International Development Matters Issue 139 March 2015
International Development Matters Issue 139 March 2015
IDM - Monthly newsletter reporting international development matters and issues affecting trade unionists around the world. Including reports, statements, interviews and events.
TUC Aid Project Update: Organising & Training Support for Guatemalan Banana Workers
TUC urges Government to support ILO enquiry into trade union rights violations in Fiji.
Why the ILO must continue to police the right to strike
Assault on Turkish democracy continues
Controversial Labour Law Scrapped In Peru
Benetton agrees to pay Rana Plaza compensation
Guatemala’s Wages See-Saw: minimum pay rights under threat
The Bank and IMF in 2014: year in review
Ecuador: Reinstate Jimena Lopez!
A New Domestic Workers Trade Union Fights Kafala
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TUC News
TUC Aid Project Update: Organising & Training Support for Guatemalan Banana Workers
The TUC Aid / Unite funded programme to provide training for members of Guatemala’s banana unions and to support efforts to organise the lawless south of the country has ended on a positive note. You can read an update on the projects progress here.
TUC urges Government to support ILO enquiry into trade union rights violations in Fiji.
The TUC, in a letter to Hugo Swire, FCO Minister, has called for the UK Government’s backing for the establishment of an ILO Commission of Inquiry into trade union rights violations in Fiji in line with the ILO Governing Body’s decision in March 2014. You can read the letter here.
Why the ILO must continue to police the right to strike
As deepening economic inequality shows that strong trade unions are needed more than ever, employers are engaged in a ruthless assault on one of the most fundamental labour laws of all. But, as the ITUC holds a global day of action today to rally support, the right to strike is not up for negotiation. Read more here.
Other International News
Assault on Turkish democracy continues
A year on TUC’s Sean Bamford reports on the difficulties workers and trade unionists continue to face in Turkey and the governments attack on their rights. Read more here.
Controversial Labour Law Scrapped In Peru
After strong opposition from trade unions, students and members of civil society a controversial labour law has been scrapped by Congress. The legislation would have cut salaries, holidays and severance payments for workers under 25 amongst other measures. Read more on the fight against this law here.
Benetton agrees to pay Rana Plaza compensation
After the collapse of one of its factories in the Rana Plaza disaster global fashion brand Benetton has finally agreed to pay compensation after strong campaigning from global unions on behalf of the victim’s families. Read more here.
Guatemala’s Wages See-Saw: minimum pay rights under threat
As British unions campaigned for decent wages during Fair Pay Fortnight, Guatemala faces a threat to one of the few protections it has for workers the minimum wage. However, while the government pursues a race to the bottom, Guatemala’s unions are working hard to improve workers’ pay. Read more here.
IFI News
The Bank and IMF in 2014: year in review
Bretton Woods Project has released their review of the Bank’s and IMF performance in 2014. You can read about the organisations activities throughout the past year here.
Calls to Action
Ecuador: Reinstate Jimena Lopez!
Trade union leader Jimena Lopez was sacked from her cabin crew job after a successful organising drive at her workplace. Transport workers around the world have joined the government of Ecuador in calling for her reinstatement and they need you to add your voice.
Focus on Trade Unionists
A New Domestic Workers Trade Union Fights Kafala
Equal Times reports on the fight one domestic worker defending the cause of migrant domestic workers in Lebanon through the Federation of Employees’ and Workers’ Trade Unions of Lebanon. Read more here.
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