IMF discusses trade union networks in TNCs

GLOBAL: The IMF held the first working group meeting on developing guidelines for trade union networks in transnational corporations (TNCs) in Geneva, Switzerland on May 11 and 12. The decision to establish the working group was taken at the December 2009 IMF Executive Committee. The working group's initial terms of reference include the following:

1. Guidelines for the constitution of trade union networks, their main tasks, coordination and resources;
2. Role of networks in the improved use of International Framework Agreements (IFA), ILO instruments and OECD Guidelines to enforce fundamental trade union rights and support organizing unorganized plants;
3. Possibilities for pursuing global agreements on areas such as health and safety, training, equality, information, consultation and restructuring processes, based on mandates from affiliates;
4. A guidebook and training material on networking; and
5. Discussion on a number of priority companies in different industry sectors, including supply chains when appropriate.

Participants from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the U.S. took part in the meeting along with IMF Regional Representatives from India and Latin America. During the meeting Valter Sanchez from CNM-CUT, Brazil was elected as chair person of the working group with the task of leading the working group and also to report on progress to the IMF Executive Committee in June 2010.

The working group welcomed the first draft text provided by the secretariat and saw it as a good starting point for discussions. It was also seen as encouraging that the IMF wanted to develop more seriously its approach to TNC Networks. The working group meeting served to reinforce the many differences amongst IMF affiliates and how it was vitally important to build understanding of how our affiliates have different union systems, cultures and experiences.

Discussion centered on two areas: those specific to the draft text, and those on broader issues. The broader issues included: the need for a further evaluation of existing IMF networks; developing training and education materials; the number of networks the IMF could realistically participate in; seeking recognition from companies; and the need for specific measurable goals.

The next step is for a summary of the outcome of the first meeting along with the new version of the draft guidelines being submitted to the Executive Committee at its next meeting in June. Upon recommendations from the Executive Committee the working group plans to continue its work remotely through electronic exchange, and the final guidelines would be adopted at the Executive Committee in Geneva in December 2010.