Madagascar unions demand justice for jailed trade unionist

On 28 August, the Anosy Court in Antananarivo sentenced and jailed Sento for 12 months, after he posted on social media about the discussions the unions had with the management of E-Toile S.A., a textile and garment manufacturer where he was employed as a machinist. Amongst other charges, Sento, who is a trade union representative, is accused of breaching confidentiality and “agitating workers.”

Syndicalisme et Vie des Sociétés (SVS), which is affiliated to IndustriALL Global Union, disputes this and says that Sento “is a victim of moral harassment whose rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and association are being violated as well as his rights as a trade union representative.”

In the post, Sento, informed the co-workers about various union issues that were discussed with the management. These included on union elections, that the food committee should raise concerns about poor food quality after reports of stale food, training of workers on the role of the labour inspectorate, and that the employer should approve and not deny workers’ rights to holidays, off-days, and sick leave, which are protected by the labour laws.

 

On 8 October, SVS and IndustriALL visited Sento at the Maison Centrale Antimora prison in Antananarivo, where he is jailed and briefly talked to him.

“There is nothing extraordinary about the social media post besides it being our usual mode of communication as workers. But I was taken by surprise by the reaction of the human resources department, which said they were disappointed by the post and asked me to delete it, which I did. However, they then laid charges against me.

“As a trade union representative, I wrote this post soon after the meeting because workers were anxious to hear the outcomes of discussions with the management; and social media happened to be the most effective way to reach them,”

says Sento.

During a march to commemorate the World Day for Decent Work on 7 October in Antananarivo, workers held banners is support of his release, and chanted slogans condemning the injustice against the worker. They said employers were colluding with the justice system to violate trade union rights.

“The conviction of Sento on trumped up charges shows that E-Toile wants to hide the truth on workers’ rights violations at its factories. We are campaigning against this injustice and trade union bashing and want him to be released as he is in jail for doing trade union duties. Representing workers as a union leader is not a crime,”

says Ravonintsoa Malala, SVS president.

Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary says:

“We are appalled by this conviction and jailing of a trade unionist for reporting to co-workers about discussions at a meeting with management. This is unacceptable, and we would like to remind E-Toile management and the government of Madagascar that they must respect national and international labour standards on freedom of association and trade union rights. The employer and the government should engage in social dialogue with trade unions instead of intimidating workers with trumped up charges and imprisonment.”

A trade union guide of practice for a Just Transition

A trade union guide of practice for a Just transition
 
ENGLISHESPAÑOLFRANÇAIS 
RUSSIANARABICPORTUGUES
  
TURKISH  


The guide outlines Just Transition on workers’ terms and emphasizes a Just Transition framework that, first and foremost, protects the livelihood of workers, now and in the future.

Each step outlines a bold, positive approach for society. Better paying jobs, secure work, strong social protection and investment in communities are all elements that ensure a society where you can expect fair payment for labour, strong rights on the job and an optimistic future for all who share clean air, water and food on a healthier planet, guided by social dialogue.

The first part discusses the realities of the economic and political status of Just Transition in 2022, bringing focus to the pitfalls and shortcomings in Just Transition efforts to date so union leaders and allies can be prepared for inevitable challenges that present themselves.

It also contains the results of a Just Transition global survey among IndustriALL affiliates, which reflects the full spectrum from IndustriALL’s affiliates across the globe.

The second part offers unions a broad set of steps to follow to structure a successful Just Transition effort. It contains concrete tools for implementation and monitoring, primarily for unions and allies but can also offer insights to country leaders and responsible company executives.

The Appendix provides specific language for Just Transition plans that can be used and adapted by unions in different countries.

“This guide of practice contains concrete steps for unions to launch and achieve a strong Just Transition framework. For a transition to be just, unions and workers must be involved, if they are not part of the discussions and decision-making process we talk about a simple transition, not a Just Transition for workers, their families and communities”

says Diana Junquera-Curiel, IndustriALL director of energy industry and Just Transition.

