (SNTMMSRM) struggle to fight the Mexican government and Grupo Mexico's joint-effort to take control of the union. The resolution denounced the enormous political persecution SNTMMSRM members and leadership have faced and called on affiliates to take collective action in solidarity. For resolution text, click here.
The United Auto Workers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, United Steelworkers and Korean Metal Workers' Union put forth a resolution opposing the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement and calling for the immediate release of imprisoned workers in Korea. Central Committee delegates fully supported the resolution. For resolution text, click here.
Indian affiliates put forth a resolution calling on the Indian government to ensure that it puts in place a fair, transparent and just law on land acquisition in response to the government's recent move to set up industrial zones, displacing tens of thousands of rural people in India. The resolution was adopted by the IMF Central Committee. For resolution text, click here.
SPMK Kosovo presented a resolution in support of Iron Pipes Plant workers in Ferizaj 1 Urosevac who were dismissed under a privatisation plan employed by Kosovo Trust Agency. The resolution, which was adopted by the IMF Central Committee, called for workers to return to work and for Kosovo Trust Agency to dialogue with the union representing Iron Pipes Plant workers. For resolution text, click here.
A resolution in support of workers at the Ford automotive assembly plant in Vsevolojsk, Russia who are fighting for improved wages and working conditions was adopted by the IMF Central Committee. The resolution demands that the company cease any form of intimidation or force against the workers and enters into good faith negotiations with the union. For resolution text, click here.
All resolutions were adopted in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil on November 29, 2007.