Responsible mining protects workers’ and communities’ rights6 February, 2020With sustainability and responsible mining gaining momentum, the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) standards for responsible mining is emerging as a credible tool for quality assurance. More than 30 representatives from unions, non-governmental organizations and community groups in 12 countries, met in Cape Town on 2 February to discuss how the tool can protect workers and community rights.
Myanmar unions protest against Arbitration Council decision 5 February, 2020The Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) held a mass demonstration on 2 February in Yangon to protest against an Arbitration Council decision that denied full reinstatement to 260 workers of Thong Thai Textile factory who were fired for taking strike action.
Justice for 56 illegally dismissed chemical workers in Georgia4 February, 2020The Supreme Court of Georgia confirmed on 29 January, the decisions of two lower courts to oblige Rustavi Azot chemical plant to reinstate 56 employees with payment of their due wages for the past three years.
United Turkish metalworkers achieve wage increase3 February, 2020Through unity, determination and concerted action, the three unions reached a collective bargaining victory for around 130.000 of its members.
Using global framework agreements to organize31 January, 2020Over a two-year period IndustriALL affiliates in Turkey and Bangladesh have successfully organized more than 50 supplier factories as part of a programme to effectively implement global framework agreements.
Unifor maintains refinery blockade as lockout approaches second month30 January, 2020Eight hundred members of Unifor Local 594 have been blockading the Co-op Refinery in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada since they were locked out on December 5. They are offering to lift the blockade if the employer returns to the negotiating table.
Indonesian unions reject Omnibus bill30 January, 2020IndustriALL’s Indonesian affiliates unanimously reject the Omnibus bill on job creation, proposed by the country’s President Joko Widodo. The past week has seen continued union protests around the country.
Union to negotiate with Glencore over retrenchments at South African smelter30 January, 2020IndustriALL Global Union affiliate the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), will meet commodity trader Glencore in consultative meetings about retrenchments at Rustenburg Smelter. The meetings will be mediated by the Commission of Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Pakistan mine safety crisis continues30 January, 2020The start of 2020 has seen increasing accidents and deaths in Pakistan’s coal mines, exposing the near non-existence of safety measures and continued negligence from the employers and the government.
Iranian miners fired after protest action30 January, 2020300 workers at the Chadormalu iron ore mine have been fired after protesting low wages and wage discrimination against contractors.
