There is an increasing understanding of companies’ and organizations' responsibilities when it comes to workers’ and human rights, and protection of workers’ rights plays a key role in contributing to social justice and sustainable development.
The GRI draft standards seek data on employment practices, working time, remuneration, and management of major workplace change. The development of labor-related standards will enable organizations to publicly disclose their most significant impacts on workers and how they are managing those impacts.
There is a public comment period until 4 October, allowing stakeholders from around the world to contribute their views on the proposed standards. IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie encourages affiliated unions to provide input to make sure the result is standards that genuinely protect workers' rights and promote fair labour practices.
“Significant union input is needed in the development of these standards as it is expected that various businesses will resist the revisions. We call on all of our affiliates to engage and share their perspectives before the deadline in October to ensure that our rights upheld,"
says IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie.
The GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is an independent, international organization that through its guidelines helps businesses and other organizations communicate their impacts on issues like climate change, human rights and corruption. Former IndustriALL general secretary Jyrki Raina is on the board.
Another explosion at Indonesian nickel plant injures workers
The first explosion in December 2023 killed 21 workers. According to Indonesia’s National Industrial Workers Union Federation (SPN), the explosion on 13 June happened when two workers were using cutting tools to repair a liquid outlet from a melting furnace.
The union condemns the accident. Iwan Kusmawan, IndustriALL Indonesia Council and SPN chairperson, says:
"We demand a thorough investigation of the second explosion and the payment of medical treatment for the two workers. IMIP must immediately improve health and safety practices to prevent further accidents. The Indonesian Law No. 1 Year 1970 must be revised to strengthen safety inspection provisions."
On 23 June, the union held a candle light vigil in solidarity with the victims.
In April, IndustriALL sent an international delegation to visit the victims’ families, as well as members of the mining union. A commemoration was held in conjunction with International Workers' Memorial Day to honour the workers who had been killed and injured at the company.
Says Kan Matsuzaki, IndustriALL assistant general secretary:
"The nickel industry in Indonesia is rapidly expanding, yet occupational safety and health (OSH) standards have been woefully neglected in numerous workplaces. The government and employers should urgently work together with unions to set up joint OSH committee, improve labour inspection system, and implement fundamental workers’ rights fully on the ground.”
Tsingshan is a multinational company headquartered in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China. The company manufactures stainless steel products including pipes and tubes used in oil and gas, petrochemical and ship building industries.
Photo credit: SPN
Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park must comply with labour laws
During the meeting, the ministry of labour agreed to conduct an inspection on workers’ rights violations through questionnaires which the employers are required to respond to in 30 days. The employers also made a commitment to immediately provide personal protective equipment to workers. On their part, unions will develop recognition agreements and begin their engagement in social dialogue with employers in the Sino-Uganda Industrial Park.
Sino-Uganda Mbale which has more than 50 factories, employs thousands of workers in manufacturing sectors that include textiles, electronics, glass, and soap making. The unions recommended that the Uganda Investment Authority should make compliance with labour laws a condition for investing in the country.
The meeting, which included factory visits, took place between unions, ministers, government officials, members of parliament for workers, employers, and local authorities, and came after unions had petitioned the government over workers’ rights violations and decent work deficits. The violations highlighted in the petition in May included unfair dismissals, long working hours, and unpaid overtime. The unions wrote that most of the companies at Sino-Uganda Mbale promoted precarious working conditions, “with heavy casualization of labour which included piece rates, short contracts, low pay, and no appointment letters.”
On health and safety, the unions said the companies failed to provide personal protective equipment and adequate accident prevention measures. Gender-based violence and sexual harassment were common with women workers being denied maternity protection.
Sino-Uganda Mbale, located in East Uganda, is a joint China-Uganda project whose construction was done by the Tian Tang Group and is part of China’s “One Belt One Road” initiative.
Participating in the meeting were ministers of state financing and economic development, labour, industrial and productivity, and trade, industry, and cooperatives. Workers MPs, who are elected by trade unions as per Uganda’s Constitution also participated at the meeting.
Last month, IndustriALL Global Union affiliates, Uganda Textile, Garment, Leather and Allied Workers Union (UTGLAWU), Uganda Printers, Paper, Polyfibre and Allied Workers Union (UPPPAWU), Uganda Chemicals, Petroleum, and Allied Workers Union (UCPAWU), Uganda Hotels, Food, Tourism, Supermarkets, and Allied Workers Union (UHFTAWU) petitioned the government expressing concerns on violations of freedom of association and collective bargaining especially the workers’ right to form and join trade unions. The affiliates are also members of the federation, the National Union of Trade Unions (NOTU) which participated at the meeting. The union rights’ campaigns are supported by the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA), and the Norwegian Society of Graduate Technical and Scientific Professionals (TEKNA).
