Croatia

This year SSSH launched the campaign called “Work is not a commodity!” asking for secure jobs for all workers. The unions ask that the employers and the government stop treating workers as a commodity or as slaves, as this is not a sustainable development of a society.

On 6 October they organized an international conference, within the campaign, where they have presented results of the research on precarious work in Croatia, Europe and internationally.

The participants were also presented positive examples of protection and representation of precarious workers in the UK Trade Union Confederation and Germany (DGB, confederation). Also results of the PRECARIR project (Institute for development and international relations) were presented.

SSSH provided guidelines for protection and organizing of precarious workers, with recommendations for actions that authorities, employers and unions should take to protect such workers.

SMH-IS and EKN will implement these guidelines as soon as they formally adopt them in their union bodies and will use them for strategic planning of their work.

Philippines: action to STOP Precarious Work

About 350 permanent and contractual workers alongside with 11 national labor federations rallied and marched from the historical site of Liwasang Bonifacio at the heart of Manila towards the office of the labor minister to strongly voice their anger against all forms of precarious work and demand secured employment and better working conditions.

Highlight of the campaign rally was the trade unions hand-over of the workers’ demands to the labor department build-up on the last year’s proposal to institute policy reform in order to halt the spread of precarious employment. Trade unions pointed out that urgent response has to be made not to further the sufferings of the workers who toil everyday without the prospect for a better future. Citing a recent research leading up to the campaign unions strongly maintained that precarious work creates negative consequences not only to the lives of the working people, but also to their families and communities.

Demands of the unions revolve around the measures to propose alternative reform and/or amendments to the Department Order 18-A in order to make labor-only contracting illegal, also pushing for the immediate passage of the Security of Tenure and Right to Regular Employment bill.

New Zealand

The union divides decent work into four campaigns: Jobs for All, Living wages, Secure Work and Safe Work.

The campaigns started with more than 750 union members who helped to launch a network for labour hire workers in the logistics industry. Unlike their permanently employed colleagues they are often stuck in precarious work.

On 3 October the union held a special action in the retail sector by organizing a strike action at Bunnings Warehouse, the large Australian owned hardware retailer, to impose on the workers working hours according to the unilateral bosses decisions. The picket line was organized with participation of Bunnings members, communities and Parliament from Labour and Green Parties.

The union also denounced the “successful completion” of the negotiations of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement that involves eleven Asian and Pacific Rim countries, and the United States.

Good news came from the workers of Toll Group who organized a lighting strike on October 5, the company raised its poor offer and resolved all other union claims that we pending for half a year.

The financial sector of First Union celebrated the World Day for Decent Work with completing collective bargaining with the Australian-owned Bank of New Zealand with a good wage increase and new clauses addressing workplace bullying and stress.

SKF unions stand together in hard times

Fifty delegates and observers represented some 50,000 workers employed by SKF, a 100-year-old multinational present in 32 countries, which specializes in the production of bearings, seals, lubrication systems and other technological products.

Despite decent performance in the past, the group is undergoing structural changes resulting in numerous consequences for the workforce, including job losses, especially among white-collar workers.

SKF CEO, Alrik Danielson, who attended the meeting, stressed upon the need for cooperation with workers and their unions. However, SKF workers around the world remain under pressure. A possible answer could be an even more flexible approach within the framework of national legislation and respect of the existing collective bargaining agreements, and here the World Union Council (WUC), national unions and their representatives are working together with the management.

On the other hand, delegates underlined that workers cannot be held hostages for the mistakes made by the management in the past or a weak global economy. Workers and their families alone cannot carry the entire burden.

The meeting was held in the atmosphere of openness and willingness to cooperate for the sake of both workers and the company. It was underlined however that this is not a one-way street. Giving and taking must be in balance and everybody has to carry a fair share.

Management representatives made presentations about SKF group’s situation and strategies for the future. Delegates from different countries had an intensive exchange of internal information and discussed the possible consequences of the change in group strategy.

Delegates also discussed the similarities and differences in flexibility systems especially regarding working time. Another issue was the fight for decent work and elimination of precarious working conditions all over the world.

On behalf of the host union IG Metall, Jörg Hofmann, IG Metall vice president, welcomed the SKF WUC in Frankfurt.

WUC delegates also visited the Opel plant in Rüsselsheim, one of the SKF´s major customers in the region.

Massive mobilization by IndustriALL affiliates to STOP Precarious Work

In Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Pakistan, Serbia, Kenya, Ghana, Armenia, India, Germany, Belgium, Cameroon, Cambodia, Macedonia, Peru, Brazil, Bangladesh, Japan, Indonesia, Chile, Belarus, Russia, Madagascar, USA, Canada, Australia, Austria, Ukraine…workers and affiliates raised their voice to denounce the increase of precarious work and the bad working conditons of precarious workers.

In Bangladesh, IndustriALL Bangladesh Council organized a human chain in Dhaka with more than 200 people protesting against precarious work.

