Make Poverty History update

Make Poverty History update

The first part of the Make Poverty History year culminated in the mass mobilisation rally and march in Edinburgh on 2 July, which preceded the opening of the G8 summit. The event was, in mobilisation terms, a massive success with between 225,000-250,000 people forming a human white band around the centre of the city. Trade unions had a highly visible presence - we estimate that about 20,000 trade unionists were in attendance - and a number of trade union leaders including Brendan Barber and colleagues from Colombia and Swaziland addressed the crowds throughout the day. The day before the march the TUC and STUC organised a mock G8 Summit for young trade unionists to provide information both on the issues being discussed at the summit and the nature of negotiating process.

Make Poverty History has achieved some success in getting movement on aid and debt and welcomed:

The increase in development aid and debt relief pledged by the G8 governments

The focus on jobs and growth for Africa and the emphasis on investment in African people's skills and measures to promote good governance

The condemnation of the government of Zimbabwe's assault on the workers in the informal economy, many of whom were trade unionists and

The support expressed for the Middle East peace process and $3 billion for Palestine

However, there was no movement on trade issues and labour standards were not mentioned. However the Make Poverty History year is far from over and the TUC in particular calls on world leaders to reach a global deal on trade justice that does not undermine core labour standards at the WTO Ministerial in Hong Kong in December. Work therefore continues to focus on the need for trade justice and better regulation and accountability of multi-nationals. One example of the TUC's ongoing work in this area will be a joint NGO-Union seminar on the role of business - 'making poverty history or making poverty worse' on 19 September in congress house.

Similarly, the TUC is making plans to take part in the Trade Justice Movements Mass Lobby of Parliament on 2 November and Vote for Trade Justice throughout the Autumn which aims to achieve one million votes by the time the WTO meets. Trade unions have a vital roll to play in all of this.

Finally, there are two more Global White Band days. The second is on 10 September when the world will be wearing white bands in show of their calls for the world leaders to redouble their commitments at the UN Millennium Development Goal summit from 14-16 September. The second will be on 10 December just before the WTO ministerial.

The TUC's unique bands for trade unionists carry the message 'Make Poverty History - Respect Workers Rights'. They cost just £1 each and the money goes back into union campaign work. You can order them by through TUC publications. Minimum orders are 5 for £5 and all orders are in multiples of 5:

Write to Steve Mills, Publication Officer, Congress House, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3LS. Cheques should be made payable to the TUC. Telephone 020 7467 1294 to pay by credit card visit www.tuc.org.uk/makepovertyhistory to order online