How to achieve a Just Transition in Turkey

Climate and energy expert Önder Algedik explained the context of climate policy in Turkey and Alpkan Birelma, assistant professor at Özyeğin University and author of the recent FES report on trade unions in Turkey, reported on the persistent challenges for Turkish trade unions in defending workers’ rights.

The Turkish context

The Turkish economy is at peril with an inflation rate spiralling out of control hitting 83% in September 2022. However, it Turkish economy still benefits from investments in industrial manufacturing due to supply disruptions in other parts of the world, the proximity to its biggest export market –  Europe –  (41.3 per cent of Turkish exports) and low labour costs. 

Despite having ratified the Paris Agreement with the target of reaching climate neutrality by 2053, the Turkish government is investing in domestic coal production. This is to secure energy supply for a country largely depending on fossil energy imports, mainly from Russia and the Middle East. Turkey is expected to revise its current target of 21 per cent emission reduction by 2030 ahead of COP27 in November.

Turkey will need to develop a more ambitious climate agenda to align with EU targets and legislation. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will increase the price of Turkey’s exports to the EU. The EU’s phasing out of combustion engine cars by 2035 will also have an impact, and Turkish textile exports will have to conform with the EU’s Sustainable Textile Strategy, aimed at decreasing the use of water and raw materials, as well as promoting the reuse and recycling of textiles.

What does this mean for workers?

Just Transition is a relatively new subject on the Turkish trade union agenda.

As Turkey’s industrial landscape is characterized by an ever-growing increase in carbon-intensive industrial manufacturing and the absence of a climate policy, there has been little reason to be concerned about industrial change linked to decarbonisation. Furthermore, Turkey’s problematic industrial relations make trade union involvement in anticipating change very difficult.

According to a recent report by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, trade union rights in Turkey are far from being aligned with ILO core conventions. Collective bargaining rights have been under attack and the right to strike has been further restricted. The ITUC has ranked Turkey among the ten worst countries for workers since 2016.

Despite the difficult context, the Turkish trade unions were able to report about first concrete steps they are undertaking or planning to anticipate the transition in their sectors, such as studies on workers in thermal power plants or informing members through webinars on sutainability.

IndustriALL Global Trade Union and industriAll European Trade Union stand side by side with their Turkish affiliates in defending trade union rights and ensuring a Just Transition for workers as Turkey embarks on the road to net-zero emissions.

 

Kan Matsuzaki, assistant general secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, said:

“The workshop is only the first step in more focused discussions on trade union rights and Just Transition in Turkey. We will assist our Turkish colleagues in working towards a Just Transition that is in line with the ILO Guidelines adopted in 2016: a transition that is based on strong trade union rights, the implementation of the ILO core conventions and effective social dialogue mechanisms.”

Judith Kirton-Darling, Deputy General Secretary of industriAll Europe, said:

“In the context of skyrocketing inflation and the energy price crisis, the need to anticipate the changes underway for Turkish industrial workers is now more important than ever. The European Green Deal will impact economies beyond EU boarders. We stand side by side with our affiliated trade unions in demanding sustainable industrial strategies and full involvement of trade unions in managing the change. Nothing about us, without us!”

We want a Just Future and an end to inequality!

In Georgia, unions organized a photo exhibition in the streets to raise awareness about decent pay and inequality.
 
The Japan Council of IndustriALL Global Unions (JLC) held a seminar on the current situation where wages have not increased for 30 years, discussing solutions to eliminate the unfair distribution. The seminar was held as preparations for next year's wage negotiations are about to start.
 
JLC chair Takakura referenced the cost of living crisis as company earnings are increasing:

“It is the unanimous opinion of not only unions, but society in general that wage increases are an effective solution to combat high prices and eliminate inequality. This is an opportunity for us this year, as we prepare for the Spring Struggle. Now, the focus is on wages. If we workers cannot buy things through higher wages, the economy will not turn around.”

