Union intensifies calls for urgent dialogue on multiparty democracy in Eswatini

The congress was attended by 60 delegates from the union’s 20 branches from the textile and garment sector and other manufacturing industries.

The congress was held under the theme: Reasserting worker control in the defence of fundamental rights. The national congress discussed how ATUSWA “can maximize its contribution towards democratization of the country in order to have a government that listens to the plight of the workers.”

 

The union says judging by recent events workers’ and human rights including freedom of association continue to be violated.

Wander Mkhonza, ATUSWA general secretary says:

“On 21 October, while at a meeting in Matsapha, and as a build-up to the textile strike action that was interdicted by the Industrial Court, the police without warning threw tear-gas at the workers and union officials. This happened even though the police had been informed of the meeting.”

Further, the union states that over 100 people, including union members, were shot and killed by the police and army while several were injured in recent pro-democracy protests. The injured and dead include high school students. Schools, colleges, and universities are still closed with only a few opening for examinations.

 

“There must be urgent dialogue now and not in three months’ time. This is the time for decisive action. We cannot afford to delay when state security agents continue to use excessive force,”

says Mkhonza.

Despite the violence, the union continues to encourage workers to take part in the pro-democracy campaign and argues that workers, as members of communities, should be involved in community struggles.

“For a long time, the people of Eswatini have faced brute force and persecution from the security forces and the courts when they demonstrated. We want democratic reforms and not an absolute monarchy headed by a king more concerned about the luxuries of the royal family at the expense of citizens who live in poverty. We want meaningful dialogue, and will continue protesting until our demands are met,”

said one worker.

Petitions have been presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council by unions and civil society organizations calling upon the government to respect human rights.

Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary, wrote to the Eswatini Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini:

“At the IndustriALL Global Union Congress, on 14-15 September, 3000 online delegates from 434 organizations in 111 countries adopted unanimously a resolution, which expresses deep concern about the continuing violence in Eswatini and calls for democratic reforms in the country.”

The Southern African Development Community, chairperson for the organ on politics, defence and security, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with King Mswati III as part of diplomatic efforts “to end violence and conflict and maintain peace and calm in the kingdom as work commences on the national dialogue process.”

Protests erupted in Eswatini, Africa’s only absolute monarchy, when communities, unions and civil society organizations took to the streets to demand democratic reforms including a review of the 2005 constitution, a repeal of the 1973 proclamation that banned political parties, and other repressive laws.

King Mswati III, who has executive, judicial, and legislative powers, makes key appointments of ministers and the prime minister. An extravagant lifestyle of the king and the royal family – of luxury cars and private jets – amidst poverty, inequality and unemployment has angered unions, communities, and civil society. The king, who is listed among the richest monarchs has an estimated net worth of $200 million. His family of 15 wives and 23 children benefits from a national budget allocation of over $65 million per year for the royal household.

According to the World Food Programme, Eswatini has a poverty rate of 58.9 per cent and the country’s 26 percent HIV prevalence is amongst the highest in the world. Unemployment is estimated to be over 40 per cent.

Trade unions at COP26: what we did, what we achieved, and what we need to focus on now

Trade unions have been attending COPs since 2008, and the ability to organize and influence outcomes has grown every year. The union delegation came to Glasgow well-prepared. Trade unions lobbied negotiators, organized and coordinated a collective response, and built coalitions and networks. Unions participated in a number of events and meetings, both within the Blue Zone – the official COP26 venue – and outside.

To enter the Blue Zone, delegates needed an official pass, a daily Covid test, and to endure a long wait at security – typically an hour every morning. The union delegation coordinated its work through a daily morning meeting and a WhatsApp group, where they shared documents and logistical information.

Delegates queue to enter the Blue Zone

Delegates queue to enter the Blue Zone

Outside the Blue Zone the COP26 Coalition – made up of civil society organizations, including trade unions – held a counter-summit, which included about 200 events. Unions also organized a number of separate side events. IndustriALL’s agenda for the conference is here.

