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7 May, 2000The social and labour impact of globalisation in transport equipment manufacturing is discussed at tripartite meeting.
GENEVA: The current wave of globalisation is adding to pressures for change in economic and social systems, and much of this change is summarised under the term "restructuring," said IMF general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, in his introductory address for the Workers' Group at today's (May 8) opening session of the ILO Tripartite Meeting on the Social and Labour Impact of Globalisation in the Manufacture of Transport Equipment.
Transport equipment is linked to globalisation in two essential ways: transport is one of the key means of globalisation, and the manufacture of transport equipment -- particularly in its dominant vehicle sector -- is one of the most globalised industries. "What concerns us here," declared Malentacchi, "is the restructuring in transport equipment manufacturing (TEM) industries." It is not a recent phenomenon. The shipbuilding, aerospace, vehicle sectors are examples of drastic consolidation in these industries over the years.
The problems of intense competition and restructuring are being felt in both the developed as well as emerging economies, and manufacturers are setting up shop in regions and countries where wages are ever lower and workers ever more vulnerable. "Our solution," declared the IMF general secretary, "is very clear. The problems of underdevelopment in poor countries and unemployment in the rich ones are linked. The flawed policies which perpetuate these problems must change."
The Workers' Group will be putting forward its views on the central issues confronting workers and trade unions in the TEM industries at the ILO tripartite meeting this week, starting today, Monday, May 8, and lasting until Friday, May 12. Elected as a vice-chairman, from the Workers' Group, for the ILO meeting, to preside over one of the plenary sessions, is Andrés Mercau, of FETRAMETAL, Venezuela. He is also ex-officio member on the Resolutions Sub-Committee. Peter Kennedy, CAW, Canada, will be the chief spokesperson and chairman of the Workers' Group, and R. Kuchelan, of the WPTUC, India, is the group's vice-chairman and Andrew Gillespie, AWU, Australia, is second vice-chairman.
Marcello Malentacchi's opening speech to the meeting can be read in its entirety under "Publications" on the IMF website.
Transport equipment is linked to globalisation in two essential ways: transport is one of the key means of globalisation, and the manufacture of transport equipment -- particularly in its dominant vehicle sector -- is one of the most globalised industries. "What concerns us here," declared Malentacchi, "is the restructuring in transport equipment manufacturing (TEM) industries." It is not a recent phenomenon. The shipbuilding, aerospace, vehicle sectors are examples of drastic consolidation in these industries over the years.
The problems of intense competition and restructuring are being felt in both the developed as well as emerging economies, and manufacturers are setting up shop in regions and countries where wages are ever lower and workers ever more vulnerable. "Our solution," declared the IMF general secretary, "is very clear. The problems of underdevelopment in poor countries and unemployment in the rich ones are linked. The flawed policies which perpetuate these problems must change."
The Workers' Group will be putting forward its views on the central issues confronting workers and trade unions in the TEM industries at the ILO tripartite meeting this week, starting today, Monday, May 8, and lasting until Friday, May 12. Elected as a vice-chairman, from the Workers' Group, for the ILO meeting, to preside over one of the plenary sessions, is Andrés Mercau, of FETRAMETAL, Venezuela. He is also ex-officio member on the Resolutions Sub-Committee. Peter Kennedy, CAW, Canada, will be the chief spokesperson and chairman of the Workers' Group, and R. Kuchelan, of the WPTUC, India, is the group's vice-chairman and Andrew Gillespie, AWU, Australia, is second vice-chairman.
Marcello Malentacchi's opening speech to the meeting can be read in its entirety under "Publications" on the IMF website.