Glencore and Xstrata epitomize the resource curse: Unions oppose their merger4 July, 2012Trade unions representing Xstrata’s and Glencore’s unionized workforces across the world have voiced their opposition to the proposed merger of the two companies and especially the extreme retention bonuses being paid to Xstrata management.
Unions oppose Xstrata - Glencore merger4 July, 2012IndustriALL Global Union joins the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in Australia, the United Steelworkers (USW) in Canada and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in South Africa and takes the position against the planned merger of Xstrata and Glencore.
IndustriALL signs global agreement with Saab4 July, 2012IndustriALL Global Union Swedish affiliate IF Metall concluded a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) setting out principles of respect for core labour standards and sustainability with Saab AB, an aerospace and defence aircraft manufacturer.
ArcelorMittal workers in Kazakhstan hold a warning strike29 June, 2012More than 3,000 workers took part in a three-hour warning strike at ArcelorMittal Temirtau, Kazakhstan, in support of their collective demands on 29 June.
Iraqi workers protest against the latest government interference29 June, 2012IndustriALL affiliates in Iraq were at the forefront of a major demonstration and picket on the morning of 25 June 2012 in Basra. Fresh from her election as an Executive Committee member of the new IndustriALL Global Union, Hashmeya Muhsin al-Saadawi, leader of the Electricity Utility Workers’ Union, was one of the leaders of the protest which also included the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU), Federation of Workers Councils Unions of Iraq and other Basra based organizations. Protesters marched and chanted slogans denouncing the continued blatant government intervention into internal trade union affairs and the ban on trade union organization in the public sector.
UNIA fights to save jobs at Merck Serono28 June, 2012An angry strike in Geneva, Switzerland has today been suspended by members of the Swiss trade union UNIA, fighting against Merck Serono’s plans to close the Geneva and Coisins sites, which threatens 1,500 jobs. Strike action has been put on hold, as regional authorities demanded that pharmaceuticals giant’s management participate in mediation on the social plan. Conciliation will begin on 3 July.
Mexico: independent union formed at Flex-N-Gate in Puebla27 June, 2012The democratic trade union SITIAFNG was formed Sunday 24 June 2012, in a context of low wages, repression, harassment and the existence of a protection union. This is an historic moment for the workers and they hope that the labour authorities will recognize the union.
Caterpillar locks out workers in Australia27 June, 2012Bucyrus, a member of Caterpillar group of companies, producer of mining machines in New South Wales, Australia locked out 150 workers, members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU). IndustriALL Global Union calls for solidarity.
Union members celebrate victory at FIAT27 June, 2012On 21 June 2012 the Italian federation of metalworkers FIOM-CGIL celebrated victory after the Court of Rome ruled that FIAT had discriminated against 145 workers at its factory in Pomigliano, near Napples and demanded their immediate reinstatement by the employer.
IndustriALL targets mining giant Rio Tinto26 June, 2012One week after its creation, IndustriALL Global Union announced its intention to shine a light on Rio Tinto’s unethical behavior around the world, starting with the release of a report on the company’s operations in Africa.
