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20 June, 2000Trade unions have to strengthen their international structures, says IMF president Klaus Zwickel.
BIRMINGHAM: In his opening speech to the IMF Central Committee, the IMF president, Klaus Zwickel, strongly emphasised the need for stronger internationalisation of trade union structures.
Liberalisation of world markets and abolition of trade barriers do not automatically create a better life for everyone. The dynamic of globalisation has to be politically ruled, Zwickel said. Every country wanting to take part in the free trade of the world must ensure trade union rights. The World Trade Organisation has to incorporate core labour standards in its agreements, and trade unions have to discuss how to develop into a "global player".
The IMF must, together with other trade union organisations:
- develop global structures, organise new members and improve their communication;
- ensure that international core labour standards will be implemented and respected in every country;
- develop a political programme which supports growth and ensures that gains will be fairly distributed;
- strengthen the workers position in the workplace.
"The global economy needs an energetic international trade union movement, built on the basis of strong national trade unions," declared Zwickel in closing his speech.
Liberalisation of world markets and abolition of trade barriers do not automatically create a better life for everyone. The dynamic of globalisation has to be politically ruled, Zwickel said. Every country wanting to take part in the free trade of the world must ensure trade union rights. The World Trade Organisation has to incorporate core labour standards in its agreements, and trade unions have to discuss how to develop into a "global player".
The IMF must, together with other trade union organisations:
- develop global structures, organise new members and improve their communication;
- ensure that international core labour standards will be implemented and respected in every country;
- develop a political programme which supports growth and ensures that gains will be fairly distributed;
- strengthen the workers position in the workplace.
"The global economy needs an energetic international trade union movement, built on the basis of strong national trade unions," declared Zwickel in closing his speech.