Because there were so many events, delegates chose key areas to focus on. For IndustriALL, a major priority was achieving solid commitments on Just Transition. A typical day at COP included meetings inside the Blue Zone and across the city.

On 3 November, for example, IndustriALL took part in two meetings in the Blue Zone: An ILO working group on Just Transition and Decent Work, and an ITUC side event on the same theme.

4 November was Energy Day in the Blue Zone, and a plan to decarbonize the South African energy sector was announced. Sharan Burrow of the ITUC called the plan “a model we need to emulate”.

In the afternoon, a hybrid meeting was hosted by both IndustriALLs in the offices of UK affiliate Unite the Union, to develop best practice in Just Transition. It was attended by about 150 people, in person and online, and many examples were shared from different countries.

Delegates at the Unite office

On Friday 5 November, the Fridays for Future school climate strike marched through the city and congregated in George Square, joined by a union delegation, including striking refuse workers from IndustriALL affiliate GMB.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by IndustriALL Global Union (@industriall_gu)

The next day, 100,000 protestors braved the bitter cold and lashing rain to march through the city in the global day of action in for climate justice, joining demonstrators in cities around the world. The demonstration, which included a large trade union and workers’ bloc, marched from Kelvingrove Park to Glasgow Green.

That evening, the ITUC, IndustriALL, the Norwegian confederation LO, and the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) convened a meeting to discuss Just Transition in the energy sector, particularly oil and gas, where IndustriALL proposed the idea of negotiating global just transition agreements.

On 7 November, the trade union delegation held an all-day strategy meeting at Strathclyde University. The day included input from senior leaders from global unions and the STUC and TUC national centres.

Corinna Zierold of industriAll Europe and Diana Junquera Curiel of IndustriALL Global Union

In between meetings, delegates had to urgently follow negotiations, update documents and write reports, meaning finding a work space with an internet connection and electricty to charge devices was a priority. Because the Blue Zone was extremely busy and noisy, this often meant working anywhere in the city with suitable space.

On 10 November, both IndustriALLs held a joint side event in the European Pavilion of the Blue Zone to talk about what needs to happen to make Just Transition real. This event was extremely important, due to the difficulty of getting a slot and because the organizers confirmed that this was the only trade union event organized in their pavilion.

Aside from official meetings, delegates also met with and lobbied government ministers and met representatives of civil society. New friendships and professional relationships were formed, and ideas were shared.

When talks overran, trade unions stayed connected to the final plenary session until 11:45pm on Saturday 13 November. Richard Hardy of the Prospect union gave a closing statement on behalf of the global labour movement, expressing disappointment at the lack of ambition shown by global leaders.

Despite an inadequate Glasgow Climate Pact, unions felt that their interventions had been successful and that there was growing momentum around key trade union demands.

Speaking about the way forward, IndustriALL energy director and COP delegate Diana Junquera Curiel says:

“We have a big task ahead of us: we need to make sure that countries deliver on their Just Transition pledges, and that money being invested in transition benefits our members. To achieve the best result, our response must be coordinated and global.

“This means we have to engage with our affiliates to explain how COP commitments are likely to impact them, and to help them prepare to influence the outcome as much as possible.

“For us, a crucial test case is the decarbonization fund for Eskom in South Africa. If this can be achieved successfully, with union agreement and a Just Transition for all impacted workers, it will create an important template we can use everywhere.

“We are at a crucial tipping point in world history. It is not too late to prevent dangerous climate change, but we are very close. If we build a strong coalition, we can force our governments to have the ambition to invest in the future, instead of hoping that markets will develop a technical solution.

“We can build a better world for everyone.”

