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International Development Matters Issue 133 September 2014

Issue date

IDM - Monthly newsletter reporting international development matters and issues affecting trade unionists around the world. Including reports, statements, interviews and events.

TUC NEWS

OTHER INTERNATIONAL NEWS

IFI NEWS

CALLS TO ACTION

·     FOCUS ON TRADE UNIONISTS·      

EVENTS

 _________

TUC NEWS

 

TUC letter to Paraguayan ambassador condemning shooting of education trade unionists

Frances O’Grady has written a letter to the Paraguayan ambassador after education trade unionists were fired upon with plastic bullets. The assault took place during a peaceful demonstration demanding better pay and a guaranteed share (7%) of Paraguay’s GDP going to education.

TUC renews protocol with CGTP-IN to support Portuguese speaking migrant workers

TUC is pleased to announce the signing of a renewed co-operation protocol with the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (CGTP-IN), to help Portuguese-speaking migrant workers in the UK join unions and claim their rights at work.

TUC letter to Ecuadorian ambassador registering concerns over arrest of trade unionist

A letter has been written to the Ecuadorian ambassador by TUC General Secretary registering concerns over the imprisonment of trade union leader Dr. Carlos Figueroa. Dr. Figueroa was arrested by the police on 22 July in the city of Quito, where he was visiting his terminally ill mother.

 

TUC calls for release of British researchers in Qatar

In response to the news of the two missing researchers, Ghimire Gundev and Krishna Upadhyaya, who vanished after documenting extreme violations of workers rights TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady has written to the Qatari ambassador registering concerns and urging for their immediate release. The researchers have since been freed and allowed to leave the country.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL NEWS

19 Journalists detained in Somalia

A protest by the IFJ has been backed by the ITUC over the Somali government’s detention of nineteen journalists and the closure of independent radio stations. Sixteen of the journalists have been released but three are still being held and concerns for their safety and well-being have been expressed by the ITUC after reports suggest they have been subjected to abuse and torture.

Prayer meeting banned by police in Swaziland

A prayer meeting in Swaziland has been banned. Although the pastor at the meeting was preaching the word of God the presence union leaders caused the meeting to be deemed illegal by police who then ordered the venue to be vacated in two minutes. Read more here

Striking miners in Iran are released

Over 5000 striking miners have returned to work after downing tools in protest of the arrest of 9 of their colleagues. The 9 miners where arrested for taking part in a 40 day strike early this year but have now been released on bail. Read more here

Amnesty International calls on Fiji to respect workers rights

A new report from the global secretariat of Amnesty International contains a section devoted to the need to uphold workers’ rights. Amnesty International has also backed the call by the International Trade Union Confederation for an ILO commission of inquiry into Fiji for persistent breaches of ILO core conventions.

IFI NEWS

The world needs a pay rise

Ahead of employment ministers from the G20 countries gathering in Melbourne to discuss how the target of 2% additional GDP growth can be met, TUC’s Owen Tudor discusses how this cannot be achieved without raising the incomes of workers worldwide.

Unions call on World Bank to adopt strong labour standards

ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow has urged World Bank President Jim Yong Kim to ensure that the institution he leads adopts a labour standard lending requirement that is as comprehensive as those adopted by other multilateral development banks, and to correct the major weaknesses in the draft “labour safeguard” that was recently issued for consultation. 

Rana Plaza compensation: market failure means DFID must act

 The market failure that led to the Rana Plaza disaster in the first place is now compounded by a market failure to raise the funds needed for adequate compensation. After months of pressure, DFID Ministers have eventually joined the call for corporates to make donations. Read more here

CALLS TO ACTION

British researcher on trial in Thailand

British human rights campaigner Andy Hall is currently on trial in Thailand for exposing appalling working conditions in a Thai pineapple factory. TUC and other Global Union Federation are backing Mr Hall. Read more here

Protest at PM’s strangling threat against Swazi union leader

In a shocking outburst the prime minister of Swaziland has threatened that trade union and human rights leader who attended the African Summit in Washington D.C should be strangled upon their return back to the country. The TUC has already protested against these astonishing comments by writing a letter to Swaziland's High Commissioner to London and the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and you to can act now and condemn these threats.

ITUC day of action on Gaza

Three weeks to the day since the Israeli incursion into Gaza began, the TUC took in the International Trade Union Confederation’s worldwide day of action on Gaza, where the death and destruction has appalled many. The action was in solidarity with the people of Gaza and in particular the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions. Read here how you could get involved.

Free jailed trade union leader Reza Shahabi now!

Reza Shahabi has been in Iranian custody since 2010 on charges that result solely from the legitimate representation of his union members. He is now suffering from a number of health problems as a result the brutal treatment he received whilst being arrested. Trade unionists have been campaigning for his freedom and ask that you act now in demanding his release.

FOCUS ON TRADE UNIONISTS

92 year old trade unionist passes away

After a brief period of illness on September 1st Bala Tampoe passed away. As General Secretary of the CMU his work to on Sri Lanka’s political and social landscape spans over 65 years. You can read more on his career here.

Philippines tuna workers escalate dispute action with help of international delegation

Philippines tuna workers dismissed for forming a union have staged a week of action with the support of an international delegation from the ITF/IUF (International Union of Food, Agricultural and Hospitality Workers) fisheries programme. Read more here

EVENTS

Bond Annual Conference

Monday 10 Nov 2014

Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster

Bond Annual Conference, this year will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on Monday, 10 November. The packed programme includes high profile speakers from across the sector.  To register, click here

 

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