Lithium in the Southern Cone: Tensions and opportunities in the global supply chain

At its presentation, a discussion was held on the situation in the lithium mining sectors in Argentina and Chile, countries that are part of the Lithium Triangle, a key region for the rich reserves of this mineral, which is essential for the manufacture of batteries used in electric vehicles and clean technologies. The research examines relations between workers, companies and governments, with a view to strengthening trade union cooperation and improving social and environmental standards.

The report highlights an increase in lithium production in both countries, despite a loss of global market share to Australia and China, which is also their primary export destination, while downstream industrialisation processes are still in their infancy. In Argentina, the governance framework is fragmented and federalised, while Chile is moving towards a more centralised model with a stronger state presence.

In terms of employment, there is low labour intensity and high levels of outsourcing and wage inequality, although there has been an increase in total employment and women’s participation. Trade union representation is strong but hampered by the difficulties linked to ever more precarious and fragmented contracts.
The implementation of human rights due diligence policies is limited and largely based on voluntary standards. The introduction of stricter regulations in Europe is, however, seen as an opportunity to increase pressure on companies and improve compliance all along the supply chain.

The study was conducted by four researchers from Argentina and Chile with a view to providing IndustriALL affiliates with tools to identify key players and pressure points in a sector that is growing but faced with significant labour and environmental challenges.
Representatives from AOMA (Argentina) and Industrial Chile Constramet participated in the presentation, alongside IndustriALL representatives Laura Carter, deputy regional secretary for Latin America, Georg Leutert, automotive industry director and Diana Junquera, energy and Just Transition director, who said: 

“With this study, our affiliates have access to key information and tools that will enable them to organize more workers along the entire battery supply chain, and especially in lithium mining. Understanding the challenges they face is essential to being able to support them, and it is they who will take ownership of this information and be able to make strategic use of it in their trade union work.”

Latin America’s trade union leaders meet to strengthen the paper sector

Key debates were held with the participation of prominent regional and global leaders from the sector. Prior to this, the Argentinian paper workers’ federation led by its general secretary, Ramón Luque, welcomed the participants to its head office and gave a presentation on the history and work of the federation and the Argentinian workers’ movement. 

One of the main issues addressed during the event was the national government’s relentless attacks on the rights and gains won by the Argentinian trade union movement. The global situation was also examined from a political, economic and sectoral perspective, based on presentations by Luca Baldan of ACV-CSC BIE and Tom Grinter, IndustriALL’s director for the sector.

Regarding gender policies, IndustriALL vice president Lucineide Varjão presented a report on the progress made in the sector. She highlighted the formation of the Regional Network of Women Paper Workers, which held its first meeting in April 2025 and drew up an action plan with the participation of over 40 women leaders, a fact highlighted by the ILO. 

Each country then presented their reports. Several points in common emerged, such as the actions of the main transnationals in the sector, their anti-union practices and attacks on collective bargaining agreements, and how workers are organizing to counter them, both politically and at trade union level through their organizations.

As part of the activities, the leaders took part in a rally at the gate of one of the factories, to support the efforts of the Argentinian paper workers in their negotiations.
The event concluded with the approval of an action plan including strategies such as strengthening the focus on the supply chain, further developing the women’s group and consolidating trade union networks in companies in the sector.

The judicial persecution of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was also denounced.
Cristian Alejandro Valerio, IndustriALL’s deputy regional secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, said:

“In the context of a very difficult regional and global situation on both the labour and political front, I would like to emphasise the commitment of all our regional affiliates in the sector in participating in this key regional event to help continue building trade union power and coordinating joint policies and actions within both company and sectoral networks, to stand up to the attacks by global capital on the rights and gains of paper workers in Latin America and around the world.”

Workers continue to fight after Next’s Sri Lanka factory closure

In response, the union has established a solidarity kitchen at its Katunayake office, providing rations so affected workers can cook for themselves. Branch unions have contributed to sustaining this effort for nearly two months, demonstrating strong worker-to-worker solidarity during this crisis.

At a meeting on 13 July, union members paid tribute to those leading the fight against Next, despite their vulnerable position. They described their campaign’s purpose as preventing others from becoming “another Next worker”, a call for brands, employers and the government to stop unlawful closures and ensure job security in Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Zones.

The union, IndustriALL affiliate Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (FTZ&GSEU), argues that Next’s decision violates Sri Lankan law and breaches the CBA it signed in 2021 and renewed in 2023. According to the union, this is the only CBA currently in force in the country’s entire apparel industry. Union leaders say Next must be held accountable for these actions, especially as Sri Lanka struggles with a severe socio-economic crisis and the impact of US tariff changes hitting the apparel sector.