COP26 Video Playlist

Mining unions engage governments for the implementation of ILO Convention 176

During an online regional awareness and capacity building meeting on ILO C176 on 10 November, Philippine Trade & General Workers' Organization (PTGWO), Associated Labor Unions (ALU) and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) reported that the unions have been engaging the Philippine department of environment and natural resources, calling on authorities to establish a mining tripartite industry council to address mine workers’ concerns.

The meeting also heard from Ujita Yuka, occupational health and safety (OHS) specialist from ILO Bangkok, who talked about decent work in mining.

The Philippine unions said that the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) had commented that the DENR Administration Order DAO 2010-21 fell short in requiring employers to ensure safe design of mines.

Moreover, the administration order provides no information on how national legislation complies with the provision of rights of workers and representatives to report accidents in the convention. Philippines ratified Convention 176 in 1998.

The Federation of Energy, Geology and Mining Workers’ Trade Unions of Mongolia (MEGM) observed the gap between the Convention 176 standards and its implementation in Mongolia. The union said that frequent mine accidents, particular at mines without unions, still occur after the ratification in 2015.

Indonesia’s government has yet to ratify ILO C176. The Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mining, Oil and Gas Workers’ Union (FSP KEP), Chemical, Energy and Mines Workers Union (CEMWU SPSI) and Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers' Union (FSPMI) have repeatedly lobbying the government to ratify Convention 176.

According to the unions, Indonesian Ministry of Manpower and the Association of Mining Companies support the ratification. However, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral resource disagree, claiming that the existing Ministerial Decrees covers all aspects of Convention 176.

Bambang Surjono, head of education and occupational safety and health at FSP KEP, said:

“We will engage the authorities in a Convention 176 seminar in 2022. At the moment, we are focusing on creating awareness among OSH committee members on the Convention.”

Tony Maher, CFMEU Mining & Energy general president said:

"We campaign for the ratification of C176 despite the fact that mine safety regulation in Australia is better than the convention. We hope that the new government emerging from the 2022 election will ratify it."

Glen Mpufane, IndustriALL mining director, said:

“IndustriALL will continue to support affiliates to campaign for the ratification of Convention 176. The Covid-19 pandemic is an alarm call that safety and health must be made one of the ILO fundamental principles and affiliates in South East Asia must rally behind the global campaign.”

The virtual meeting was attended by around 35 participants from Australia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam.

IndustriALL Global Union is looking for a regional research, communications and campaigns officer in its South Asia Office

The main tasks will be:

Research and information

Communications

Campaigns

Other jobs

Qualifications and experience required

Salary and benefits

Salary, worktime, health and travel insurances, pension, medical reimbursement, skills improvement package and other benefits will be in line with IndustriALL’s regional framework agreement.

Deadline for applications: 30 November 2021

Please send your application, including a CV and a motivation letter, by e-mail to the South Asia regional secretary Apoorva Kaiwar by the above-mentioned deadline. In line with IndustriALL’s gender policy, we encourage applications from woman candidates.

After an evaluation, short-listed candidates will be interviewed and the hiring process for the regional research, communications and campaigns officer will be completed by mid-December 2021. The successful candidate will start working on 1 January 2022.

COP26 concludes with half-hearted Glasgow Climate Pact

Despite pandemic restrictions, an impressive number of trade unions were represented at the COP, coordinated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). In a statement released yesterday, the ITUC stressed that a jobs plan with Just Transition was essential to implement the agreement.

Bert de Wel of the ITUC address the plenary. Photo: Kiara Worth / UNFCCC

The most critical demands from trade unions were the integration of Just Transition into the operational part of the Paris Agreement – the so-called Paris Rulebook – as well as commitments to human rights, the need to implement commitments on climate finance, and financing for loss and damage to compensate vulnerable countries dealing with climate disasters.

Prior to the conference, the International Panel for Climate Change found that global warming has already reached 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, and is on track to reach 2.7°C. Countries will also miss 2030 National Determined Contributions (NDC) targets: instead of reaching the necessary emission reduction target of 45 per cent, emissions are set to increase by 13 per cent by 2030. Countries are being urged to submit updated NDCs in 2022.