 

As unions in Iraq took action to inform workers of the decent work day, unstable contracts and wages, Alaa Odeh Hussein, president of General Union of Workers in the Electricity Sector, said:

“The fabric of our societies being torn apart, and people, societies and workers around the world are facing historical levels of inequality, in addition to massive unemployment, bad jobs and precarious contracts in the growing informal economies. As we try to get out of the health crisis imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are caught in the grip of crises of the cost of living, energy and food security, and the climate."

Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary, says:

“Inequality is increasing everywhere despite the fact that international institutions and many governments warn against this development. As governments and politicians are failing to resolve the crisis, unions are stepping up, as we have seen in the actions taken around the World Day for Decent Work. I am proud to see that our affiliates are joining the call that enough is enough and that it is time to pay up.”

International solidarity secures agreement for workers

In 2021, Ford India announced that it will stop manufacturing vehicles in India. Of the two plants in Sanand, one was bought by Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, and the engine plant stays open. Two plants one closed one open. Sanand Ford Employees Union with support from United Auto Workers (UAW), IndustriALL, and unions in TPEML successfully retained their job along with pay, other facilities and continuous years of work experience.

The assembly plant in Chennai were to close as no buyer was found, leaving the workers unemployed and many facing economic hardship. The negotiation process lasted for a year, with Chennai Ford Employees Union (CFEU) raising concerns with management and demanding job security.

 

A global trade union alliance under the leadership of US affiliate UAW had actively supported the recognition of the CFEU in 2011. In the anticipation of the closure of the plant in 2021, UAW and IndustriALL firmly stood with the union, which represents 2592 workers, in its fight to secure fair compensation for the workers.

In September 2021, representatives from UAW, IndustriALL, and the unions representing Ford workers from the Chennai and Sanand plants formed a working group coordinated by IndustriALL’s South Asia regional office ahead negotiations with Ford management. Weekly meetings were held to discuss the list of demands prepared by the Ford unions. Alliances with unions in Tata Motors were also explored for potential support. When needed, UAW would communicate with Ford management in the USA.

However, severance negotiations reached a deadlock and the union approached the labour department for conciliation in July 2022. After several rounds of tripartite negotiations, the union and Ford management finally reached an agreement on the severance package for the Chennai plant workers. Workers will receive a package equivalent to an average of 140 days of gross pay for each year of service completed, a one-time payment of 0.15 million INR (US$1,837), and wages until 30 September 2022.

"Even though we could not secure the jobs, it’s a big win for us as the union has managed to negotiate a satisfactory settlement. We especially welcome the clause stating that if the Ford brand is re-launched in India within the next three years, we will be given priority based on merit,. We express our gratitude towards our colleagues at IndustriALL and UAW for their encouragement and support during this difficult time,”

says Suresh S, general secretary of CFEU.

"We believe that multinational companies have a social responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of workers and their families and a year-long struggle has finally paid off. IndustriALL welcomes the agreement which is a remarkable example of international solidarity across workers' unions that underlined the process of negotiation,”

says Georg Leutert, IndustriALL automotive director.

Free Myanmar’s jailed trade unionists! Recognise the NUG!

Their continued imprisonment is a travesty of justice and makes a mockery of democracy. Trade union rights are globally recognised and guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. For workers and trade unionists to be imprisoned for the exercise of these rights in the defence of democracy cannot be allowed to pass unchallenged. Human and trade union rights are not suggestions – they are universal and inalienable rights that must be applied to all working people without discrimination and/or fear of repression.

Trade union rights can only thrive in a climate of democracy. They can only grow and flourish under governments that are committed to democratic processes and the rule of law. Thus, the Global Unions reaffirm their call to the United Nations General Assembly to recognise the credentials of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) as the one and true democratic government of the Myanmar people. By recognising the NUG, we safeguard the human and trade union rights of Myanmar’s working people, and once and for all, put an end to the military junta’s brutal dictatorship and false representation of the country before the international community.

The Global Unions also condemn in the strongest terms possible the widespread human rights abuses, torture and killings against Myanmar’s democracy activists both inside and outside the prisons. We strongly urge the United Nations and all relevant international human rights institutions to take strong action on this matter and bring to justice all those responsible for these atrocities.