Says IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie:

“These workers are showing extraordinary courage and solidarity in the face of exploitation. Next must honour its commitments and respect workers’ rights, including collective bargaining agreements. We call on Next to immediately address this injustice and ensure decent, secure employment for all.”

Sub-Saharan African unions launch online worker-education platform

The platform leverages technological advances in e-learning and open-access messaging apps to deliver cost-effective workers’ education, aiming to strengthen union capacity and improve workplace conditions in industries such as automotive, battery manufacturing, base metals, chemicals, energy, engineering, mining, oil and gas and textile and garments.
 
The forum responds to the digital transformation reshaping workplaces, emphasizing the need for union commitment to e-learning, language accessibility and tailored educational resources relevant to diverse manufacturing sectors. The forum aims to enhance worker empowerment and union resilience across the region’s industries. 
 
Workers require only a smartphone with internet access to participate, sharing experiences and accessing training. A participatory approach will guide the forum, with a survey determining preferred topics, followed by a flexible programme designed around participants’ schedules.
 
“This forum is for anyone involved in helping workers learn about their rights, improve their working and social conditions and organize for change. Whether through union education programmes, as a worker leader, a shop steward, or an active member supporting others informally, your contribution matters!” reads the forum’s pamphlet. 
 
The initiative seeks to address challenges faced by Sub-Saharan African unions, including limited external solidarity with Global North partners, by strengthening innovative training and organizing strategies. Skills development is seen as critical for unions to retain members amid technological and demographic shifts. 
 
Melanie Jules, IFWEA programme manager for the Online Labour Academy, described the forum as “a global effort to promote worker unity and grassroots education through digital tools, emphasizing flexibility and solidarity.” She said the forum’s approach is not academic but practical in ways that included union approaches to lifelong learning and had potential to reach thousands of workers at the factories where discussions will be in small groups such as study circles. Young and women workers would also benefit together with other marginalized workers making a living in the informal economies.
 

“Workers’ education is important in a region facing shrinking civic spaces, digital divides and limited resources. Trade unions need knowledge on how to confront job loses, low wages, unsafe workplaces and gender-based violence and harassment,” 

said Rose Omamo, IndustriALL vice president.
 
IndustriALL Sub-Saharan Africa regional secretary, Paule France Ndessomin, welcomed the platform as a vital step in adapting worker education to the digital era.

“As work evolves, so must our approaches to education to tackle emerging challenges and build trade union power,”

she said. 

Photo: Shutterstock 

Just Transition manifesto: garment workers demand a fair, worker-led shift

The workshop, part of a three-year project supported by the Laudes Foundation, aims to strengthen trade union strategies for a fair and inclusive transition in the garment and textile industries. In a sector that is facing very unique challenges, due to unfair purchasing practices by brands, precarious and informal work and very different levels of social dialogue in different countries it is highly problematic that the transition of workers is not thought along transition strategies.

This coincides with the need for urgent action on adaptation strategies addressing the accelerating impacts of climate change on workers, including heat stress and floods. In that context, unions are demanding that workers’ voices be central in shaping a just, sustainable future.
 
This session focused on shaping the Just Transition manifesto for the textile and garment sector, which will set out clear, collective demands from unions and serve as a framework for workers' participation in the green transition. Scheduled for launch in October, the manifesto is being developed through a broad consultation process with union affiliates.
 
Rahki Sehgal, from ITUC, presented the key demands of the manifesto. She emphasized that a Just Transition must be democratic, transparent and worker-led, with social dialogue at every level.
 
Key demands include:

ITUC project officer, Amalia Hammarlund, said:

“A sustainable future for the sector requires improving working conditions, creating new jobs in recycling and circular economies and ensuring that workers — particularly women — are protected, empowered and included in decision-making.”

Union affiliates echoed these concerns, warning that the climate transition is already worsening existing challenges in the sector. 

They stressed that the transition must not sacrifice workers’ rights or livelihoods. Affiliates called for:

They also emphasized the need for the manifesto to recognize the varying realities across regions, such as differing energy sources, carbon intensities and stages of industrial development. 
 
Participants firmly agreed that workers must have a central role in driving the Just Transition. As one affiliate declared, “Nothing about us without us.” They called for stronger regional engagement, political focus and solidarity to ensure that the green transition works for all — not just for corporations and governments.
 
IndustriALL energy and Just Transition director Diana Junquera-Curiel said:

“Workers must not pay for the green transition. Too often, brands and employers shift the costs of climate action onto workers—through job losses, lower wages, or unsafe conditions. This is unacceptable. The responsibility for a greener economy must be shared fairly by governments, employers, and brands, not placed on those already most vulnerable. We need a democratic industrial transformation—one that puts workers at the center, with strong social dialogue, collective bargaining and protections for all, including informal and migrant workers.”