Developed countries failed to meet their commitments to provide US $100 billion annually to support developing countries to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Instead, they committed to defining a new finance goal by 2024 and doubling climate finance by 2025.

Civil society organizations walk out of COP26 on 12 November, carrying a red cord to symbolize the red lines that were crossed. Photo: Kiara Worth / UNFCCC

At the concluding plenary on Saturday evening, India and China watered down commitments to phase out coal and fossil fuel subsidies, by changing the language to “phase down”. This amendment was pushed in the final text of the agreement, while other countries were discouraged from introducing new amendments in order to conclude the negotiations. Crucially, Mexico was prevented from introducing language on human rights.

Countries vulnerable to climate change felt overrun by this change of language, while their push for a finance mechanism to support them dealing with loss and damage was blocked, in particular by the US and the EU.

Richard Hardy of Prospect

Speaking on behalf of the global labour movement, Richard Hardy of the Prospect union addressed the final plenary, saying:

“As the voice of workers, we are truly puzzled. To whom have you been listening in the run up to this COP? How has the outcome on ambition, finance, responsibility and inclusion fallen so short?”

He concluded:

“Labour rights are human rights! Unions need a voice at the table in social dialogue processes that deliver on jobs, just transition plans and investments.

“This is how we will deliver the climate ambition that is needed. We hoped for greater ambition here in Glasgow, and as we move forward, the global trade union movement demands that we set our sights much, much higher.”

There were victories for unions: Just Transition language was introduced into the preamble texts of Article 6 of the Rulebook, dealing with International Carbon Markets, and there were promising commitments, such as the Declaration on Just Transition and the commitment to fund the phase-out of coal in South Africa. 

industriAll Europe and IndustriALL Global Union lobbied for Just Transition

Judith Kirton-Darling, deputy general secretary of industriAll Europe, said:

“We regret the lack of ambition and commitment to Just Transition. Trade unions very actively demanded climate ambition linked to guarantees of quality jobs and strong social dialogue mechanisms. This will only be achieved if Just Transition commitments are integrated systematically into the operational parts of the Paris Agreement.”

Kemal Özkan, assistant general secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, said:

“The transition to net zero is not a transition of the rich, governments, multinational companies and financial institutions. It is a transition of all people and all countries. However, at the last stages of the negotiations, this did not seem to matter to the powerhouses making the final decisions.

“We got a multilateral deal, but we saw a lot of hypocrisy and spin in the plenary room. We were especially disappointed to see the EU blocking developing countries’ demands for a finance mechanism to support them dealing with the loss and damage caused by climate disasters.”

Trade unions will continue to fight for climate ambition linked to Just Transition in line with the ILO Guidelines at COP27 next year in Sharm-El-Sheikh.

India’s coal mines claim four more lives

On 9 November, four workers were killed when a roof collapsed in an underground mine at the state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in India’s Mancherial district.

One of the workers had retired in July but had to go back to work after the state government increased retirement age from 60 to 61.

SCCL management has agreed to pay all benefits to the bereaved families, as well as  to offer one permanent employment to an eligible member from each bereaved family.

Riaz Ahmed, general secretary, Singareni miners and engineering workers union (HMS) and member of the joint bipartite committee for coal industry (JBCCI), said:

“The accident exposes glaring safety lapses. From January to December 2020, around twelve workers died in nine accidents and so far in 2021, ten workers have lost their lives in four accidents at SCCL operations only. The unions are in dialogue with SCCL management and are demanding that the inspectorate system is reinforced and that an eligible and sufficient workforce is recruited for SCCL’s mines.”

On 7 November, a fire broke out in a truck at the Sasti open cast mine in the Ballarpur area in Western Coalfields Limited. The driver noticed the fire and immediately jumped out of the truck.

