Reflecting on labour and community gains at the Mining Indaba

Dialogues and conversations took place under the theme “Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining.”

In the opening address South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said trade unions have achieved milestones against “the slave wages and appalling human rights and health and safety standards under apartheid.” The achievements included the rights to form trade unions and the protection of fundamental rights at work.

Reflecting on the Mining Indaba’s history, unions said there were some gains for labour and communities.

“As unions reflect on the gains of labour and communities, it is important to state that it was not a smooth journey. From the beginning, unions and communities fought hard for recognition through engagement with the conference organizers on the role that mineworkers, trade unions, and communities played in the mining industry,”

said Glen Mpufane, IndustriALL mining director.

As a result, the Mining Indaba programme now includes the participation of workers and communities to protect their rights and interests in the mining industry. For the last seven years, IndustriALL Global Union affiliates have been taking part in the deliberations at the Mining Indaba and the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI), and this year the participants came from unions in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Amongst the sessions IndustriALL participated in included a panel discussion on “Developing a fruitful and inclusive labour sector – policies, politics and possibilities” in which Kemal Ozkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary, emphasized on inclusive labour policies that incorporated social dialogue. He said that “mineral resources must be used for the industrialization of the African continent and that a Just Transition must be done on the workers’ terms.”

Mpho Phakedi, the National Union of Mineworkers acting general secretary said:

”The trade union’s main roles and responsibilities are to protect workers’ interests, and those of communities where they live. These interests should be reflected in labour policies.”

Jens Dyring Christensen, ILO senior enterprise specialist, who was also on the panel, stressed on the importance of social dialogue as a policymaking instrument that unions can use.

Other sessions that the IndustriALL delegation participated in were on the just energy transition, the future of coal mining, disruptive strategies on mining and energy and the African Mining Vision, environmental, social and governance (ESG), business and human rights, and critical transition minerals.

Several sessions focused on responsible mining standards. At the roundtable discussion on the role of standards and third-party assurance systems in promoting ESG performance hosted by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) it was reaffirmed that the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining is a valuable tool which integrated ILO standards, OECD guidelines and human rights due diligence. This integration created a culture of industrial peace, accountability, and meaningful dialogue between workers, communities, and mining companies.

IndustriALL also participated at the AMI whose theme for 2024 was: “Energy transition minerals: Putting communities first for an inclusive feminist future.”

The AMI, which celebrated its 15th anniversary, was formed to provide a platform for mine affected communities and civil society organizations who felt excluded from the Mining Indaba and runs its parallel programmes during the Indaba week. Over the years IndustriALL affiliates have become an integral part of the AMI’s community and civil society dialogues and engaged civic alliances and coalitions on labour issues.

Amongst key issues discussed at this year’s AMI included increased calls for the beneficiation of Africa’s mineral resources, a Just Transition, inclusive approaches on ESG, human rights due diligence, and decent work. Also on the agenda were the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining and the inclusion of women in mining activities through action against gender inequality.
 
 
 

Union win at Pontus Footwear

In October 2022, workers at Pontus established a CUMW branch and registered with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. In response, company management threatened four workers to resign from the union, which led to their termination in January 2023.

In a letter a month later, IndustriALL Global called on Pontus to reinstate the workers without any delay and to respect workers' right to organize. With no concrete response from the company, CUMW, with the help of IndustriALL, engaged with VFC representatives in Cambodia to set up a mediation meeting with Pontus. 

Nearly a year and several meetings later, Pontus management and CUMW signed an agreement on 28 January this year, where company agreed to reinstate three of the terminated workers in the first week of February with back pay. Both parties have agreed to build harmonious industrial relations and avoid retaliatory actions.
 
CUMW president Pav Sina says:

“We would like to profoundly thank IndustriALL for engaging with VFC brand to set up a mediation meeting with the company management of Pontus Footwear, until the case’s closure on 28 January by reaching a joint agreement with their mutual signatures as well.”

 IndustriALL director of textile and garment industries Christina Hajagos-Clausen, says:

“I congratulate CUMW on the union win. This struggle shows the importance of engaging brands and suppliers in resolving labour-management conflicts. IndustriALL will continue to support our affiliates to protect human and workers’ rights in the global supply chain.”

Photo: Marcel Crozet / ILO 

Zambian unions campaign for revived production at Konkola Copper Mine

KCM, which has copper and cobalt mines at Nchanga, Konkola, Nkana, and Nampundwe, and a smelter, is 80 per cent owned by Indian multinational Vedanta Resources. The remaining 20 per cent is held by the state-owned Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investments Holdings. 
 
After disputes over taxes and level of investments and the subsequent takeover of KCM from Vedanta Resources by the Zambian government in 2019, production at the mines plunged and the copper mine was put under liquidation. Vedanta took legal action through the arbitration court in London. However, negotiations began with the Zambian government leading to handing back control of KCM to Vedanta in September last year. Vedanta has since dropped the legal route and says it will invest over US$1 billion in KCM. 
 
Speaking through a video conference at the Mining Indaba, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema confirmed that the government is engaging with Vedanta on resolving legacy debts at KCM.
 
The Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ), affiliated to IndustriALL, is campaigning for the resolving of a dispute over the payment of debts owed to contractors by KCM. The union says that if not resolved urgently, the dispute may lead to the closure of some mines. 
 
MUZ, which welcomed the agreement between the Zambian government and Vedanta, calls for the immediate availability of the one-off payment promised to workers, which will be at least 20 per cent of their wages. In a reply to union demands, Vedanta says in a letter that it will implement the agreement.
 
Joseph Chewe, MUZ president says: 

“Unions are concerned that the production levels remain low. The delays to return to full capacity are adversely affecting our members and the communities that rely on mining for livelihoods.”

