Malagasy unionists arrested over QMM protests must be released! 19 July, 2023From 26 June to 3 July, Madagascar’s independence days, communities from the villages surrounding the Rio Tinto subsidiary QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) mining site at Mandena in Toalagnaro (Fort Dauphin) protested inadequate financial compensation on loss of livelihoods, water pollution, and community exclusion from consultations when the mining licence was renewed by the government. In dispersing the protestors, the police and gendarmerie used disproportionate force which saw ten demonstrators injured and over 80 arrested and imprisoned, including five trade unionists.
Brazil enacts law to ensure equal pay for women and men18 July, 2023Brazilian President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva has signed a law guaranteeing equal pay for women and men. This is a historic step for a country where women workers earn lower average wages than men, even when their levels of education, jobs and length of service are similar.
Germany: strike ends at Vestas 17 July, 2023The 123-day strike at Vestas Deutschland GmbH, subsidiary of Danish Vestas, came to an end as workers voted overwhelmingly to accept a negotiated collective agreement. The outcome includes tariff commitments for wage increases, inflation compensation bonuses, partial retirement options, a remuneration system with job-related requirements, and a salary table for service technicians.
Unions file complaint against Italian brands remaining in Myanmar 17 July, 2023Italian NGO Italia-Birmana Insieme, who works with banned Myanmar trade union IWFM and CTUM, have filed a complaint with the OECD’s NCP in Italy against a number of garment brands, including Love Moschino and OVS, who still produce in Myanmar despite continuing violations of workers’ rights.
Workers in Nepal demand fair wages14 July, 2023IndustriALL affiliates in Nepal have submitted a joint memorandum to the Labour Minister and Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, demanding that the minimum wage be raised to NPR 26,200 (US$200).
Malagasy trade unionist seeks justice 13 July, 2023Malagasy trade unionist, Zotiakobanjinina Fanja Marcel Sento Chang (26), vividly recalls the events leading to his unjust imprisonment for nine months for a social media post about discussions during a meeting with management at the E-Toile SA garment factory in Antananarivo where he worked as a machinist.
NUMSA secures permanent jobs for 100 workers at Bell Equipment 13 July, 2023The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) successfully negotiated for permanent contracts for 100 workers at earthmoving equipment supplier, Bell Equipment, which will become effective this month. For 10 years the workers were employed through labour brokers and the union was on the verge of a strike over the issue.
Up skilling youth in Ghanaian trade unions 12 July, 2023Are young workers in unions using digital technologies effectively for organizing and improving their involvement in occupational health and safety at the workplace? A project evaluation meeting in Accra on 3-6 June learned what is happening in the unions.
Italian metalworkers strike sends strong message to government11 July, 2023Italian trade unions FIM-CISL, FIOM-CGIL and UILM held a national strike on 7 and 10 July, urging the government to take action to help the struggling manufacturing sector.
MADE in Myanmar Project - EU must stop supporting military junta’s rule11 July, 2023IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll Europe are reiterating their call for the EU to withdraw support for the MADE in Myanmar project, which effectively funds Myanmar’s military junta, as well for the withdrawal preferential tariffs under the Generalised System of Preferences. EU citizens and public funds should not be used to benefit the military junta, nor should they be associated with an EU-funded project where workers are threatened, dismissed or arrested without cause. Read the full statement.
