Korean shipyard worker reinstated after 37-year struggle

Hundreds of union members attended the ceremony

Hundreds of members of IndustriALL Global Union affiliate the Korean Metal Workers’ Union (KMWU) braved the cold weather to attend the historic reinstatement ceremony on 25 February.

Kim thanked KMWU members for relentlessly fighting for her reinstatement, saying she hoped the landmark reinstatement would pave the way towards legislation giving access to justice and remedy for workers who suffered state-sponsored violence and unfair dismissals in the fight for democracy during Korea’s authoritarian era, from 1961 to 1987.

KMWU president Yoon, Jang-Hyeok said,

“During the military dictatorship, workers including our woman comrade Kim, Jin-suk persevered through state-sponsored violence, red-baiting, kidnapping, torture and unfair dismissal to fight for democracy inside the trade union. History has shown that fighting for democratic unionism was important for social change.

Though it will not bring the fallen comrades back to life, such as Park, Changsoo, Kim, Joo-ik, Kwak, Jae-kyu, Choi, Kang-seo, and Kim, Guem-sik, and the reinstatement has taken far too long, we are pleased that she made a history to enter the shipyard and eat together in the canteen with the shipyard workers for whom she sacrificed her whole life.”

Kim joined Korean Shipbuilding Corporation as a welder in 1981. After she and her co-workers protested against unsanitary food conditions and fought to reform a company-dominated union run by corrupt union officials into a democratic union, the company dismissed Kim in 1986.

When the company changed ownership to Hanjin Heavy Industries and Constructions (HHIC) in 1989, the new management still refused to reinstate her.

Even after her dismissal, Kim continued to stand in solidarity with shipyard workers, playing a pivotal role in challenging the company’s mass layoffs in 2003 and 2011.

In 2011, Kim occupied a 115–foot shipyard crane for 309 days in protest of the layoff of 400 workers. Her bold action ignited the Hope Bus movement and led to the reinstatement of 94 union members.

In the winter of 2021, she embarked upon a 34-day march from Busan to Seoul to the office of the Korean President Moon Jae-in, to demand her reinstatement. The President did not respond to her appeal. Instead it was her fellow workers at KMWU Hanjin Heavy Industries Local who reached an agreement with the employer, HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) on 23 February this year. As Kim has reached retirement age, negotiations on conditions will continue after the ceremony.

In addition to calling on politicians to enact legislation reforming the Korea Development Bank, in her reinstatement ceremony, Kim called on politicians to amend the Corporate Manslaughter Act to centre on surviving family and workers who lost their lives, enact a comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering LGBT, migrants, the disabled and women, to legislate for restoring the honour of other workers sacrificed in the fight for democracy and to intervene to resolve the issues of precarious workers at Asahi Glass, Asiana KO, the National Health Insurance Service, and Korea Expressway Corporation. 

“Despite the long and winding road to reinstatement, the 37-year struggle for workers’ rights and dignity is remarkable and deserves a page in the history of the Asian labour movement. Thank you sister Kim, Jin-suk for what you have done for Korean shipyard workers,”

said Shinya Iwai, IndustriALL regional secretary for South East Asia.

IndustriALL research on risks of gender-based violence and harassment and union responses

The report, financed by German Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), is the result of the work by gender-based violence expert Jane Pillinger.

“It has been a real privilege to carry out this research and to give a voice to women across the world about problems they face in the world of work and how unions can, and must take, important steps to end gender-based violence. The research, involving individual and group interviews with around 100 women workers in the mining, garments and electronics sectors, has given us unique insights into the risks of violence and harassment faced by women workers.

“Most of all it has shown the power and leadership of women and men in their unions to address these risks and prevent and tackle gender-based violence and harassment and bring it the centre of union organizing, training and awareness raising, advocacy and the representation of workers.  Only then can we seriously break the silence around gender-based violence and harassment,”

says Jane Pillinger.

The report brings first-hand evidence of GBVH in the three sectors. Although employers and unions are giving increasing attention to GBVH, it remains pervasive. The research identifies women’s multiple experiences of, and harm caused by, GBVH, ranging from verbal abuse, sexist jokes and comments to more serious forms of persistent sexual harassment, sexual assault and an expectation of sexual favours in return for jobs or promotion.
 