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

“Transition policies are often designed without taking into consideration the impacts of workers. Sustainability and circularity strategies aimed at making textiles more durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable, are often designed without taking the impact on workers and working conditions into consideration. More dramatically, critical legislation on corporate sustainability due diligence and corporate sustainable reporting that unions fought for have been the target of the EU’s simplification drive. Workers are extremely concerned by these developments and call on governments and brands to prevent a race to the bottom and offer unions a seat at the table for a just and sustainable transition in the textile supply chain.”

 
The Just Transition Manifesto will be a crucial tool to push for fair, worker-centered climate and environmental action in the textile and garment industry, ensuring that workers are protected, empowered and heard in every step of the green transition.

India: millions of workers go on strike to defend workers’ rights

Indian trade unions have been continuously raising concerns against the hostile policies of the central and state governments towards working people of the country. Recently, the Andhra Pradesh state government amended the law to increase the working hours to ten. The ongoing dilution of hard-won workers’ rights, an increasing attack on democratic rights along with growing unemployment, rising cost of living and stagnant wages, have led to massive discontent among working masses.

Sanjay Vadhavkar, IndustriALL executive committee member and general secretary of the Steel, Metal, and Engineering Workers’ Federation of India, says:

“Today's successful strike reflects that the working class in India is totally against the anti-worker and anti-people policies of the present government. Workers will continue to fight until the government withdraws four labour codes and its implementation. Trade unions in the country stand united and we will carry on the struggle to defend workers’ rights.”

Unions carried out a vigorous campaign to mobilize workers before the strike, particularly raising awareness around the anti-worker labour laws. Some of the main demands being pressed by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions include:

Gautam Mody, IndustriALL executive committee member and convener of Unions United, says:

“When the right to strike is under attack, striking is the only way to show a far-right government and brazen capital our power. That's what we have done today. And if the government doesn't turn the labour codes back, we'll strike again! And again!”

IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie, says:

“IndustriALL stands in complete solidarity with the striking workers in India. We salute the fighting spirit of Indian trade unions who in the face of repression and restriction of democratic rights are continuing the struggle to advance workers’ movement and protect the democratic structures in the country. The unity shown in face of these seriously repressive legal amendments serves as an inspiration to the working-class movement across the world.”

South East Asia sees surge in trade union youth movements

The IndustriALL youth working groups for South East Asia, East Asia and the Pacific were established in 2022. Between 2023 and 2025, national youth committees were formed in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. In 2024, the IndustriALL Philippines youth committee was revitalized.
 
The burgeoning national youth committees motivated unions in South East Asia to strengthen the capacity of youth leaders and create more federation and factory level youth committees. Three youth meetings have taken place in the region this year.
 
On 21-22 June, Confederation of Industrial Labour of Thailand (CILT) organized a youth unity camp in Chonburi. The youth plan to set up 10 youth committees at 10 unionized companies and increase the number of youth activists from 22 to 100 by the end of 2025.
 
On 1 June, young unionists from IndustriALL Malaysia council formed an interim national youth committee in Penang, after a national youth meeting. The Malaysian youth decided to organize online training handling domestic inquiry in July and leadership training in September.
 
On 21-22 May, Cambodian youth leaders reported during a youth committee leadership meeting that five union federations established youth committees, along with six factory-level youth committees. They also expressed their plans to form four more federation-level youth committees and to organize labour law study circles within the next year.

The youth meetings in Thailand and Cambodia are supported by Union to Union and IndustriALL Swedish affiliates.
 
Ramo Certeza, IndustriALL South East Asia regional secretary, said:

“The progress of youth work in South East Asia is truly encouraging. It is imperative to collaborate with our affiliates and realize the youth aspiration of the transformative agenda. We should continue to commit our labour and resources in youth empowerment works.”

 Sarah Flores, IndustriALL youth and project officer, said:

“Setting up a youth structure is a proven useful instrument that has not only beneficial outcomes for young workers, but also for the trade unions as it ensures a meaningful participation of young members in their trade union and helps in building their capacity as future leader as well as systematic work on youth topics which can then be in the daily trade union work. In that sense, unions in SEA are demonstrating a strong commitment toward trade union's renewal and search for more representativity.”

 
Youth leaders from South East Asia and other IndustriALL regions will meet at the global youth conference on 2 November in Sydney.

Threats target Colombian mining union officials

Colombia has long ranked among the world’s most dangerous countries for trade unionists. International organizations report that in recent decades, dozens of union leaders have faced threats, persecution, and assassinations. While government protection programs have been introduced in recent years, significant risks remain, particularly in strategic sectors such as mining and energy.

The La Jagua branch president of Sintracarbón, Germán Aranzales, has reportedly faced threats and extortion attempts since June 8 of this year, according to union sources. The union has also denounced surveillance and intimidation directed at other members, including trade unionist Silvio Mendoza and Rocío Torres Bobadilla, a lawyer who advises the union on labor proceedings.

