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This edition of the TUC’s Global Solidarity Update bulletin contains the latest international solidarity news and issues affecting trade unionists around the world, including reports, statements, blogs, interviews and events from a wide range of reputable sources. 

We hope you enjoy this edition and we thank you for your continual support in reading and sharing this bulletin.  

In this issue: 

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TUC NEWS

The TUC released the report ‘A Better Recovery’ Learning the lessons of the corona crisis to create a stronger, fairer economy

The TUC released the report ‘A Better Recovery’ Learning the lessons of the corona crisis to create a stronger, fairer economy. Read the international section (chapter 6) which speaks about trade deals which have weakened labour protections and have pushed workers into the informal economy with devastating consequences for their livelihoods; weak regulation of global supply chains, which means that workers who produce the goods we consume enjoy none of the protections we expect; international institutions must be reformed so that they work towards a new social contract and international co-operation is essential to tackle the far right.
 

TUC international May Day celebrations – solidarity video and concert

The TUC coordinated a global solidarity video by virtually bringing together sister unions from around the world to celebrate all key workers on the front line during the Coronavirus epidemic.
Watch and share the video here

Musicians and trade unions from across the globe came together on 1 May 2020 to take part in an online concert to celebrate May Day globally – under the theme of international solidarity - connecting all the continents of the world. The TUC put forward Billy Bragg as the UK entry.

Watch his stellar performance here alongside other global artists.

 

Solidarity with Brazilian trade unions

Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro continues to deny the severity of Covid-19 despite the growing evidence of its impact on Brazil. He continues to face domestic and international condemnation for his dismissive attitude toward the pandemic. The TUC produced a short video to highlight the main issues effecting working people and local communities in Brazil and what unions are doing to resist it.
 

TUC demands "drop charges against HKCTU General Secretary now!"

The Hong Kong administration continues to trample on workers’ right to freedom of assembly, including the recent arrest and prosecution of Lee Cheuk Yan, the General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU). In solidarity with our Hong Kong colleagues, TUC General Secretary, Frances O’Grady wrote a letter of condemnation here
 

TUC affiliate calls for urgent measures to fight Covid-19 in Colombian prisons

In response to COVID-19 inspired lockdowns, Colombia and other countries, have introduced or increased the presence of military and police in rural areas where Indigenous Peoples live, leading to gross human rights violations and even the cold blooded murder of human rights defenders. The number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Colombian prisons and the POA trade union for UK prison systems has written to the Colombian Ministry of Justice over the humanitarian and overcrowding crisis.
 

Protecting Palestinian human rights: Supreme Court confirms investment decisions can be used to promote peace

In a blow to the government, the Supreme Court overturned regulations that banned local government pension schemes (LGPSs) from making investment decisions that differ from government foreign and defence policy – in April this year. This judicial review brought by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and allies is a landmark decision. The regulations, brought in by the government in 2016, banned pension funds from divesting from companies or countries on ethical grounds. This meant that divestment from companies complicit in violating Palestinian human rights, or the rights of others, was not allowed.

Read more from the TUC blog here

 

OTHER INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Global unions responses to Covid-19

The novel coronavirus, and the disease it causes, COVID-19, is leading to an unfolding public health, economic and employment crisis. Unions around the world are responding to the rapidly evolving situation, defending workers' rights and promoting social solidarity.

See updated Covid-19 responses from European and wider global unions from the ETUC and ITUC and read how unions in Africa are responding to the epidemic.

 

International workers’ Memorial Day remembrance and calls for COVID-19 classification as an occupational disease

The ITUC and its Global Unions partners are calling for COVID-19 to be classified as an occupational disease in order to ensure stronger workplace protections and access to compensation as well as to medical care. The call was made on 28 May, International Workers’ Memorial Day. On that day International Transport Federation and the TUC remembered front line workers who lost their lives after being exposed to Covid-19.
 

Turkish government continuing trade union arrests during Covid-19 epidemic

The Turkish government is using Covid-19 as a basis to interfere with trade union rights. On May Day, the General Secretary of DISK and colleagues were arrested for peacefully celebrating May Day. The Turkish government had instituted a law which would ban all strikes and protests and postpone all collective agreements for the next three months from April.
 