The research builds on the provisions of ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206. It focuses on the risks that women face daily, laying the groundwork for the prevention of gender-based violence and harassment on the part of employers and trade unions, and for the inclusion of gender-based violence and harassment in occupational health and safety. The report also highlights the impacts and risks of domestic violence in the world of work.

“Through the recommendations of the union leaders and women workers, as well as through the insights into trade unions’ good practices, this report provides guidance on the way forward for IndustriALL and its affiliates to eliminate gender-based violence.

“We should do more to hold employers accountable. The women interviewed testified of the ineffectiveness and inadequacy of measures taken by companies and their suppliers that still too often protect the perpetrators,”

says Christine Olivier, IndustriALL assistant general secretary.
 
To be published in the coming weeks:

What would a Just Transition in Nigeria's oil and gas sector look like?

NUPENG, which is affiliated to IndustriALL Global Union, hosted the conference in Asaba, Delta State on 5 April under the theme: “Just energy transition for oil and gas workers, social welfare and security.”

Speaking at the conference which is the highest organ of the union and a democratic platform for delegates which sets the agenda and mandates, Prince William Akporeha, NUPENG president said:

“The conference theme was carefully and appropriately chosen in line with the new realities of climate change. The current major energy sources are the main catalysts for climate change that the world is witnessing. Therefore, there is need to transition to more sustainable energy sources for both industrial and domestic production. Importantly, the global trade union movement is demanding a Just Transition that will take into cognizance the socio-economic impact on the working people.”

The issues discussed at the conference included the union’s 40th anniversary, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the oil and gas sector especially on retrenchments, fighting for workers’ rights through improving industrial relations and collective bargaining, and confronting precarious working conditions. Further, the conference called for national policies that supported the building of new oil refineries and sustainable industrialization that created decent jobs in the sector. The union also called upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve security in the country to stop “senseless killings, kidnappings” and conflict in some communities.
 
On its victories the union mentioned fighting precarious work at Shell and said IndustriALL’s support at Shell was valuable as it led to the signing of a collective bargaining agreement for contract workers with the Shell Petroleum Development Company. At Chevron, 1710 workers were paid their full terminal benefits while valiant energy also paid terminal benefits to 39 workers. To strengthen the union, women’s committees have been set and young workers are represented through a youth council.
 
Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub Saharan Africa who attended the meeting said:

“It is important that you are meeting as part of the union’s democratic traditions to set the agenda and renew mandates for the NUPENG leadership. Participatory democracy is important in building union power. We must never forget that the Just Transition is a working class concept that emerged out of the trade union movement to protect and advance workers’ rights and interests. In this sense a just energy transition must support the decent work agenda – promote job creation, guarantee rights at work, extend social protection, and promote social dialogue.”

South African mineworkers’ union congress pledges to go back to the organizing basics to build union power

The congress, which was attended by 750 delegates, took place from 30 March to 1 April in Johannesburg. The union leadership for the next three years was also elected as follows: Daniel Balepile, president, Phillip Vilakazi, deputy president, William Mabapa, general secretary, Mpho Phakedi, deputy general secretary, Helen Diatile, treasurer general, Olehile Kgware, education chairperson, Lefty Mashego, education secretary, Duncan Luvuno, health and safety chairperson, and Masibulele Naki, health and safety secretary.
 
The diverse issues on the congress agenda included the adoption of resolutions on organizational capacity building, membership recruitment strategies, membership retention through better service and representation, strengthening collective bargaining through forums and workshops, workers’ education, health and safety, confronting unfair labour practices, and equal representation of women and youth in the union structures. The delegates said the union should support the domestication of Convention 190 to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work which was ratified by South Africa. There were also discussions on the union’s 10-year plan.
 
The union also discussed the role of labour in the post-Covid 19 economic recovery in the mining sector inclusive of sustainable job creation and skills development for miners. Additionally, there was emphasis on union engagement through social and labour plans to ensure that communities in mining areas are beneficiaries and that mining companies adopt sustainable methods as prescribed by the laws.
 