In Indonesia, several actions were organized by affiliates. IndustriALL National Council Women's Committee held a joint demonstration in Jakarta linking this action to their ongoing campaign on maternity protection.

In Japan, in addition of a range of action organized by affiliates, women and youth members showed their commitments to decent work with flyers at the National Assemblies of both the Committee for promoting gender equality and the Youth committee.

IndustriALL affiliates in Kenya took action on 7 October for the first time to bring attention to precarious work.

IndustriALL Global Union's Mauritian affiliate, the CMCTEU, together with the national centre, the CTSP, organized a demonstration and a debate on Decent Work and labour legislation to mark the day.

In Chile, Constramet Chile delivered a letter to the minister of labour, urgently requesting a bill that limits outsourcing. The union representatives visited senators and deputies who sponsored a project on outsourcing, then organized a seminar on the topic.

Both the HolcimLafarge and Rio Tinto network mobilized their members to denounce the increase of precarious work in their companies and the bad working conditions this entails.

If your union has taken action around 7 October, but you have not yet sent us report or pictures yet, send them to: [email protected]. You can also tweet using the hashtag #STOPprecariousWork or share your actions with us on Facebook.

IndustriALL asks, “Is this the society we want?”

Do we want a society in which a large proportion of the workers, if not sometimes the majority of them, feel abandoned, excluded and marginalized because of their employment status?

"I am a temporary agency worker in a chemical MNC doing the same work in the same company since 13 years ago. I have to work 12 hours a day instead of 8 and if I reject to work, immediately my job is replaced by another temporary worker. In India, many workers are waiting for a job and ready to accept a low wage, so my job is easily replaced. I am not able to meet and enjoy with my friends and family due to long working hours, so that sometimes I feel that society is ignoring me." Veeranna, precarious worker in the chemical sector, India

“I have been a contract worker in coal mining for the last 12 years. I always feel a lack of appreciation and marginalized by society.” Ansari, precarious worker in the coal-mining sector, India

“When I was a contractual worker, I never felt really part of the company. Contractual workers are the first to be let go during a lean season.” William, recently became a permanent worker in the garment sector”, Philippines

“Having a permanent job gives me the opportunity to plan my future and to engage in volunteer political work, and to make a social contribution to the society”, Marvin, permanent worker in the metal sector, Germany

Do we want a society in which workers struggle without security or stability?

“The company doesn’t want to be accountable for their employees. Contract workers are totally confused because their job isn’t stable. They seem to be living with a problem all the time in terms of salary, in terms of safety, in terms of health care.” Barthelemy, precarious worker in the mining sector, Madagascar

“Living with the constant threat that your hours may be cut is not acceptable and can leave me wondering if come Christmas I will be able to pay my bills. This company has no interest in its employees and employing us on zero hour contracts sums them up.” Craig, precarious worker in the manufacturing sector, UK

“I have had both employment status. Stability produces a permanent feeling of wellness, avoiding anguish and frustration because you are not precarious. Personally I think the most important is emotional stability.” Pablo Sebastian, permanent worker in the rubber sector, Argentina

Do we want a society offering mostly exhausting low quality jobs that do not enable workers and their families to live in decent conditions or build any project?

“Despite 12 years of service, I could not save any money and now I am worried about my daughter’s wedding and my future retirement.” Ansari, precarious worker in the coal-mining sector, India

“I am a temporary worker working 12 hours a day without a paid overtime policy.” Josphein, precarious worker in the textile sector, Pakistan

“After more than 10 years of service in the cement industry as a contract worker, I was not allowed to take any medical leave and no medical facilities were provided by the company or government. I am always under fear as my job is temporary with low wages, I am getting old now and how will I lead my family when I become medically unfit to work. I have to work for my family until I am unable and I will never enjoy my retirement.” Anup, precarious worker in the cement sector, India

“Precarious work is more tiring but you earn less. I am unable to save money because I always receive my salary three months late.” Foolo, precarious worker in the mining sector, Togo

“There is nothing worse than not being able to get a permanent job unless you are able to have additional activities that generate income.” Elom, precarious worker, Togo

“Being a permanent worker, I work to live, I don’t live to work.” Charlotte, permanent worker in the metal sector, UK

“I worked at Chery’s plant. It was a decent job with a good atmosphere, decent salary and good health and safety conditions. I had working time that allowed me to be with my family with the knowledge that I would not have an accident at work.” Pablo, automotive industry, Uruguay

Do we want a society where women workers are unprotected because of their employment status?