“Most of the employers are refusing to recognise unions, which is a constitutional right, thus denying workers the right to collective bargaining and decent work. This violates International Labour Conventions 87 (Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize) and 98 (Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining),”
said Hajj Twaha Sempebwa, chairperson of the IndustriALL national council for Uganda. He further added that this contradicts Uganda’s national action plan on business and human rights which states that employers must respect workers’ rights and promote decent work.
“Industrial parks should not be enclaves of workers exploitation that offend national and international labour standards. We are in solidarity with Ugandan trade unions on their calls for social dialogue to ensure compliance with labour standards to improve industrial relations,”
said Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Forging a robust safety and health movement in South East Asia
Main features of ILO Convention 155 on Safety and Health, such as workers' right to receive information on OSH, right to receive training and be consulted on OSH, right to report and right to not return to work where there is imminent danger, were shared by ILO senior specialist Tsuyoshi Kawakami.
IndustriALL Global Union director of mining, Glen Mpufane, also shared the latest development ofstandard-setting committee on biological hazards, which may create a groundbreaking biological hazards convention and recommendation. He said it is imperative to strive to build a stronger safety and health movement and union power in the region.
The participants raised concerns such as hot temperatures and poor ventilation in factories, back pain, mercury poisoning, and lack of doctors to diagnose OSH-related illness. The resource persons advised trade unionists to take efforts to prove the working conditions could lead to illness and accidents, to report the issues at OSH committee, and lodge complaints with the OSH authority, agencies handling human rights due diligence and ILO.
The action plan includes:
Campaigning for ratification of ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 176
Identifying and disseminating information on occupational diseases
Engaging stakeholders to improve OSH standards and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Strengthening national OSH policies and including unions in workplace OSH committees
Providing OSH training and fostering a safety culture
Conducting OSH research and improving collective bargaining agreements
Forming union subcommittees on OSH
Ensuring company compliance with OSH laws and establishing gender-sensitive reporting systems
“Nearly 3 million workers died at work-related diseases and accidents every year, 1.2 million of them are in Asia Pacific. Accidents also occurred in fast-growing nickel processing industry such as furnace explosion at Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park. We must organize more workers to gain our voices and create strong collective agreements. Unions can make all workplaces safer for all workers,”
said IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kan Matsuzaki.
Participating unions reaffirmed and adhered to IndustriALL’s mission to defend, advance and improve workers’ rights everywhere. The stated goal is universal recognition and effective implementation of fundamental workers’ rights including safety and healthy workplaces.
“We must leverage occupational safety and health as a key organizing tool to empowers workers to unite around their fundamental right to a safe and healthy workplace, strengthen their collective voice and action and to build workers’ power,”
said Ramon Certeza, IndustriALL South East Asia regional secretary.
As for the next steps the newly created regional OSH committee has an ad hoc working group and platform for information sharing, coordination and monitoring safety and health concerns will develop a roadmap to navigate a clear direction on the key priorities related to OSH, particularly to campaign for the ratification of ILO C155 and 187, engage with tripartite social dialogue on the development and implementation of national OSH policy and programmes, and leveraging OSH as a tool to exercise right to organize and bargain collectively.
UKRAINE: I witnessed resilience in the face of conflict
Together with an International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) delegation led by General Secretary Luc Triangle we visited Ukraine on 14-15 May 2024 to reaffirm the global trade union movement’s support of workers and their unions in the country. The group included Christy Hoffman (General Secretary UNI-Global Union), and Paul Nowak (General Secretary TUC-UK).
Trade union delegation ITUC, UNI InsutriALL and TUC with president of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine
Ukrainian workers are suffering. They've lost jobs, incomes, and homes. Families are torn apart, fleeing both within and outside Ukraine. With all this, they are also defending their country.