The NUM congress discussed the union position paper, Just Transition and the Energy Sector, which is anchored on the decent work agenda: social dialogue, social protection, rights at work and employment protection and creation. Delegates at the congress concurred that a Just Transition should preserve jobs of coal miners and reskill workers. The union wants a Just Transition that will not create ghost towns in the areas where the coal mines are located but one that stimulates industrialization through renewable energy industries.
 
The NUM also celebrated its 40-year anniversary at the congress and paid tribute to 13 of its members and shop stewards who were killed in the last 10 years for conducting union work.
 
Speaking at the congress, Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, said what has not changed in the union’s history is the recognition of the workers’ power. This is visible in the

“potential that is unleashed when workers like yourselves assert themselves, build organisations that are resilient like NUM, when they embrace change and are active drivers of change, and when they unite in pursuit of common objectives. The mining and the construction industries are the lifeblood of the South African economy […] and are our most important sectors which account for a substantial share of our export earnings.”

In his solidarity message to the congress, Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary said:

“This congress is an important platform to discuss the workers’ struggle and the crucial role of the unity of the working class. Globally we are confronted by a wage crisis. In South Africa, I have noticed the devaluation of the currency, and the increasing inflation. In this respect, IndustriALL supports the strike at Sibanye Stillwater for living wages, and that the NUM should continue fighting for better working conditions for its members.”

Unions in Armenia discuss a Just Transition in the energy sector

Currently, around 40 per cent of the energy produced in Armenia is green, since it is produced at a nuclear plant without CO2 emissions. Another 20 per cent of the energy comes from hydropower. This, however, is seasonal, and Armenia has an agreement with Iran on a mutual exchange of energy depending on the season.

Workshop participants stressed that unions need to have a seat at the table to make working conditions a mandatory topic when discussing a Just Transition to renewable energy. The documents for tenders for the construction of new solar power plants contain reference to environmental safety as well as the least required technical characteristics. However, the tender process does not pay any attention to social issues, like decent wages and health and safety. Trade unions need to petition the government to include chapters related to social issues.

Through the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia and the ITUC, unions should also petition international financial institutions that provide loans for the implementation of energy programmes and other projects with similar requirements and proposals, to include a chapter on social issues, agreed upon with trade unions. This is to ensure that projects are not realized at the expense of workers’ low wages, which will deprive Armenia of the opportunity to ever reach the decent wages level.

Diana Junquera Curiel, IndustriALL energy director, spoke on a new joint initiative by ITUC, LO Norway and IndustriALL for a Just Transition in the energy sector.

Sophia Schönborn, IG BCE trade union secretary, spoke about Germany's experience in phasing out coal mining and measures to support workers from the late 1950s until the end of underground coal mining in 2018. A budgetary expenditure of €40 billion is planned over the next 20 years to create new industries, technology and research clusters in the mining districts, modern infrastructure, new jobs, training programmes for new job skills and an early retirement scheme to reduce negative impacts on workers, regions and communities.

IndustriALL has three affiliates in Armenia: Industry Workers' Union of Armenia, Electric Trade Union of the Republic of Armenia, and Branch Union of Trade Union Organizations of Miners, Metallurgists and Jewelers of Republic of Armenia.

Steelworkers show wartime solidarity

The ArcelorMittal plant in Kryviy Rih in Eastern Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest steel plants, employing 24,000 workers in an integrated process that includes iron ore mining and processing, and steel production. The plant is organized by IndustriALL Global Union affiliate the Trade Union of the Metalworkers and Miners of Ukraine.

Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, Russian troops advanced to within 10km of Kryviy Rih. The company’s top management, many of them expats, were evacuated to Poland, leaving local managers, the union and the workers to safeguard the operation.

The mining operations were closed first, over fears that miners could be trapped underground if the electricity supply was interrupted. Then, on 3 March, the workers carefully shut down the blast furnaces – a complicated process that takes seven to ten days to do safely – dug anti-tank defences and built shelters.

