29 August, 2011A small group of experts from the ArcelorMittal Joint Global Health and Safety Committee visited the Vinton Steel Works in El Paso, Texas. The group, made up of representatives from the European Metalworkers' Federation, United Steelworkers and International Metalworkers' Federation found that although some examples of best practice existed, in the main safety conditions in the plant were below standard and need urgent attention.

26 August, 2011Hanjin Heavy Industries insists on dismissals in breach of contract, despite huge company profits and payment of generous dividends and bonuses to owners and senior company executives. KMWU continues its fight to protect the interests of workers. A Hope Bus Rally is planned in Seoul on August 27 to 28 under the theme "Another World is Possible!

17 August, 2011Swiss trade union UNIA has achieved significant steps in the campaign to save the jobs of 470 workers at Swissmetal, a company on the verge of bankruptcy. The first victory was ensuring all staff received salary payments for the month of July. This was achieved through pressure on Switzerland's Secretary of State for the Economy, and on the cantonal governments of Soleure and Berne.

17 August, 2011The ICEM affiliate in Georgia, the Metallurgical, Mining, and Chemical Industry Workers' Trade Union, is again bringing dignity and job rights to steelworkers in the Central Asian country. On 2 August, after formally submitting grievances over extreme sub-standard work conditions before the managing director of Euroasian Steels LLC in Kutaisi, the company agreed to recognise the union as voice for 400 workers, and begin a process to correct problems.

6 September, 2011On September 1 approximately 100 independent and democratic unions and groups took part in two mass-based actions in Mexico City: the "national day of indignant Mexicans" and a rally outside the lower house of congress.

24 August, 2011On August 18 local Section 309 of the National Miners' and Metalworkers' Union of Mexico (SNTMMSRM) at the mine La Platosa in the state of Durango, Mexico reached an agreement with the management of Excellon de Mexico S.A. de C.V. a subsidiary of the Canadian owned mining company Excellon Resources Inc.

10 February, 2011LabourStart launches Act NOW campaign on trade union rights in Mexico in support of the global days of action called by IMF, ICEM, ITF, UNI and ITUC and taking place from February 14 to 19.

10 February, 2011High Court questions employer and government authorities following the massive explosion at the Bangladesh Shipbreaking yard on January 18, that killed four people and injured many more.

10 February, 2011The International Metalworkers' Federation joined with other labour and rights groups in taking further steps to protect the rights and safety of workers, Mexican Miners' Union members and labour rights activists at Johnson Controls in Puebla, Mexico.

24 February, 2011The International Metalworkers' Federation calls on its affiliates for submissions to the Global Union Labour Film Shorts 2011, a one hour line-up of the best short films from around the world focused on unions fighting back against austerity cuts. The line-up will be released in June online and in DVD. Submission deadline is 1 April 2011.