Discrimination against Journalists during Covid-19

Journalists are experiencing high levels of discrimination and intimidation whilst reporting during the epidemic. In Berlin, two camera teams from public service broadcasters were set upon at anti-government protests against Covid restrictions. In Pakistan, Al-Jazeera reports that up to 54 journalists have been tested positive for Covid as news organisations push for news but guidelines for journalists are lax and being ignored. In Belarus, four journalists were sent to prison just for doing their job. Media workers are increasingly under attack around the world with Trump’s racist response to a female CBS journalist (during the week of 11 May) another example. 
 

Solidarity strikes across United States

US workers across states went on strike on 1 May in the latest in a wave of actions led by union and non-union front-line workers. In March, Amazon workers in New York City and more than 10,000 Instacart workers across the country staged a walkout. Whole Foods employees led a national sickout on 31 March, while upwards of 800 workers skipped their shifts at a Colorado meatpacking plant as coronavirus cases were confirmed among employees. Sanitation workers in Pittsburgh and bus drivers in Detroit both staged wildcat strikes.

 
Employers, workers and major brands join ILO on a call for action to support the garment industry

The devastating effects of Covid-19 on lives and livelihoods has meant that many industries are struggling to operate properly. Employer and worker organisations within the garment industry are working with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to take action to support manufacturers to survive the economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and to protect garment workers’ income, health and employment. This global action also calls for work on sustainable systems of social protection for a more just and resilient garment industry.

Read about the new UNI Global Union campaign to promote safe fashion retail post Covid-19 pandemic

 

IFI NEWS

Reform the IMF and World Bank to re-build better from COVID-19

To build a stronger and resilient world from the economic, health and social devastation of COVID-19 and the crises of inequality and climate change which preceded it, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund must move beyond structural reforms driven by market fundamentalism. Two new reports catalogue decades of failed policies that weakened the social contract and left countries vulnerable to the pandemic and economic crisis.

IMF and World Bank take steps to contain pandemic and reduce debt burdens, but fall short of an equitable plan for reconstruction

Ahead of the virtual Spring Meetings, the global labour movement called for coordinated action on public health and economic stimulus, and united with the International Chamber of Commerce on emergency debt relief. This included full funding for the IMF Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust. The G20 countries agreed to suspend debt payments from low-income countries facing emergencies. The World Bank and multilateral development banks declined to participate in a suspension without additional resources.

Read more here
 

In planning a global economic recovery, it’s time to turn the page on inequality

Both the World Bank and the IMF have promoted targeted social protection schemes that leave people without an adequate safety net.

The ITUC say it’s time to turn the page on austerity, structural reform and privatisation.

 

CALLS TO ACTION

Global action: Climate and employment proof our work - 24 June 2020

On June 24, take part in the biggest global conversation about our future: join the Global Day of Action to Climate and Employment Proof our Work.
Read more here

 

ACT NOW! Cambodia: Release jailed trade union leader

Mrs. Soy Sros, president of the CUMW local union at Superl Cambodia, has been arrested and imprisoned for a Facebook post criticising the suspension of union members, including a pregnant woman, during the coronavirus crisis. On 2 April, she was arrested for 'provocation' under the criminal code. She remains in detention and her health is deteriorating.

Please sign and share this Labour Start action

 

ACT NOW! Philippines: Anti-union repression against teacher union

The Education International (EI) invites workers worldwide to condemn the intensification of the harassment and repression against its affiliate, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), in the Philippines. The anti-union climate under the Duterte regime has caused unionists, teachers and academics to fear for their rights and safety.

Read about the latest arrests and crackdown against unions and civil society organisations in the country and sign the action now!

 

ACT NOW! Tell the government of Canada to protect food workers' lives and safety!

Workers at meat plants across Canada are at high risk in the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,400 of these workers have been infected; some are in critical condition, and some have died. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada are insisting that support for the food industry must include a commitment to protect the lives, health and safety of food workers.