Despite regular air raid sirens and bombs landing close to the site, trade union activists remained behind to coordinate relief efforts to the military, territorial defence forces, hospitals and workers, and to help with the evacuation of women and children. Close to 1,600 workers were drafted into the territorial defence force and had to urgently locate protective equipment.

The head of the union at the plant, Natalya Marynyuk, sent an impassioned plea to steelworkers in other countries, asking for political support and humanitarian assistance, saying:

“The Ukrainian people are very grateful to you for you all standing with Ukraine these terrible days. Many of you joined in demonstrations for peace, demanding an end to Putin's war against the Ukraine and our people. It is your actions that are forcing hesitating governments to take action and impose sanctions against Russia.”

She included a list of essential humanitarian supplies that were needed.

Workers at the ArcelorMittal plant in Bremen, Germany, were first to respond through their union, IG Metall, sending a convoy of medicines, warm clothes, sleeping bags, fire extinguishers and generators to the Polish border, where the goods were received by their Ukrainian counterparts.

The Bremen plant sent a second shipment in early April, and members of all the unions at the ArcelorMittal plant in Ghent, Belgium – ACV, ABVV, ACLVB, BBTK, and ACV Puls –  also organized a shipment.

By the end of March, Russian forces had been repelled to about 70 kms from the plant, and although danger persists, the union argued strongly that production should restart to maintain the economic base of the city. On 2 April, work began on restarting blast furnace no. 6. The furnace was blown on 9 April, and pig iron can now be produced and steel manufactured. The union has demanded that management return from exile to run the plant. The plant now faces the difficulty of transporting steel, as the Black Sea ports are not accessible. Workers still feel unsafe as fighting continues nearby, and those who left the city have not yet returned to work.

Union members at Kryviy Rih thank IG Metall

Marynyuk thanked the steelworkers who sent support, saying:

“International solidarity aid is incredibly important for our trade union in wartime, because it inspires and raises morale, because we feel that we are not alone in the fight for our country, for freedom and European values, and also because thanks to our amazing colleagues from foreign trade unions, we have the opportunity to provide the necessary things to our employees, who are now defending Kryvyi Rih and Ukraine.”

Support unions in Ukraine

Launch of initiative for a Just Transition in the energy sector

121 participants from unions in 32 countries exchanged information at the launch of the Initiative for a Just Transition in the energy sector. Unions expressed strong support for this initiative, seeing it as timely and important to address concerns about progress on a Just Transition in different countries and the lack of union involvement.  

“We need a strong labour movement, if we can’t manage a Just Transition, then we leave workers stranded. There is a timeframe on which the Earth will not repair itself for a stable future if we don't transition. 

“On the other hand, there are good jobs in energy sources beyond fossil fuel, and we need to organize them. We know that investment in climate action brings jobs, but we need to make sure they're good jobs. And that means organizing,”

said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

The energy sector plays a critical role in national and regional economies. National and international energy companies have provided millions of organized direct jobs in the past. Energy sector revenues are key for state, regional and national budgets. 

LO Norway President Peggy Hessen Folsvik explained that in Norway, the petroleum industry has been one of the most important industries for the past 50 years. It accounts for 22 per cent of the state income and employs over 220,000 workers.

“Transitions will be challenging, but not impossible.

“Our trade unions support the Paris Agreement, and we understand that jobs might shift sooner rather than later. It is an important task to ensure a Just Transition for the workers in this sector,”

Folsvik continued.

Political conflicts, growing instability, strategic competition, and security threats have made many countries reassess their energy systems; from importing fossil fuels to speeding up the buildout of all forms of clean energy. Energy security is a critical issue that, combined with climate concerns, is accelerating efforts to develop clean energy with secure and domestic supply chains. 

Large countries have plans to invest in clean energy transition technologies, but unions argued that there is no guarantee that a move to these technologies will keep and create good jobs.  

Participants also made it clear that companies are investing in energy transition unilaterally; workers are left out of the process; and companies are not investing enough to accomplish the commitment set by the Paris Agreement.