Another accident, leaving a contract worker seriously injured, happened in the Mahadeopuri mine in the Pench area in Western Coalfields Limited on 6 November.

According to the unions, in 2021, there has been a total of 32 mine accidents where 61 workers have been killed and seven seriously injured. Between May and December 2020, around 18 mine accidents occurred, killing 18 workers and seriously injuring 27.

S Q Zama, secretary general, Indian national mineworkers’ federation (INMF-INTUC), said:

“The fact that the government has auctioned coal mines and allowed 100 per cent foreign, coupled with changes in labour laws, the unions fear that this will lead to increased numbers of precarious workers, working in poor and unsafe conditions. The government of India should immediately ratify ILO Convention C176 and adopt rigorous safety procedures, high health and safety standards and protection of employment with adequate training.”

IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan, said:

“The increasing trend of accidents in India’s coal mines must immediately be stopped. Lawmakers are ignoring the workers' voice and their concerns. It is time for the government of India to recognize occupation safety and health as a fundamental right. The government should immediately establish constructive dialogues with all stakeholders in the mining industry, including trade unions and workplace representatives, to protect worker’s lives and ensure transparency and accountability.”

Covid-19 vaccination hesitancy comes under the spotlight at Sub Saharan Africa occupational health and safety meeting

However, the unions say the hesitancy can be reversed through awareness campaigns and providing educational information to counter false information mainly from social media platforms. According to the African Union’s African Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention only 5.8 per cent of the continent’s population is vaccinated.

The unions met online on 10 November to discuss health and safety strategies under the Covid-19 pandemic. The discussions included tensions created by vaccine hesitancy which could be eased if government involved unions in their national vaccination plans.

The online meeting, attended by participants from 10 countries organizing in the chemical, metals, mining, textile, and garment, and other sectors discussed how unions were involved in campaigns for vaccination and the respect for workers’ rights.

The unions said mandatory vaccination as proposed by some governments infringed on workers’ rights to choose. Instead, the unions preferred engagement that persuaded workers to get vaccinated. Drawing similarities with the earlier days of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in which there was stigma associated with testing, the unions said lessons could be learnt from the strategies that were used then.

The meeting heard that some unions were conducting initiatives to improve health and safety. Rudi De Koker from the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) said the union with support from employers continued to provide affordable primary health care services to members through its clinics. The South African national department of health has recognised the clinics as part of the Covid-19 vaccination sites and as pilot projects for the national health insurance.

Another strategy that is working to cub hesitancy involve joint efforts by employers and trade unions. For example, Vacus Kun from United Workers Union of Liberia (UWUL) said the union is working with ArcelorMittal in Liberia to promote vaccination, and over 80 per cent of the workers have been vaccinated.

Further, the unions said most International Labour Organization need to have their accompanying codes of practices update to keep up with developments.

“We have conventions that are outdated, yet so much has changed. We need conventions that address our current realities and challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic,”

said Ousman Diop from SNTICS Senegal.

Convention 190 on violence and harassment, which unions want ratified, was highlighted as valuable to curbing gender-based violence and harassment and to improving safety at work.

Health and safety remained at the core of trade union work argued the unions saying members joined the union for safer workplaces through collective bargaining agreements.

Most countries, including Nigeria and Zimbabwe, had laws and regulations that promoted health and safety. However, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) said health and safety in the mines is deteriorating with increasing injuries and deaths from accidents caused by non-compliance by mining companies.

“Occupational health and safety cuts across most of the trade union’s activities and is a useful tool for advancing workers’ rights, building union power, and ending precarious working conditions. Due diligence is also about health and safety,”

said Glen Mpufane, IndustriALL director for mining.

New minimum wage in Pakistan is a union win

When the government of Pakistan’s Sindh province announced an increase in minimum wage for unskilled workers from PKR17,500 (US$103) to PKR25,000 (US$146) per month as of 1 July, the Employers Federation of Pakistan,among others, submitted a petition to court, accusing the Sindh government of trying to score political points.

