Global Solidarity

73 Women internationally

Congress notes that 2005 brings the review of the UN decade for women, Platform for Action, and of the Millennium Development Goals to eliminate world poverty and promote gender equality, and condemns the continuing poverty of women, the primary victims of violence in the world.

Congress notes with profound concern that although women grow up to 80 per cent of the food in the poorest regions of the world, they are twice as likely to live and die in poverty as men. Seventy per cent of the world's poor are women; their human rights are being violated across the world, including trafficking, attacks on trade unionists, reproductive rights, and public services. Their work, including caring, is undervalued, underpaid, dangerous and stressful. They are under-represented and excluded from political involvement; and war and militarisation breeds new levels of violence towards women and increasing poverty. Half a million women die in pregnancy or childbirth every year, women's rates of HIV infection are overtaking those of men, and two-thirds of the children not enrolled in schools are girls. In welcoming the leadership being shown by the British Government in the drive to mobilise the countries of the European Union and the G8 - hosted by Britain in 2005 - to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, Congress urges the Government to ensure that aid policies contribute to tackling the underlying causes of gender inequality and the oppression of women in developing countries.

Congress recognises that the eradication of this wretched poverty will only be achieved when the debts that the developed world hold over the developing world are cancelled.

Congress calls on the Government to use some of the aid budget to investigate producing cheaper, generic brands of the recognised HIV/AIDS treatments to be offered to those countries where the AIDS pandemic is raging.

Congress recalls that women trade unionists in Asia, Africa and Latin America have been among the foremost in struggles against oppression and exploitation in many developing countries and urges the Government to include in the British aid programme provision for trade union training as a most cost-effective means of fighting injustice, promoting good governance, and combating poverty.

Congress notes that International Women's Day is a day to raise the awareness of women's contribution to society and to remember the centuries-old courageous struggle by women for the right to participate in society on an equal footing to men.

Congress applauds the TGWU's ongoing campaign to make International Women's Day an additional bank holiday as it is in many other countries and demands that in line with other campaigning activities, we embrace the campaign led by the TGWU and Amicus to ensure its just end.

Congress also notes that the pay gap between men and women has not declined since Labour has been in power and believes that the vigorous campaigning should continue to address this issue.

Congress welcomes the work by the DTI's Women and Equality Unit which has sought to stimulate activities in schools to mark International Women's Day. Congress calls on the General Council to urge the DfES to make a similar commitment to schools on strategies for using International Women's Day to raise awareness of continuing discrimination against women across the world.

Congress calls for the General Council and affiliates to:

i) support the proposed action from the 2004 TUC Women's Conference;

ii) use 2005 to build international solidarity, with women central to the TUC international agenda;

iii) lobby Government for a fair deal for women worldwide: debt cancellation, fair trade, core labour standards, and UN Convention 1325 on women and conflict resolution;

iv) support the World March of Women; and

v) campaign for March 8 (IWD) as a public holiday.

TUC Women's Conference (exempt from 250 word limit)

74 Globalisation

Congress agrees that globalisation today is one of the biggest threats to workers' jobs, conditions, health, well-being and prosperity, as global capital runs amok due to the disgraceful activities of multinational and transnational companies. As such, Congress also agrees that the only way to combat such a threat is through coordinated international trade union activity.

Therefore, Congress calls on the TUC through its national and international affiliations to:

i) ensure that assistance is given to developing nations' trade unions in order that they can flourish and be truly independent;

ii) campaign in the global arena to raise workplace standards in developing nations;

iii) campaign in the global arena to raise workplace health and safety standards in developing nations;

iv) assist national trade unions and other organisations to make links across the globe; and

v) help raise awareness of the excesses of globalisation.

i) This will help create a more level playing field and mitigate some of the worst attributes of globalisation.

Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union

Amendment

Add at end of sub-paragraph iii): ',incorporating the principle of trade union and worker involvement that UK research has shown is key to such improvement - specifically through the establishment of Health and Safety Commissions to offer expertise and practical resource'.

Public and Commercial Services Union

Amendment

At the start of paragraph 2, insert: 'Congress believes unions are a source of stability in a globalised world and are central to the success of free and open societies.'

At end of sub-paragraph iv), after 'globe', insert: 'as part of their fight for common employment and democratic standards'.

Association of University Teachers

75 EU Constitution

Congress recognises the rejection of the EU Constitution by the peoples of France and the Netherlands. Congress therefore rejects the current proposed EU Constitution.

Congress is concerned that parts of the unratified EU Constitution are being imposed, including the development of an EU diplomatic service and the creation of a Defence Agency to militarise the EU further.

Congress believes that such illegal 'cherry picking' of the discredited EU Constitution cannot continue without a mandate and the ratification process must be brought to an end.

Congress further rejects the increasingly neo-liberal policies emanating from Brussels. Such policies include EU directives that enforce the 'liberalisation' of freight and passenger rail services across the European Union and lifeline ferry services such as Caledonian MacBrayne in Scotland.