Attacks on coal mines and power facilities are blatant acts of terrorism aimed at crippling Ukraine's infrastructure. In Kyiv, we visited a thermal power plant that had been bombed to pieces just one month prior to our arrival. This stark reminder underscores the Russian strategy of targeting critical infrastructure to make life as difficult as possible for the Ukrainian population. The destruction of power plants is a deliberate attempt to plunge the population into darkness and suffering. The intention behind these attacks is clear and malicious
Wall stretching hundreds of meters, filled with pictures of those killed since 2014
In Kyiv, life almost seems normal on the surface. Shops are open, and people go about their day. However, a closer look reveals the underlying tension and preparedness for conflict. Before you arrive, you must install an Air Raid Alarm application that sends notifications of potential attacks, prompting immediate shelter. Statues and artworks, symbols of cultural heritage, are protected, highlighting the cultural risks at stake. In Maidan Square, flags planted in the ground commemorate each person who has died, put there by families who have lost their loved ones, creating a powerful and heartbreaking display. A wall stretches for hundreds of meters, filled with pictures of those killed since 2014, underscoring that this war has been ongoing for much longer than the past two years.
The parliament building and surrounding homes are barricaded with sandbags, a stark reminder of the constant threat and the necessity to be prepared for anything. This sight provides a clear understanding of the level of expectation and readiness for potential attacks.
Flags planted in the ground to remember lost ones in Maiden Square
The human cost is shocking. Official numbers of the dead range, but locals believe the toll is much higher than what is being reported, possibly over 100,000. Each flag in Maidan Square represents a life lost, a family shattered.
Ukraine’s air defence is not strong, enough and the threat of attacks is constant. During our visit, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Kiev, and there were no attacks, which must have felt to Ukrainians like a brief pause in this continuous assault. Usually 3 to 4 alarms a day would go off and people would have to find shelter.
Children's hospital
Mostly, life in Kyiv functions like normal, but our visit to a children's hospital revealed the harsh realities of the war. We saw children arriving without legs or arms, some traumatized and paralyzed, not from physical injuries, but from the sheer psychological impact of the conflict. Speaking with kids from Kharkiv, where some of the hardest battles are raging, was a sobering experience. It was a terrible wake-up call for anyone who might not fully grasp the horrors that Ukrainians are enduring.
The unions that we visited were incredibly appreciative of our presence. They saw us as brave for coming, though our brief 36-hour visit was nothing compared to what they have to deal with every day. The courage and composure of these union leaders were inspiring. Despite everything, they remain focused and determined, knowing exactly what they need to do to support their members and their country.
LesiaSemeniaka International Officer of Atomprofspilka with Atle Høie during his visit
The unions' resilience is matched by their pragmatism. They understand the necessity of keeping the conflict visible on the global stage, pleading for continued support. They are not asking for pity but for solidarity and practical help. Their ultimate goal is to win the war, to ensure that Ukraine's sovereignty is respected and upheld.
If we allow Russia to annex territories recognized by the United Nations as part of Ukraine, we set a dangerous precedent. Where do we draw the line next time? The strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people is a testament to their firm spirit. They are fighting not just for their country, but for the principles of freedom and sovereignty that should be upheld worldwide.
Throughout our discussions, we addressed the implementation of the new worker-hostile labour legislation and the abolition of social dialogue. Everyone we spoke with, agreed that new labour legislation cannot be implemented without the involvement of workers and their unions. However, the government canceled our meeting at the last minute, avoiding the need to explain why they are proceeding without such crucial involvement.
On our 20-hour train ride back to Poland, the train was filled with women because men are not allowed to leave Ukraine. They spoke of needing a break from the constant fear and hardship. Their stories were a reminder of the emotional and psychological toll of this war.
What we saw just scratches the surface. When you see the kids and what they’ve had to endure at such a young age, you realize this is just the tip of the iceberg, and it really gets to you. It was hard to sleep on that train. Besides the constant passport control, the images in your head make it difficult to process everything, and we didn’t even visit the front line.
My visit to Ukraine was a sobering reminder of the profound human cost of this conflict, but most of all it reinforced my belief that war has only losers and must be avoided. We must continue to keep Ukraine in our thoughts and on our agendas, ensuring that the sacrifices of its people are not forgotten, and that their fight for freedom is supported. The bravery and resilience of Ukrainian workers and their unions are nothing short of extraordinary, and their struggle is one that demands our support.
The fight for ratification of C190 must continue
Upon the Convention’s adoption, IndustriALL recognized the urgent need to campaign for its ratification due to the pervasive violence and harassment in the world of work. ILO C190 is the first international standard aimed at eradicating these issues, asserting everyone’s right to a work environment free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH). The Convention also addresses existing gaps in national legislation.