In return, union leaders in the province, including IndustriALL affiliates NTUF and HBWWF, filed a petition for the implementation of the minimum wage at PKR25,000 per month.

After hearings in September, the Sindh High court announced on 15 October that it upheld the government of Sindh’s decision and that the minimum wage rate be kept PKR25,000 per month.

The court further declared that female workers should be paid a minimum wage equal to male counterparts in the same category. The court fixed minimum hourly wage at PKR120 (US$0,7).

Nasir Mansoor, NTUF general secretary, said:

“If the state institutions take decisions in the light of the Pakistan’s constitution to ensure the provision of basic rights to the workers, then there is no reason why the problems of the workers could not be resolved. The provincial court’s decision reflects the needs and rights of millions of labourers in the province.”

A stronger commitment is needed for binding UN treaty

Following the conclusion of the latest round of discussions, involving governments, company representatives, unions and civil society organisations, unions are also critical of business associations for their lack of commitment to successful negotiations.

If successfully negotiated, a binding UN treaty would represent an important step in establishing the accountability of corporations in international law and would improve access to remedy for people affected by human rights violations. But to achieve that, the US and the EU must give their full support to the negotiations.

Says IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan:

“Covid-19 has exposed the deficiencies of unsustainable global supply chains, particularly relying on voluntary reporting mechanisms without the ability to ensure the respect for workers’ rights. The world needs binding and enforceable instruments to protect from human rights abuses and a UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights is critical. All governments, particularly in the EU and the US, must make a serious engagement. If not now, when?”

The unions, including the ITUC, ITF, BWI, EI, IndustriALL, UNI, ITF and PSI, have engaged in the process to develop a business and human rights treaty by calling for:

Caterpillar global union network reinforces global solidarity

On 3 November, around 50 trade union representatives from Australia, Japan, Europe, Brazil and the USA met as part of the Caterpillar global union network. The US giant has a history of anti-union, anti-worker and anti-dialogue behaviour at its operations all over the world. At the same time, the global union network is becoming more and more mature and ready to counterweigh the company’s attitude by extending solidarity to colleagues in countries affected by management decisions in the USA.

 

"Caterpillar treats its employees with disrespect, in the USA, in Germany, worldwide. But we will fight back and the Caterpillar network will raise workers' voices and make sure they are heard. Solidarity will prevail and the company will pay a high price in the end if they continue to avoid dialogue,”

said Matthias Hartwich, IndustriALL director for mechanical engineering.

Participants discussed collective bargaining and working conditions in the different countries, where varying attitudes by management was of particular interest. For example Japanese management behaves more civilized than management in Germany. Also, the different systems of special gratifications like bonuses or primes were discussed and compared. Participants agreed to share bargaining demands and results on a platform.
Caterpillar, like many other companies in the sector, are experiencing a huge demand and good production numbers.

But largely driven by short-term profit expectations, corporate management makes decisions that are difficult to make sense of; Caterpillar has decided to close four production sites in Northern Germany where ship’s engines and energy generating equipment is designed and produced, although this market is promising. And management in the USA announced the decision in a 7-minute online meeting without any information or consultation with the union, slashing 950 jobs at Caterpillar, in addition to several thousand at suppliers and subcontractors.

IndustriALL affiliate IG Metall has launched a campaign to fight for the jobs, engaging in politicians, supplier companies and customers in discussions and holding demonstrations. And the network extended its solidarity to the German workers and will continue to support their struggle.

IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan said:

“Caterpillar continues to display the worst kind of corporate greed. Every year, we have cases where hundreds of jobs are threatened. Last year it was Northern Ireland, this year it is Germany. Our German sisters and brother from IG Metall are fighting for their dignity, jobs and future. Our global union network continues to show solidarity; the fight in Germany is also the fight of all. The struggle continues!”