Congress also reaffirms its opposition to the planned Directive on Services, which threatens to undermine decent public services, wages, conditions and social protection across the EU and beyond.

Congress rejects a European agenda which is elitist, militarist, corporate and anti- democratic.

Congress therefore resolves to campaign for a European and global workers' agenda which enshrines:

i) an end to neo-liberal policies and the privatisation of public services;

ii) the democratic rights of states, democracy and freedom;

iii) the strengthening of trade union and workers rights; and

iv) international peace and solidarity, not militarism

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Amendment

In paragraph 1, line 3, delete 'rejects' and insert 'accepts that it is timely to reflect on'.

In paragraph 2, line 3, delete from 'the' to 'further' in line 5 and replace with 'defence cooperation'.

Delete the paragraph 3.

In paragraph 4, line 2, delete 'Brussels' and replace with 'the Council of Ministers'.

In paragraph 6, add after 'anti-democratic' at end: 'and calls for re-dedication to the values of promoting peace, solidarity and social justice demonstrated in continuing invaluable and irreplaceable EU work for equality, environmental protection, and employee rights'.

In paragraph 7 insert new first bullet point (and renumber thereafter):

'i) full employment as the primary goal;'

Community

76 China

Congress notes that sustained rapid increases in economic growth and investment have made China a dominant influence on global economic developments. China has the potential to raise living standards globally and contribute to the defeat of world poverty, but also to aggravate seriously climate change and other environmental problems, increase global unemployment and lead to a deterioration of working conditions in developing and industrialised countries, particularly in manufacturing.

Congress is convinced that the vast problems of structural transformation would be tackled most effectively, as well as justly, to the benefit of Chinese working people and workers in other countries if they had effective independent trade unions to represent them. Congress calls on the General Council to work with the ICFTU and international trade secretariats in promoting independent trade union development and in exposing violations of trade union and other basic human rights in employment.

Congress recognises that the recent rapid expansion of Chinese exports of textiles and clothing has had a most damaging impact on employment in the sectors in the rest of the world, notably in Bangladesh, and calls on the British Government to intensify cooperation with the Commission and other governments in the European Union to negotiate agreements to minimise the adverse social and economic consequences.

Congress urges the Government and the EU authorities to press China to fulfil its obligations under World Trade Organisation rules by:

i) widening access to exports from EU countries; and

ii) revaluing the Yuan and eliminating the unfair competitive advantage which China presently exploits.

Community

77 Iraq

Congress notes with concern the deteriorating situation in Iraq both in terms of security and social amenities.

Congress regrets the failure of the US and British Governments to set an early date for a speedy withdrawal of all troops from Iraq as called for by the TUC 2004.

Congress asserts that the continued illegal occupation of Iraq is a contributory factor, and not the solution, to the increasing terrorist activities in and outside Iraq.

Congress affirms that those who, in the name of resistance to the occupation, target civilian populations, whether in or outside Iraq, commit criminal acts that do no service to the cause of peace.

Congress welcomes the contact made with Iraqi trade unionists and trade union organisations and calls on the General Council to ensure that in such contacts the question of the speedy departure of the occupying troops is firmly on the agenda and that assistance is given to support trade union education.

Congress believes that the continued presence of British troops in Iraq is morally and legally indefensible. In the absence of an early departure date being agreed with the US administration, Congress calls on the British Government to set its own unilateral date for an early and speedy departure from Iraq.

Community and Youth Workers' Union

Amendment

Add new paragraph at end:

'Congress calls on unions to prioritise solidarity with bone fide Iraqi/Kurdish trade unions, and to support the TUC Iraq Solidarity Committee in promoting:

i) visits to Britain;

ii) twinning;

iii) union education and training;

iv) financial and material support; and

i) v) a strongly supportive role for women trade unionists.'

NATFHE - The University and College Lecturers' Union

Amendment

Add new paragraph at end:

'Congress calls on the British and Iraqi governments and international institutions to:

i) cancel all debts incurred by Saddam Hussein;

ii) ensure Iraqi laws and practices embody ILO core conventions including tripartism and workers' rights, equality and religious tolerance; and

iii) reject privatisation of essential public services and vital resources such as oil.'

Fire Brigades' Union

78 The Western Sahara

Congress condemns the recent violence of the Moroccan State against the Saharawi citizens participating in week-long peaceful demonstrations starting 25 May 2005 within the occupied territories of Western Sahara in El Aaiun.

This repression highlights the lack of progress by the international community in bringing about an acceptable solution to this 32-year conflict and comes despite numerous European and UN resolutions that support the Saharawis' right to self-determination and the right to a referendum. The lack of compliance by the Moroccan state can only be interpreted as a blatant defiance of human rights.

