International Development Matters Issue 140 April 2015
International Development Matters Issue 140 April 2015
IDM - Monthly newsletter reporting international development matters and issues affecting trade unionists around the world. Including reports, statements, interviews and events.
Somali trade unionists develop work plan to improve pay and working conditions
Training women to take leadership roles in Bangladesh unions
TUC Aid backing self-employed women in Nicaragua
Modern Slavery Act: What have we got?
Turkish court frees trade unionists
Overseas development funding pledge
Statement by Global Unions to the 2015 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank
Act now! Attacks on trade unionists in Swaziland intensify
Act now! Kenyan Truckers held at gunpoint for protesting over 24 hour shifts
Celebrating UK-Nicaragua solidarity: past, present and future
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TUC News
Somali trade unionists develop work plan to improve pay and working conditions
A trade union workshop was held in Mogadishu, Somalia, with financial support from TUC Aid in January to explore ways and means of improving pay and working conditions of informal sector workers. You can read more on this workshop here.
Training women to take leadership roles in Bangladesh unions
In December 2014, TUC Aid began a programme with the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) in Bangladesh to develop women trade union leaders by running a series of training sessions for new female members and organisers. You can read more on the progress of this project here.
TUC Aid backing self-employed women in Nicaragua
TUC Aid, in partnership with the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action group, is supporting self-employed women in Nicaragua to transform their circumstances through their union. The women, working in the informal sector and members of Nicaraguan confederation FNT’s newest affiliate, face marginalisation and outright discrimination. Read more here.
Other International News
Modern Slavery Act: What have we got?
The Modern Slavery Bill has finally become the Modern Slavery Act. TUC’s Sean Bamford discuses the effect of the act and how the exclusion of certain inadequacies that failed to be addressed from the prior bill will affect domestic workers. Read more here.
Turkish court frees trade unionists
Five leaders of trade unions representing a wide range of workers from teachers to doctors, to architects and engineers, have been acquitted by the Criminal Court of First Instance No. 28, Istanbul. Read more here.
Overseas development funding pledge
The private member’s bill on the UK contribution to Official Development Assistance (ODA) has successfully navigated both Houses of Parliament and is awaiting Royal Assent to become law. Read more on the progress of the bill becoming law here.
Qatar Buys Time at the ILO
Qatar has been given until November to reform its kafala system of modern slavery and bring its labour laws into line with international standards, after a decision of the International Labour Organization’s Governing Body. Read more here.
IFI News
Statement by Global Unions to the 2015 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank
Ahead of this months meeting with the IMF and World Bank, Global Unions has released a statement containing IFI policies for sustainable job-creating growth, reduced inequality and Respect for workers’ rights. You read this statement here.
Calls to Action
Act now! Attacks on trade unionists in Swaziland intensify
Africa’s last absolute monarchy has intensified its attacks on trade unions and activists. Political parties are banned in Swaziland and key figures have been detained. Act now by sending a letter to Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini condemning these actions.
Act now! Kenyan Truckers held at gunpoint for protesting over 24 hour shifts
After being held at gun point and forced to continue working Kenyan truckers have returned to work following a settlement. They now need your help to support union recognition and all them to bargain there working conditions. Act now and send a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Agility logistics expressing your support.
Events
Celebrating UK-Nicaragua solidarity: past, present and future
Saturday 16 May
10am - 5.00pm
Conway Hall, Red Lion Sq, London WC1R 4RL (Holborn)
£6/£3 unwaged
Join NSC for a day of short films, talks, discussion, exhibitions, Nicaraguan food and music to celebrate the many forms of solidarity with Nicaragua from around the world from volunteering, trade unions, twin towns, fair trade, cultural exchanges, student links...and more. Organised by Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign, supported by Unite the Union and the Embassy of Nicaragua.
Read more here http://www.nicaraguasc.org.uk/news/article/120/uk-nicaragua-solidarity:-past,-present-and-future
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