Trade unions must never rest until all trade unionists, everywhere in the world, are free from repression and abuse of their fundamental rights. Democracy is the right of all working people. Whenever and wherever there is tyranny, trade unions will respond with unity and solidarity.

Global unions in Geneva today, calling for the immediate release of the jailed unionists in Myanmar.

Inditex global union committee fighting for workers in the supply chain

Meeting at Inditex headquarters in A Coruña, Spain, on 3-6 October, local union representatives from Inditex's six production clusters around the world and representatives from IndustriALL Spanish affiliates Comisiones Obreras and UGT-FICA discussed and evaluated the 2022 global work plan, exchanged organizing and collective bargaining victories in Inditex supplier factories during 2022, and developed its global implementation plan.
 
The days coincided with the 15th anniversary of the global framework agreement and the signing of a new protocol in the presence of the global union committee. The new protocol furthers social dialogue by reinforcing the committee and its coordinating bodies, specifically establishing new mechanisms for cementing the role of the local unions for a better understanding of what the workers making the clothes need.

The global committee with IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie and Inditex CEO Óscar García Maceiras at the signing of the agreement.

 
During the meeting days, the global union committee discussed the advancement of a joint programme for global implementation on freedom of association and collective bargaining, and the new protocols on factory access. Access to factories in Inditex’ supply chain will improve the understanding of workers’ needs and how to respond to them.

The global committee will continue to work with all IndustriALL textile and garment affiliates to identify and plan joint factory access for 2023, as elaborated in the 2023 GFA workplan.

Since its establishment, the International Accord has significantly improved factory safety in Bangladesh. The global committee expressed its support that Pakistan will be the next country that will develop an health and safety programme under the Accord. It further expressed support for the Inditex MENA trade union network’s demand that the Accord be expanded to Morocco.

“The global union committee has made key decisions to ensure that the workers in Inditex’s global supply chain will continue to be able to exercise their rights to band together in trade unions to negotiate for better working conditions. IndustriALL will continue to support the Inditex global union committee in this important mandate,”

says Christina Hajagos-Clausen, IndustriALL textile and garment director.
 
 

SKF World Union Council meets with top management

Around 40 union leaders from almost all countries where SKF has operations came together from 3-6 October. Welcoming participants, WUC chairman Kenneth Carlsson, underlined the importance of representatives from SKF’s Ukraine operations joining the meeting.
 
On the first day, delegates from Europe discussed with management on future activities, strategies and the footprint of SKF. The energy crisis and consequences of Russia’s war on Ukraine were other topics during the European Works Council meeting.
 
The second day was dedicated to internal discussions of the WUC, the global social dialog body. The steering committee reported on the latest developments, and IndustriALL director for mechanical engineering Matthias Hartwich said:

“The SKF WUC is unique: it’s a very mature body for social dialogue on a global level, dedicated to union involvement. The cooperation among all different trade unions for the sake of SKF’s workers – regardless of if they are white or blue collar – is crucial for the workforce. And this is even more important in times of crises and change. As trade unions, we take the responsibility to pilot our members through the challenges of green tech and digitalization; our goal is to make this a just transition.”

Marie Nilsson, president of IndustriALL's  Swedish affiliate IF Metall, joined the meeting and addressed the changes in the industrial setting in Sweden, making special reference to the development of a sustainable industrial policy related to green technologies. She greeted the Ukrainian delegation and assured them of IF Metall’s solidarity.
 
On the third day, delegates received input from SKF top management. CEO Rickard Gustafson and head of human resources Ann-Sofie Zaks presented on strategic goals and the future footprint of the group. The presentations were followed by discussions with participants.
 
Kenneth Carlsson and WUC vice-president from Germany Norbert Völkl, demanded on behalf of the WUC to be informed and consulted on strategic discussions and decisions, making sure that unions have a say. The CEO and the management team promised to fulfill this demand, which the WUC will follow up on.