The plight of the Saharawi people is silent and invisible, despite their cooperation and willingness to come to a peaceful and negotiated settlement. The recent demonstrations only show the desperation and frustration felt by the people of the Western Sahara.

Congress therefore calls upon the General Council to continue supporting the Polisario and for trade unionists and related campaigners to bring about a resolution to the conflict by raising the issues with the UK Government. Congress also calls on the General Council to:

i) call for a meeting with the relevant government department to raise its concerns;

ii) support and help organise a trade union and political delegation to visit the refugee camps and the occupied territories;

iii) publicise the plight of the people of the Western Sahara amongst all affiliates;

iv) actively support the Sandblast Project; and

v) raise the issues amongst the international trade union movement.

Fire Brigades' Union

79 Venezuela

Congress congratulates and supports the Venezuelan Government for its utilisation of the country's wealth and resources for reforms to benefit working people, the poor and the landless.

Congress notes the results of the referendum last August in Venezuela that gave President Hugo Chávez an overwhelming victory and a strengthened democratic mandate.

Congress further notes that these results confirm that there is overwhelming support among working people and the poor for the social programme of the Chávez Government in relation to education, literacy, job training, healthcare, land reform and subsidised food.

However, Congress views with alarm the bellicose statements being made by the US Administration and its allies in Colombia and the oligarchy in Venezuela which pose a real threat to these reforms.

Congress deplores the attempts of the United States Administration to intervene in the internal life of Venezuela and agrees to raise these concerns with the British Government.

Congress agrees to support wider trade union initiatives to highlight the issue of Venezuela within the British labour movement, including the organisation of a trade union delegation to meet and build links with Venezuelan trade unionists.

Furthermore, Congress will build and work with trade union endorsed organisations in the UK working to provide solidarity to Venezuela.

NATFHE - The University and College Lecturers' Union

Amendment

Add at end of paragraph 5: 'Congress expresses its solidarity with trade unionists in Venezuela and rejects any outside interference in their affairs.'

Association of University Teachers

Amendment

Add new paragraph at end:

'Congress is concerned about the lack of media coverage of events in Venezuela and urges the General Council to establish relations with the Venezuelan National Union of Workers (UNT) to ensure that news of trade union issues, at least, is more widely reported.'

Transport Salaried Staffs' Association

Amendment

Add new paragraphs at end:

'Congress notes the independent poll in July that showed over 70% support for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. It also notes the Venezuelan threat to suspend oil exports to the US if attacks on its government continue.

Congress resolves to support the Venezuelan people's efforts to preserve their democratically elected government.'

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

80 Migrant workers

Congress recognises the important contribution of migrant workers to the UK's economic and cultural development. At the same time, Congress is concerned that many migrant workers often face racism and exploitation in the workplace.

Congress welcomes the initiatives already taken by the TUC in promoting rights for migrant workers, in particular health and safety information jointly produced with the HSE which is available in a number of languages, and the Working in the UK: Your Rights booklet which explains employment rights.

Congress calls on the General Council to continue campaigning for the rights of migrant workers and in particular to make representations to government for:

i) the regulation of agencies to prevent 'regime shopping' and social dumping;

ii) improvements in the Posted Workers Directive to provide real protections for migrant workers and safeguarding of collective agreements; and

iii) a review of current regulations which place procedural restrictions on the employment of migrant workers and asylum seekers.

Congress recognises the valuable role of many organisations in promoting the rights of migrant workers. In particular Congress recognises the valuable contribution of TUC affiliated organisations in representing and organising migrant workers.

Congress notes the creative initiatives taken by affiliates to promote migrant workers rights through training, health and safety and other projects, which are designed to provide assistance to migrant workers.

Congress asks the General Council to determine the best way of promoting current best practice in the representation and organisation of migrant workers to TUC affiliates.

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

81 Organising in Europe

Congress recognises that the establishment of trans-national businesses across the EU offers opportunities and challenges. Opportunities for unions to provide a voice to a diverse workforce; challenges to our core responsibilities of representing, negotiating and organising members and potential members.

Congress recognises that a growing number of unions are looking at how they might use this opportunity, but are frustrated by a legislative framework that lags some way behind the flexibility and fleetness of foot shown by business.

Congress agrees, as matter of some urgency, to establish a task group to identify changes in legislation at the national and/or EU level that are required to:

i) enable trade unions within the EU to represent their members collectively and individually in all member states of the EU; and

ii) ensure collective agreements and individual contracts of employment are enforceable across the EU.

Through its membership of the ETUC and drawing on the experience of European works councils, Congress also seeks to establish:

a) a centre of excellence collating information and developing models of representation for employees of companies with establishments in more than one member state of the EU;

b) the equivalent of the 'Bridlington Principles' for the organisation and representation of employees in the EU; and

c) where more than one national union has an interest in a company, a mechanism to assist the unions concerned in agreeing the scope and nature of representation at both the local and EU level.

The British Air Line Pilots' Association

Contents

Next section