Trade unions are not satisfied with efforts by the energy companies so far. Existing collective bargaining, climate target-setting, and responsible business initiatives are not getting enough results in the sector. 

Today’s launch includes two initiatives; the first one will look at technologies and country examples to get the facts on jobs. Unions and experts will share information on jobs, skills, markets, investments, and emissions for technologies such as hydrogen, CCS, offshore wind and other renewables, alternative fuels, and energy services. 

With the second initiative, the ITUC, LO Norway and IndustriALL plan to explore the potential for a new, tripartite process anchored in the UN and focused on Just Transition in the energy sector, starting with oil and gas. The initiative would help get and enforce global decent jobs and Just Transition agreements between oil and gas companies and trade unions. If successful, global unions plan to expand to include other energy and industrial companies. 

“One of the aims of the partnership launched today is to develop Just Transition agreements with multinational corporations under the auspices of the United Nations. These can become powerful tools for energy workers of the world. Trade unions need a seat at the table and society should recognize the need for trade unions at this table. I really look forward to seeing how far this initiative can take us,”

said Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary.

Workers at Natura Brazil call for better working conditions

Workers at Brazil’s largest cosmetics multinational, Natura, presented the company with a list of demands for better working conditions and asked for a meeting to discuss them. In the absence of a response from the management, the union staged a protest outside the company on 25 March.

Following this action, Natura agreed to negotiate with the union on 29 March. During the meeting, the workers also explained that, following the dismissal of numerous workers over the past year, the remaining employees were having to overstretch themselves to meet the targets and felt that the company should pay them the amounts owed in profit sharing.

Natura worker and union leader, Ivani Souza, said:

“The work pressure has increased, but there are fewer people working, and we end up paying the price. The workload is excessive and many workers suffer injuries. That’s why we’re asking for decent pay and conditions.”

After a 4-hour meeting, Natura agreed to take measures to improve working conditions by solving some of the problems in the factory. The points discussed included:
•    a change of health provider
•    the provision of appropriate work gear for each task
•    improving the quality of the food
•    reducing occupational hazards linked to heat stress as a result of exposure to excessive heat or cold

In relation to the request for profit sharing payments and the hiring of personnel for the production lines, the company proposed another meeting for 8 April, at which it intends to present a financial counteroffer.

“There is no doubt that the pressure placed on Natura has borne fruit. Still, this is not the time to sit back and let the company act in its own interests. We have to be vigilant and organised, to assess what solutions the company presents at the meeting on 8 April and to make sure that they are not simply buying time so that the workers feel threatened and give up their fight,”

said the union in an official communiqué.

IndustriALL’s regional secretary, Marino Vani, concluded:

“We congratulate the Químicos Unificados union for fighting for better working conditions. We hope that Natura will honour its commitment and present a proposal in line with the workers’ needs at the meeting on 8 April.

"We will keep track of the developments and continue to stand in solidarity with the workers, the union, its federation and our affiliate, CNQ/CUT, which is also supporting this struggle.”

Les travailleurs et travailleuses de Natura Brasil réclament de meilleures conditions de travail

Le Syndicat unifié de la chimie, qui représente les travailleurs de Natura Brasil, a mis les activités à l’arrêt pour réclamer de meilleures conditions de travail. À la suite de cette action, l’entreprise a accepté de rencontrer le syndicat et d’améliorer la situation dans l’usine.

Les travailleurs et travailleuses de la plus grande multinationale de cosmétiques du Brésil, Natura, ont présenté à l’entreprise un cahier de revendications pour de meilleures conditions de travail et ont sollicité une réunion pour en discuter. En l’absence de réponse de la part de la direction, le syndicat a organisé une manifestation devant l’entreprise le 25 mars.

À la suite à cette action, Natura a accepté de négocier avec le syndicat le 29 mars. Au cours de la réunion, les travailleurs et travailleuses ont également expliqué que, suite au licenciement de nombreuses personnes au cours de l’année écoulée, les salariés restants devaient se démener pour atteindre les objectifs et estimaient que l’entreprise devait leur verser les montants dus au titre de la participation aux bénéfices.