The threats began after Sintracarbón and Sintraminergética filed a request with the Labour Ministry calling for the suspension of the collective dismissal of some 300 employees at Prodeco and Carbones de La Jagua (CDJ), emphasising the need to declare the nine subsidiaries of the Glencore group in Colombia as a single business entity.

In the letter sent by IndustriALL to the Colombian government, concern is expressed about the recent threats and harassment and urgent measures are requested to guarantee the safety of the union leaders and advisors concerned. The letter also calls on the public prosecutor’s office to press ahead with the corresponding investigations.

IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie says:

“We are extremely concerned and appalled by this new and blatant violation of fundamental human and trade union rights. Given the long history of violence against trade union and social leaders in Colombia, we view these threats with the utmost seriousness and concern.”

India: Over 40 killed in factory explosion

The plant has been closed for 90 days following the incident and a police complaint has been filed. A committee has also been formed to probe the causes that led to the fire. Recently, the company denied that there was a reactor explosion in the plant and stated that the cause of the fire may have been overheating. Sigachi Industries announced a compensation of US$ 116 729 to the families of the deceased. Provincial government will also provide immediate monetary relief to the victims.

IndustriALL South Asia regional secretary, Ashutosh Bhattacharya, said: 

“Ensuring occupational health and safety is not a choice but a constitutional and international obligation for the Government of India. Ratifying ILO Conventions C-155 and C-187 will reaffirm India’s commitment to safe, fair, and dignified workplaces for all. The company must take full responsibility for the incident and any lapses that resulted in the blast must be disclosed.”

According to data compiled by IndustriALL, so far this year, over 60 workplace incidents have occurred in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector in the country, which have killed over 100 workers and left more than 170 injured. As workplace incidents are underreported, the actual figures would be much higher. Last year, over 110 workplace accidents occurred in the sector which killed at least 220 workers and seriously injured over 550.

Indian’s national trade union centre, Indian National Trade Union Congress, of which some of IndustriALL Indian affiliates are part, is demanding:

  1. An independent, high level inquiry into the functioning of the factories department,
  2. Suspension and criminal prosecution of any official found complicit in negligence, and
  3. Revamping of inspection mechanism, including strict adherence to ILO Convention-   81.

Sigachi Industries is a prominent manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose, which is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food products. The company has a global presence and more than half of its products are exported to over 50 countries.

Photo: Shutterstock
 

Alang workers, industry and global allies unite for Hong Kong Convention

IndustriALL joined key stakeholders including the International Labour Organization (ILO), India’s director general of shipping, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) and the Ship Recycling Industries Association (SRIA).
 
The brainstorming meeting chaired by ILO India director, Michiko Miyamoto, underlined the importance of social dialogue and the core ILO conventions. She stressed that the HKC offers an opportunity to improve safety and labour standards, ensuring decent work in ship recycling.
 
India’s director general of shipping, Shyam Jagannathan, welcomed the Convention, calling it a chance for India to strengthen its global leadership in sustainable ship recycling. He emphasized the need for an inclusive, worker-centred approach, urging greater participation of women in the industry.
 
Technical and operational perspectives were shared by Ajith Kumar Sukumaran, additional director general of shipping, who laid out the Convention’s compliance roadmap for India. GMB chief engineer Talawiya confirmed the board’s readiness to provide hands-on support at the plot level to meet HKC standards.
 
While welcoming the Convention, SRIA secretary, Haresh Parmar, cautioned against excessive regulation, advocating for balanced policies that safeguard both workers and business viability.
 
ILO India national coordinator, Pallavi Mansingh, also called for systemic changes that prioritise workers’ voices and needs throughout the process.
 
ASSRGWA general secretary, Vidyadhar Rane, demanded an inclusive approach, where workers are respected not merely as beneficiaries, but as equal partners in shaping the future of ship recycling.
 
IndustriALL assistant general secretary speaking Kan Matsuzaki reaffirmed that the transition to HKC compliance must be just and fair.

“Workers have to be placed at the centre of reforms, emphasizing their rights, livelihoods and representation.”

 
Walton Pantland, IndustriALL shipbuilding and shipbreaking director at stressed that HKC must lead to a safer and cleaner Alang with more skilled, decent jobs. He emphasized the importance of strong yard-level safety committees, collective bargaining agreements and protections for downstream workers.
 
The day concluded with a powerful workers’ Rally, drawing more than 350 workers—including many women—who stood in solidarity for safer, fairer ship recycling.
 
The day ended with a strong collective pledge to continue working together to make Alang a global model for socially responsible, safe, and environmentally sound ship recycling.