“I am a temporary worker and have no policy of maternity leave. Only maternity leave without pay.” Rahela, precarious worker in the textile sector, Pakistan

“I am a contract worker in a company located in Bogor. My job is not stable; it means the company can very easily transfer me from one department to another every three months. Also the company prohibited me to get married during my job contract. I hope the union will fight for me so that I can become a permanent member of staff.” Rahmawati, precarious worker in the textile sector, Indonesia

"We work long hours, there is no compensation in the case of accidents, and we work at night as women. The union should come and rescue us from this bondage!” Joy, precarious worker in the plastics sector, Uganda

“Because I have a permanent contract I can receive benefits like the pension plan, unemployment and health insurance. I have my own house and because I was a mother, my company could not fire me during two years. I was also able to stay with my little girl during my six months paid maternity leave.” Nicole, permanent worker in the metal sector, Chile

“As a permanent worker, my job is protected. I don’t have to wake up one morning with someone telling me not to come to work. As a permanent worker, if your boss pressurizes you to go with him, you can say “NO”; which you cannot do as a precarious worker, you are forced to be ‘nice’ to the boss.” Elonwa, permanent worker in the oil sector, Nigeria

Do we want a society with workers unable to meet the basic needs of their family or to afford education for their kids?

“With my very low salary as a temporary agency worker, it is too expensive for me to send my 3 children to school. My daughter had to stop school at 16. My oldest son became a temporary contract worker himself when he had to stop school at 14.” Bapu, precarious worker, India

“Our finances are usually in dire straits every five months or so, and most likely, I have to apply for another contractual job, again. Thus, I have learned to scrimp on the family’s budget for food. Because it is the only expense item in our meager household budget that I am in control of!” Elvie, precarious worker in the garments sector, Philippines

“I am at my wit’s end how to raise the two kids at home. No clothes for them to wear. I use ropes instead of belts for them. If there is a family problem I just watch, my salary can’t even cover my rent and my food, so I can’t take other responsibilities.” Fuejo, precarious worker in the mining sector, Madagascar

“As a permanent worker, I have been able to buy a house, and educate my children. This is possible because I know I have a job this month, next month and next year.” Glenda, permanent worker in the metal sector, Trinidad and Tobago

"I am happy to have a permanent job, so I can enable my children to obtain a good education. Still, I am afraid that my children will not be able to have a permanent job." Ilvana, permanent worker in the chemicals sector, Bosnia and Herzegovina

“I have been a permanent worker in the cement industry for over 15 years. My family has medical insurance and I am able to send my kids for good and technical studies. I can raise my voice in my company and am able to save some money also for my future and my retirement.” Devendra, permanent worker in the cement sector, India

Do we want a society that prevents young workers to plan their life and start building their project?

“Sometimes I argue with my son. Especially when he comes home after the last day of a temporary contract! He is then in a very low state of mind and we must motivate him every time again. It creates tension, but as long as I work, he can stay home. Young people who cannot count on this kind of support quickly fall into poverty.” Robert, Father of a young precarious worker (FGTB), Belgium

“When our training was over and we got a diploma (after two years), they said we can’t hire you, so we are going to get you to work for a subcontractor. Now we can say our career is totally ruined because now we are jobless, and we don’t study. I’ve got my goals, to get married, children, family, have a household. Now I am broke, no job, so those goals are a long shot and it will be late." Laubien, precarious worker in the mining sector, Madagascar

“We wanted to buy a house as my fiancée has a permanent job, and I am working as an temporary agency worker regularly for the same company. We thought it would be possible, but NO! Now we are trying to rent a house, but we realize it will not be easy! We have to find an owner who will accept to trust us as if we were kids.” Flavio, young precarious worker (FGTB), Belgium

“They should not outsource our lives and make our dream precarious! We want our lives and dreams to be permanent!” Young permanent worker in the metal sector, Argentina

“I am happy to have my own place. Thanks to a permanent contract I could access a home loan more easily, this is a great achievement in my life.” Wilmer, young permanent worker in the electrical sector, Colombia

“Since I have a permanent contract, I can plan my future. I do not need to worry about being able to feed my family in the future. And I am not dependent on anybody financially.” Felina, young permanent worker in the metal sector, Germany

Sri Lanka

Affiliates of IndustriALL celebrated the International Day for Decent Work by a mass rally demanding the abolition of precarious work in Sri Lanka.

The protest was organized by IGU United Federation of Labour, FTZ & General Workers Union, Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Union, Sri lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya and National Union of Metal & Migrant Workers with Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya.

Pakistan

Nasir Mansoor, deputy general secretary of IndustriALL affiliate NTUF said that precarious work has become the hallmark of all production sectors in Pakistan.

"To get more and more profit the industrialists have launched contract labor system with full force. Workers are left to the mercy of market forces in violation of all labor laws and norms, and these market rules are set by big corporations, multinational companies and international financial institutions."

He further said that Pakistan had rectified 37 ILO conventions including nine core conventions but the state miserably failed to protect the rights of workers at minimum level.

Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCMLF) and All Pakistan Labour Federation (APLF) organized a rally and a public meeting in Quetta.

PCEM (Pakistan federation of Chemical, Energy, Mines and General workers Union) and PMF (Pakistan Metalworkers’ Federation) organized a solidarity rally on 7 October. The rally gave a clear message that workers in Pakistan want good working conditions and demand secure jobs, good wages and a respect for labour.