Ivani Souza, travailleur de Natura et dirigeant syndical, a déclaré :

“La pression subie au plan professionnel a augmenté, mais il y a moins de personnes qui travaillent et nous finissons par en payer le prix. La charge de travail est excessive et de nombreux travailleurs et travailleuses se blessent. C’est pourquoi nous demandons des salaires et des conditions décentes.”

À l’issue d’une réunion de 4 heures, Natura a accepté de prendre des mesures pour améliorer les conditions de travail en résolvant certains des problèmes de l’usine. Les points abordés comprenaient :

En ce qui concerne la demande d’intéressement aux bénéfices et l’embauche de personnel pour les lignes de production, la société a proposé une autre réunion pour le 8 avril, au cours de laquelle elle a l’intention de présenter une contre-proposition de nature financière.

“Il ne fait aucun doute que la pression exercée sur Natura a porté ses fruits. Mais ce n’est pas le moment de rester les bras croisés et de laisser l’entreprise agir dans son unique intérêt. Nous devons être vigilants et organisés, évaluer les solutions que l’entreprise présentera lors de la réunion du 8 avril et nous assurer qu’elle ne fait pas que gagner du temps pour que les travailleurs et travailleuses se sentent en danger et abandonnent leur lutte,”

a déclaré le syndicat dans un communiqué officiel.

Le Secrétaire régional d’IndustriALL, Marino Vani, a conclu :

“Nous félicitons le Syndicat unifié de la chimie pour sa lutte en faveur de meilleures conditions de travail. Nous espérons que Natura honorera ses engagements et présentera une proposition conforme aux besoins des travailleurs et travailleuses lors de la réunion du 8 avril.

Nous suivrons l’évolution de la situation et resterons solidaires des travailleurs et travailleuses, du syndicat, de sa fédération et de notre affilié, la CNQ/CUT, qui soutient également cette lutte.”

Работники Natura Brazil требуют улучшить условия труда

Работники крупнейшей бразильской косметической компании Natura представили компании список требований об улучшении условий труда и попросили назначить встречу для их обсуждения. Не получив ответа от руководства, 25 марта профсоюз организовал акцию протеста возле офиса компании.

После этой акции компания Natura согласилась провести переговоры с профсоюзом 29 марта. Во время встречи представители профсоюза объяснили, что после того, как за последний год была уволена значительная часть работников, оставшимся приходится гораздо больше трудиться, чтобы выполнить поставленные задачи. Поэтому работники считают, что компания должна выплатить причитающуюся им часть прибыли в дополнение к зарплате.

Работница Natura и профсоюзный лидер Ивани Соуза сказала:

“Рабочая нагрузка увеличилась, а работников стало меньше, и в итоге расплачиваемся мы. Чрезмерная нагрузка причиняет вред здоровью работников. Вот почему мы требуем достойной оплаты и условий труда”.

После 4-часовых переговоров Natura согласилась принять меры по улучшению условий труда, решив некоторые проблемы на фабрике. Стороны обсудили следующие вопросы:

Что касается требования об участии в прибыли предприятия и найма персонала на производственные линии, компания предложила провести еще одну встречу 8 апреля, на которой она намерена сделать финансовое контрпредложение.

“Нет сомнений, что давление, оказанное на Natura, принесло свои плоды. Тем не менее, сейчас не время сидеть сложа руки и позволять компании действовать в своих интересах. Мы должны быть бдительными и организованными, оценить, какие решения предложит компания на встрече 8 апреля, и убедиться, что они не просто выигрывают время, чтобы рабочие почувствовали угрозу и отказались от борьбы”,

– заявил профсоюз в официальном коммюнике.

Региональный секретарь IndustriALL Марино Вани заключил:

“Мы поздравляем профсоюз Químicos Unificados, борющийся за улучшение условий труда. Мы надеемся, что Natura выполнит свое обязательство и представит на встрече 8 апреля предложение, удовлетворяющее нужды работников”.

“Мы будем следить за развитием событий и продолжать проявлять солидарность с рабочими, профсоюзом, его федерацией и нашей членской организацией CNQ/CUT, поддерживающей эту борьбу”.