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21 February, 2001The 4th sub-regional meeting of IMF affiliates in Central America and the Dominican Republic took place in Panama on February 16 and 17.
PANAMA: Eighteen delegates, among them four women, representing eight organisations from
Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic, participated in the 4th sub-regional meeting of IMF affiliates in this region. It was presided by José Luis Esparza of Mexico.
Reports from the countries painted a panorama of deep political changes, changes in production and natural catastrophes, all adding to mounting challenges for the affiliated unions and for all metalworkers. Everardo Fimbres, from the IMF Project Office in Mexico, gave a report on activities in Mexico, and the IMF's regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Roberto Pereira, gave an overview of activities in the whole region.
Affiliates explained existing structures in their countries, where the majority of metalworkers are organised in company unions, which then often form national federations. However, these federations remain weak due to the fact that collective bargaining is undertaken at company level and almost all resources remain with the company unions.
Participants then discussed in groups how union structures should be reformed to address the new challenges. Results were strikingly similar: existing structures were considered as outdated, not conducive to unity and unable to respond to rapid changes in production structures, such as outsourcing.
The response to this challenge is to gradually shift from company unions to national industrial unions through coordination and taking into account the political and technical obstacles. The IMF was invited to assist in this process.
Reports from the countries painted a panorama of deep political changes, changes in production and natural catastrophes, all adding to mounting challenges for the affiliated unions and for all metalworkers. Everardo Fimbres, from the IMF Project Office in Mexico, gave a report on activities in Mexico, and the IMF's regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Roberto Pereira, gave an overview of activities in the whole region.
Affiliates explained existing structures in their countries, where the majority of metalworkers are organised in company unions, which then often form national federations. However, these federations remain weak due to the fact that collective bargaining is undertaken at company level and almost all resources remain with the company unions.
Participants then discussed in groups how union structures should be reformed to address the new challenges. Results were strikingly similar: existing structures were considered as outdated, not conducive to unity and unable to respond to rapid changes in production structures, such as outsourcing.
The response to this challenge is to gradually shift from company unions to national industrial unions through coordination and taking into account the political and technical obstacles. The IMF was invited to assist in this process.