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6 November, 2024Twenty trade unionists from South East Asia joined the IndustriALL-FES training on organizing white-collar workers in Manila on 28-31 October.
Participants said white-collar workers are of the opinion that they don’t need a union to defend their rights as they have the impression that they receive higher salaries and better benefits compared to blue collar workers.
This resulted in most trade unions not attempting to integrate white-collar workers into their organizations, as organizers focus on organizing blue-collar workers. There is a consensus that organizing white-collar workers requires strong convincing power, concrete and strategic organizing tactics will be crucial.
Patrick Tay, co-chair of IndustriALL white-collar workers sector mentioned that trust-building and one-on-one conversations are essential to break down resistance and foster interest among white-collar workers. He emphasized the importance of collective action to positively impact white-collar workers globally.
“I am elated that we are bringing our leaders in South East Asia together at this training workshop to share and brainstorm ideas as we join hands to organize white-collar workers across the globe. This collective effort will be able to positively impact white-collar workers in our companies and industries. A call out also to white-collar workers to be part of the union movement,”
said Patrick Tay.
Union organizers participated, in the four-day training, who are currently organizing and have targets in white-collar workers. The training included participatory exchanges, role-play and identification of target companies in electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy and automotive sectors.
Each participating union develops their campaign plan. The plan will be the basis of evaluating how the organizing of white-collar workers progress.
In her concluding remarks, gender and white-collar workerss director, Armelle Seby hoped that each organizer obtained the information and appropriate skills required in organizing white-collar workers.
IndustriALL South East Asia regional secretary Ramon Certeza said:
“In a rapid transformation of production due to technological innovations, digitization and demographics, there is a growing trend of white-collarization of the workforce. Organizing white-collar workers becomes more relevant to protect their rights, advocate for fair treatment and ensure a collective voice in shaping a just and equitable workplace.”