Positive evaluation of trade union unity project in Colombia14 December, 2011A trade union seminar has endorsed the decision to continue promoting unity in the form of a single national manufacturing sector union. Delegates also called for an increased grass roots and member participation and welcomed the increase in participation by young women and leaders.
First collective agreement with Tenaris Colombia12 October, 2011After two years of death threats, legal manoeuvring and delays on the part of Tenaris, Sintratucar signed its first collective agreement with Tenaris Tubos del Caribe on October 7.
Maruti Suzuki and workers reach agreement21 October, 20117000 Suzuki workers return to work after an intense and violent 14-day struggle that ends at the country's largest car maker.
Finnish metal strike over25 October, 2011The strike in the Finnish metal sector ended October 25 when the Metalworkers' Union and the salaried employees' union Pro approved the conciliation proposal of the State conciliator. YTN has not yet renewed its agreement. A strike of professional and managerial staff still threatens in the metal industry.
Dutch NedCar closure announced9 February, 2012Mitsubishi Motors announces NedCar plant closure in the Netherlands. IMF Dutch affiliate FNV Bondgenoten mobilizes for survival of the only Mitsubishi plant in Western Europe.
Kumtor workers go on indefinite strike in Kyrgyzstan9 February, 2012On February 7 workers of the Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan went on indefinite strike. They demand compensation for rising contributions to the government insurance fund.
Unions hold protest at International Olympic Committee15 May, 2012Workers call on the IOC to end the use of Rio's tarnished gold in Olympic medals. Unions want Rio, "Off the Podium!"
ArcelorMittal workers in Kazakhstan take to the streets22 May, 2012During tripartite negotiations the management of ArcelorMittal Temirtau (Kazakhstan) refused to implement a 30 per cent wage rise. On May 19 the workers took to the streets in an action which gathered over 3,000 people.
Guy Ryder elected as ILO Director General30 May, 2012Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Guy Rider, has been elected as the new Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO). He replaces Juan Somavia, who has served in this position since March 1999.
Caterpillar workers in Germany get above-inflation pay rise28 May, 2012The settlement reached on May 20, 2012 between IG Metall and the Employers Association in the key State of Baden-Württemberg has been extended to other regions, thereby applying to all Caterpillar workers in Germany.