Global unions launched a toolkit to support the implementation of the ILO C190. This “train the trainer” toolkit equips thousands of unions worldwide with essential tools to promote collective bargaining as a key strategy to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.
Part of IndustriALL’s ILO C190 campaign involves collaborating with companies to address gender-based violence and harassment. In 2022, IndustriALL worked with H&M Group and the Swedish union IF Metall to develop robust methods for preventing, detecting, and handling GBVH in the supply chain. Efforts included raising awareness and equipping workers and management with the necessary tools, creating a platform to address and resolve issues through joint training sessions with local H&M Group production offices and trade unions. This initiative impacts approximately 1.5 million garment workers across over 1,500 H&M Group supplier factories. Recently, stakeholders reinforced their commitment by sharing experiences from the pilot implementation of GBVH guidelines in six supplier factories in Türkiye.
In November 2023, the IndustriALL executive committee endorsed a new policy on GBVH, misogyny, and sexism. This policy aims to foster a culture of dignity and respect within IndustriALL and its affiliates, emphasizing the eradication of GBVH, misogyny, and sexism. It includes educating members about these issues and aligning with the provisions of ILO C190. Clear procedures for addressing related complaints are also established, with leadership and staff set to receive training on policy implementation in the coming months.
IndustriALL affiliates have been diligently fighting for ILO C190 ratification over the past five years.
In Nigeria, sustained campaigns and social dialogue involving trade unions, civil society organizations, and labour support groups led to ratification in 2022. Despite widespread underreporting due to stigma and weak law enforcement, unions continue C190 awareness campaigns, particularly in male-dominated workplaces, to eliminate practices that perpetuate GBVH.
In the Philippines, after four years of campaigning, the Senate ratified C190, making it the 37th country to do so. The campaign involved extensive lobbying, including writing letters and meeting with government officials. Educational materials and position papers on C190 were developed, and the campaign was highlighted during significant labour events.
Argentina also achieved ratification through union efforts. Deputy Vanesa Siley, a spokesperson for the General Confederation of Labour (CGT’s) federal group of women trade unionists, highlighted the significant role of the inter-union network, comprising over 100 unions, in advocating for workplace violence elimination.
As a result of all these effrots unions have incorporated ILO C190 principles into bargaining agreements. For example, the Indonesian ministery of women empowerment and child protection inaugurated a safe house at PT Evoluzione Tyre (Pirelli group) in West Java in March 2024. The company and the IndustriALL-affiliated Chemical, Energy, and Mines Workers Union (CEMWU) signed a zero-tolerance policy on violence and harassment in 2021, a significant step towards C190 implementation despite its non-ratification.
“Since its adoption, 44 countries have ratified C190, demonstrating a growing global commitment to eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace. Our affiliates have done really good work in obtaining ratification. They have also taken actions to implement the ILO C190 in their workplaces, even without the ratification of the ILO instrument. The campaigns must continue to ensure safe and respectful work environments worldwide,”
On the path for a just transition for textile and garment workers
Stakeholders from the European Commission, the ILO, Swedish clothing giant H&M and unionists from around the world shared their perspectives on a changing textile and garment industry, where the primary focus has shifted from post-Rana Plaza collapse health and safety concerns to addressing climate change and the rise of ultra-fast fashion through sustainability and circularity.
An increasing number of governments and brands are adopting circularity and sustainability goals, and are introducing measures to important resources such as water and energy. This green shift is often accompanied by new technologies which changes job roles and requires new skills. However, workers can only acquire new skills and get these new ‘’green and digital’’ jobs if there are systems in place for training for the jobs to come.
Mikael Garellick, senior adviser at the European Commission on the textiles sector, highlighted the EU's dual role as a major exporter and importer of textiles and clothing. The EU textiles strategy contains 16 pieces of EU legislation that will impact all textile products placed on the EU market. This new legislation, like the introduction of eco-design regulations and a ban on destroying unsold clothes, is a step towards sustainability and hopes to change textile manufacturing worldwide.
Facing a skills challenge, Casper Edmonds head of unit extractives, energy and manufacturing, focal point for the circular economy at the ILO, emphasized that solutions must be human-centred, stressing the need to prioritize people in the industry, ensuring workers remain part of its future. There is a risk that the shift to a service-oriented industry might lead to job losses in what is now well-organized sectors, pushing workers into less regulated environments.
“We risk losing real good union jobs and will have to fight for our fundamental rights again,”
said Casper Edmonds.