Nigeria ratifies Convention 190 after sustained union campaigns

On 30 September, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had signed the instruments of ratification, and that the government is committed to strengthening laws to curb gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) at work.
 
A report by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to which some IndustriALL Global Union affiliates belong, and the Solidarity Centre, stated that GBVH happens at most workplaces and is underreported because of stigma and other social norms. It is worsened by poor enforcement of laws and weak implementation of workplace policies.

According to the report, this creates an environment where discriminatory gender norms are entrenched as evidenced by groping and sexual harassment by supervisors, which is common at workplaces – often making women workers dread going to work.

 

“We have been campaigning for the ratification of Convention 190 at meetings and events. Our main message has been that if the country is committed to ending GBVH, the Federal Government of Nigeria must ratify the convention,”

says Oluchi Amaogu, secretary of the Sub-Saharan Africa region’s interim women’s committee from the National Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers.
 
The unions say that the ratification of C190 will strengthen the development of workplace policies to address gender discrimination, gender inequality, improve reporting mechanisms and confidentiality, and make perpetrators accountable and be prosecuted under appropriate laws.

Unions want remedies to be provided to survivors of GBVH, and power imbalances and GBVH risk factors that include unsafe public transport when commuting to work to be dealt with. This will make workplaces safer for formal, informal, and precarious workers. Unions will carry out C190 awareness campaigns, especially in male dominated workplaces, to discuss the ending of practices that perpetuate GBVH at work.

Armelle Seby, IndustriALL gender director, underlines the importance of the Convention as a tool in stopping GBVH:

“The ratification of C190 is an important step for Nigeria, but the implementation of the convention and Recommendation 206 is crucial to making workplaces safer for women. This means coming up with initiatives to build the capacity of unions on gender equality, and preventing and addressing GBVH through actions and campaigns.”

The other African countries that have ratified the convention are the Central Africa Republic, Mauritius, Namibia, Somalia, and South Africa.
 
 
 

Genuine social dialogue needed for a Just Transition in Georgia

Temur Suramelashvili, deputy chairman of the Trade Union of Metallurgy, Mining and Chemical Industry Workers of Georgia, spoke about the risks of energy transition. In Tkibuli, about one thousand people work in the mines and nearly 3,500 are employed in the service infrastructure. If the Georgian government complies with the Paris Agreement on CO2 emissions and closes the mines, this will affect between 18-20,000 people, including workers’ families.

“We need to look closer at how the energy transition impacts industrial sectors and companies. We need to understand which companies and professions will be impacted by the transition and which new ones will appear. There needs to be a plan because every number on paper represents a family. Workers need concrete Just Transition plans to face the new challenges,”

said Diana Junquera Curiel, IndustriALL director for energy and Just Transition.

Ensuring social protection and decent jobs is a priority for the unions to protect workers’ rights.

The Ministry of Economy is actively involved in strategic planning. The representative at the meeting confirmed the importance of social dialogue and invited all interested parties to participate in discussions, including through the Social Interaction Program.

Although the meeting was characterized by openness and a willingness to discuss among employers and government representatives, the absence of employer associations in the country hampers effective social dialogue, both at the sectoral and national level.

“Since there are no employers’ organizations, there are neither sectoral agreements nor a general agreement setting the framework and rules for the relationship of the social partners. Unions need a reliable counterpart, willing to create constructive platforms to negotiate the future of the industry in Georgia,”

said IndustriALL regional secretary Vadim Borisov.

Cristina Hanson and Jesper Nielsen, from 3F union in Denmark shared their experience on how a green transition becomes Just Transition. Building on the Danish tradition for public-private partnerships, the Danish government has formed 14 climate partnerships representing the different sectors in the Danish economy.

Ambros Arias from the Spanish affiliated to IndsutriALL, UGT FICA,  spoke about the experience of closing coal mines and thermal power plants, which provided almost ten per cent of Spain's energy balance. Spanish trade unions are aiming to double the number of jobs as a result of transition to green energy.

The event was part of a joint project between IndustriALL and 3F, Denmark’s largest union.