CLICK HERE to sign the UFCW petition to tell the Government of Canada that taxpayer money to corporations must first guarantee the health and safety of workers - and food workers must have a say in determining the conditions of their own health and safety!

 

FOCUS ON TRADE UNIONISTS

Chilean Barbara Figueroa awarded Arthur Svensson Prize 2020

Chilean trade union leader Barbara Figueora has been awarded the prestigious Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights, in recognition of her commitment as the leader of CUT Chile in fighting for social justice.
Read more here

 

Multilateralism, SDGs and COVID-19: What role for workers’ organisations?

Why Multilateralism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are even more relevant as overarching responses to the COVID-19 pandemic? Maria Helena ANDRE, Director of the ILO’s Bureau for Workers ‘Activities shares her thoughts on the critical role to be played by Workers' organisations to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

CNN interview UNI Global General Secretary, Christy Hoffman calls for a fairer economy

UNI General Secretary Christy Hoffman was on  CNN's Quest Means Business calling for a long-term recovery plan and a fair deal for workers in the post-pandemic world.
 

EVENTS

Global unions: Covid 19 Webinars: #GenderEqualNewNormal

Global unions are joining forces for a gender equal new normal in a series of webinars addressing women workers in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic and beyond, with contributions from unions representing workers across sectors and regions. Both to be broadcast live on Facebook here

Tuesday 2nd June 2020 from 14.00 CEST to 15.30 CEST. (1pm UK time)
Global unions webinar: “Stopping gender-based violence in the midst of a pandemic”

Tuesday 16th June 2020 from 14.00 CEST to 15.30 CEST. (1pm UK time)
Global unions webinar: “A Gender Equal New Normal”

Watch a recording of the 1st Webinar: "COVID-19: Women workers in the front lines” which was held on Tuesday 19th May 2020
 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival (digital edition)

The Human Rights Watch Film Festival (HRWFF) will take place digitally from 22 May – 5 June 2020 and will showcase films such as “Made in Bangladesh which is a poignant story about the struggles of women who work in garment factories, trying to eke out a living while simultaneously fighting for dignity at work and home. It’s a film that every consumer should watch and begin to scrutinize the brands they buy.” 

Find out more here


 

Cuba Solidarity Campaign: CineCuba London - film screenings June - September 2020

CineCuba – Documentaries and feature films from and about Cuba screened upstairs at The Calthorpe Arms, central London. Last Monday of the month. Free entry, donations welcome.

(Events will take place pending government Covid-19 gathering guidelines)
 
Venue: Upstairs at The Calthorpe Arms, 252 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8JR.

Monday 29 June, 7.30pm: ‘Viva’ (2016) Dir. Paddy Breathnach.
The film centres on a young Cuban who dreams of being a drag artist. Not only does he have the other drag queens to contend with but his father, macho and alcoholic, demands he give up his calling. A splendid portrayal of father-son tensions; a challenging film, not for the fainthearted.

Monday 27 July, 7.30pm: ‘Cuba: Living Between Hurricanes’ (2019) Dir. Michael Chanan.
The director, who will join us, describes the film as “about commodities, ecology, and prospects for sustainable development in Cuba, made in collaboration with a Cuban NGO. Intended as a contribution to debate about commodity history and climate change both in Cuba and globally”.

Monday 28 September, 7.30pm: ‘Herencia’ (Inheritance) (2019) Dir. Ana Hurtado.
“Africa is not just an influence on Cuba, it is a presence in Cuba”. All the elements of African cultures and the extent to which the very fabric of the country owes its existence to those of African descent are examined in this sensitive documentary with a great soundtrack.
For more info contact organiser Cuba Solidarity Campaign - North London northlondoncsc@gmail.com

 

NSCAG Royal Parks Half Marathon October 11th 2020

Two spots are still available to join the NSCAG in running the 2020 Royal Parks Half Marathon please get in touch with them directly. They are asking runners to pay £70 towards the entry fee (they pay the remaining £70) and to raise £350 in sponsorship. Read more about the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon here and how the funds will be spent.

(Event will take place pending government Covid-19 large gathering guidelines)

 

 

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