“All workers in the industry have a right to a healthy and safe working environment, and new technology brings new health and safety issues. Unions play a crucial role and need to continue to organize, including workers in jobs created by the circular economy.”
Union organization is crucial, especially in the newly created jobs within the circular economy. The ILO guidelines advocate for full cooperation between employers and governments to ensure worker rights and safety. This sentiment was echoed by Hannah Croner from H&M's sustainability department, which has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040.
The transition must not exacerbate existing vulnerabilities; poverty is a risk to prosperity everywhere and addressing it is crucial for a truly sustainable future. Women and migrant workers, key to circularity, are particularly at risk. Bangladeshi union leader Kalpona Akter insisted that we need a transition that includes living wages and social protection to prevent exacerbating poverty.
Regional insights highlighted diverse challenges. In Bangladesh, SM Morshed of the OSHE Foundation noted a lack of understanding among stakeholders. For the MENA region, policy expert Diana Kaissy pointed out issues like water scarcity presenting a challenge for the industry. Marta Zaldaña, regional coordinator of unions in the textile sector in El Salvador, underscored that green factories do not always equate to green jobs. In Nigeria, the prevalence of second-hand clothing poses a threat to the local industry, while in Sudan and in Latin America and the Caribbean, labour rights and water scarcity remain pressing issues.
“A just transition in the textile and garment industry requires a multifaceted approach. Environmental measures must be accompanied by social measures to address informality and ensure a comprehensive transition,”
said Diana Kaissy.
Concluding the webinar, the first of two on Just Transition in the textile and garment industry, Diana Junquera Curiel, co-director at ITUC Just Transition Center, said:
“The path to a just transition in this industry is complex and varies across regions. A unified effort focusing on sustainability, workers’ rights and inclusive growth can lead to a more equitable and resilient textile and garment industry.”
Professor Graeme Reid, a South African scholar and the current UN independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), is set to deliver the keynote address. His career has focused on gender, sexuality, and human rights, and he led the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch.
Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association from Togo, will share his experiences from his tenure which began in April 2018. Voule's expertise is in supporting human rights defenders and coordinating advocacy efforts in Africa.
The panellists represent a broad spectrum of the global trade union movement, and in addition we will also hear from representatives from community LGBTI organizations to ensure an exciting dialogue, reflecting many perspectives and experiences from around the world, aiming to promote a deeper understanding and stronger advocacy for LGBTI rights within the labour movement.
Janina Henkes, senior policy advisor for women, equality and gender at the German Education Union (GEW), an Education International affiliate, will bring her extensive research on gender and labour to the table. Her international experiences enrich her understanding of societal shifts towards non-heteronormative models.
Keturah Johnson, the international vice president of the Association of Flight Attendants AFA-CWA, member of the International Transports Federation (ITF), is not only a trailblazer as the first queer woman of colour in her role but also a combat veteran. Johnson's leadership has been instrumental in advocating for inclusive labour practices in the airline industry.
Laya B. Ferrer, from the Associated Labour Unions (ALU-TUCP) in the Philippines, an affiliate to IndustriALL, focuses on enhancing labour conditions and advocating for gender equality in the workplace. Her work is crucial in safeguarding young workers from exploitation and harassment.
Linda Bogle-Mienzer, a labour relations organizer with the Bermuda Public Services Union, represents LGBTQI+ issues within the Public Services International Caribbean Sub-region. Her deep commitment to labour rights and equality is reflected in her long tenure in union leadership.
Marvellous Tawomhera, serving as the National Young Workers chairperson for the IUF affiliate, Zimbabwe Catering and Hotel Workers Union in Zimbabwe, is a vocal advocate for labour rights and social justice, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by young workers in the hospitality industry.
Rafael Mesquita, president of the Ceará Journalists' Union in Brazil and organizer secretary of the IFJ affiliate, National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ) in Brazil, has led initiatives to formalise labour standards for LGBTQIA+ journalists. His efforts extend to organiszing Brazil’s Parade for Diversity, making significant strides in regional advocacy.
Kimberly Frost, a board member of OUTreach and ILGA World Treasurer, will contribute her rich experience in developing educational initiatives and advocating for LGBT labour rights across North America and the Caribbean.
"Forward despite the backlash: LGBTI rights and Freedom of Association" not only aims to highlight the resilience required to uphold LGBTI+ rights but also to foster a dialogue that can lead to actionable strategies in the labour movement. Under the collective ethos of "An injury to one is an injury to all," this webinar will serve as a beacon of solidarity, education, and advocacy.
“This webinar presents us with an opportunity to learn and share experiences on challenges confronted by LGBTI+ workers and communities and how we can respond to those. As trade unionists we have a duty to fight for workers in the LGBTI+ community, we have to make sure that they have a voice and ensure that we create environments that are safe and inclusive free from discrimination and harassment,”
says Christina Olivier IndustriALL assistant general secretary.
Unions in Sri Lanka call for social dialogue on controversial bill
Although inflation has cooled down, Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst economic crisis since 2022 resulting in grim living conditions for the country’s workers. Last month, the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, presented the Economic Transformation Bill, which seeks to abolish the Board of Investment – Sri Lanka, and establish four other subsidiary entities along with the establishment of Sri Lanka Economic Commission.
Trade unions, including IndustriALL’s affiliates, and civil society organizations in Sri Lanka are vehemently opposing the bill. According to IndustriALL affiliates, the bill was introduced without engaging in social dialogue with workers’ representatives, in violation to the norms and standards set by the International Labour Organization. The National Labour Advisory Council, a tripartite mechanism to discuss labour-related matters, has not been convened since September last year.
Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary, says:
“We stand in solidarity with our affiliates in Sri Lanka in their struggle to safeguard workers’ rights. We call on the Sri Lankan government to immediately engage in social dialogue with trade unions and address their legitimate concerns regarding workers’ well-being.”
Unions held protest demonstrations and filed a legal case against the provisions mentioned in the bill. Unions also plan to hold a session to discuss the challenges posed by the proposed law, followed by a press briefing as well as hold discussion with parliamentarians from other political parties on the issue.
“Working people in Sri Lanka are already facing multifaceted problems and this bill further attacks their fundamental rights while increasing capitalism. We express our unwavering support for the Sri Lankan trade unions opposing the bill. The government must honour democratic values, ensure that workers' voices are heard, and protect their rights. Social justice and fair economic policies are essential for the well-being of all Sri Lankans.”
Photo: Shutterstock
Unions in Argentina condemn reform bill with major impact on workers
After a heated and lengthy debate, the Argentine Senate passed the reform bill known as the Law for the bases and starting points for Argentines' freedom on 12 June. On the day of the vote, thousands of workers rallied in front of the National Congress calling on Senators to vote against the bill, which runs counter to the interests of the Argentine people.
In a brutal response from the government, six opposition MPs ended up in hospital after being pepper-sprayed. Tear gas was also used against the peaceful protesters.
Journalists and protesters were pushed back by rubber bullets, with more than 200 people requiring medical treatment as a result. More than 36 people were arrested, imprisoned and charged with sedition and terrorism, charges that carry heavy prison sentences – another clear sign that protests have been criminalized by the national security minister, Patricia Bullrich.
The bill had already been passed by the Chamber of Deputies and was awaiting approval by the Senate. During the debate, senators made some amendments and the bill will now return to the lower house for those amendments to be approved, before being enacted by the government. If two thirds of the Chamber of Deputies vote to reject the amendments, the original text, which is even more harmful to workers, will become law.
Before the result of the vote was announced, union representatives read out a statement prepared by the demonstration organizers saying that the bill promoted policies that would erode workers’ purchasing power, destroy production capacities, create unemployment and wipe out the progress made in creating fairer labour relations.
The bill passed by the Senate gives the president the power, for a one-year period, to reform or adopt laws without having to go through Congress. For the unions, this is a violation of the country’s Constitution and the republican principle of the separation of powers.
Senators also shortened the list of state-owned companies that the government can privatize and reduced the number of state agencies that it can shut down. However, the government will still be able to sell off a number of state-owned companies.
Senators also approved the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), which the unions say will flood the country with foreign and multinational capital without any kind of state control, and will allow strategic public and natural resources to be exploited, which will lead to further deindustrialization.
The social security reform was also passed – it has been condemned by unions because it will create more informal work, reduces coverage and increases the retirement age for women.
“It is disgraceful and an affront to democracy, voters and the people of Argentina. Supporters of democracy worldwide should be truly alarmed that Argentina's President has been granted such extensive powers for a year.
"The bill was passed by only one vote, so the Milei government does not have a large majority. We stand in solidarity with the people of Argentina who are struggling and will continue to support our affiliates in their fight to get these laws repealed.”