IndustriALL mining director, Glen Mpufane, says:

"“We commend MUZ for standing for the rights of mineworkers at KCM, and for supporting dialogue between Vedanta and the Government of Zambia. Mineral resources are potential catalysts for socio-economic development. But this can only happen if mines like KCM are fully operational.”
 

Photo: Shutterstock

5 reasons why we still need the right to strike

The right to strike is an essential part of freedom of association and is protected under ILO Convention 87. Withholding labour is a crucial negotiating tool during the bargaining process, its main objective is to change the balance of power between workers and the employer.

Here are five key reasons why we need the right to strike:

  1. Striking is a last resort but sometimes the only tool for workers to protect themselves.

  2. To avoid being at the complete mercy of employers.

  3. To give more of a balance between worker and employer power.

  4. Without it, more and more governments will ban industrial action and punish people who dare to strike.

  5. Most strikes are over pay and better working conditions. Without the threat of strike action, corporations will be able to make bigger profits, while working conditions will get worse.

Limiting the right to strike will have serious repercussions on everyone

The right to strike is under attack in many countries around the world. It is also, again, under attack from employers and governments at the International Labour Organization (ILO), which sets global standards on labour rights.

In 2015 the ILO employers’ groups and certain governments challenged ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association, which is ratified by 153 countries, and up-holds the right to strike. Unions around the world protested to protect this fundamental right.

However, at the ILO Governing Body in November last year, the employers’ group proposed to include a standard-setting item on the right to strike on the agenda. In the proposal, the employers’ group is calling for a protocol to be attached to C87 to “regulate” the right to strike, while at the same time denying that Convention 87 protects the right to strike.

IndustriALL, together with the ITUC and other global unions, have strongly pushed back against the proposal from the employers’ group, which has been referred by the ILO to the International Court of Justice. 

 

Photo 1 : Jack Quillin – Los Angeles California 05 26 2023 Writers Guild of America Grève dans le centre de Los Angeles – Picket Signs
Photo 2: Ringo Chiu – People holding signs take part in a protest at the University of California Los Angeles campus Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 in Los Angeles.

Iranian workers pause strike as employer pledges to meet demands

In December last year, steel workers of the Iran National Steel Industrial Group (Insig) in Ahvaz, in the south of Iran, went on strike. At the end of the month, the workers went back to work after the employer promised to implement their demands. 

However, on 22 January workers restarted the strike as the employer failed to honour their commitments. Six days into the restart, the strike was supported by thousands across the streets of central Ahvaz. 

On 30 January, steelworkers ended the strike after a renewed commitment to meet workers’ demands. IndustriALL Iranian affiliate the Union of Metalworkers and Mechanics of Iran (UMMI) has called on industrial workers, colleagues, and retirees across the steel industry in Iran to unite against exploitative practices and corporate greed. Their message is clear: together, we can challenge the forces that seek to undermine our collective well-being.

IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan says:

“Workers in Iran are fighting for a better life. IndustriALL stands in solidarity with the workers of Iran. We urge the authorities to meet workers’ demands and recognize independent unions.”

Photo: Shutterstock 

Unions from across the globe call for an end to irresponsible management at GFG Alliance/Liberty Steel

The GFG Alliance / Liberty Steel’s European plants are experiencing their worst crisis:

Despite trade unions’ warning to national and European public authorities about Mr Gupta’s mismanagement, and after repeated unsuccessful requests for a meeting between Mr Gupta and a global trade union delegation, GFG Alliance / Liberty Steel trade unions are going on the offensive to urge:

Christina Olivier, assistant general secretary at IndustriALL Global Union, says:

“The situation at GFG Alliance / Liberty Steel is not just a crisis; it’s a clarion call for urgent, collective action. We demand immediate, comprehensive accountability from management to avert a catastrophe that threatens thousands of jobs and the very fabric of our industrial future. The time for solidarity is now; we must unite globally to defend our workers and the steel industry’s survival."

Judith Kirton-Darling, acting joint general secretary of industriAll Europe, says:

“Workers in GFG sites have reached breaking point. Our steel industry is strategic – vital for climate action and our security. It should not be a toy for irresponsible owners – our industrial future is too important. It is a difficult time currently for steelworkers across Europe, but in the GFG sites workers are the victims of corporate mismanagement, and the lack of investment and respect.”

Court rules in favour of Indian contract steel workers

Precarious contract workers at Bokaro Power Supply Company (BPSC) are members of Jharkhand Krantikari Mazdoor Union (JKMU), affiliated to IndustriALL through Unions United. JKMU have been fighting a long legal battle for the payment of Additional Welfare Amenities (AWA) in the form of attendance allowance of INR1000 (US$12) per month to contract workers of BPSC. This is the same amount paid to contract workers at SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) Bokaro plant, on the same premises as BPSC. 

On 22 February 2017, the industrial tribunal ruled in favour of JKMU by calling the non-payment of AWA to contract workers of BPSC, discriminatory and unjustified. The court ruled that the BPSC management must pay its contract workers the same amount that is paid to those at SAIL plant, as both plants are at one location and BPSC is the sole electricity provider to the steel plant. The court ruled that the steel plant will be paralyzed without the BPSC power plant. The court directed BPSC to pay its contract workers a monthly attendance allowance of INR1000 (US$12) starting from October 2009.

On 3 January 2024, the High Court of Jharkhand supported the decision of the industrial tribunal, setting aside its earlier judgement which was in favour of BPSC management. Each contract worker of BPSC is now entitled to the payment of INR172,000 (US$2,071). The value of the agreed monthly amount has almost halved since 2009 due to inflation. 

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

“Contract workers are not recognized by employers and are subjected to the whims and delays of the legal system denying them union rights. They have no right to collective bargaining and are not covered by the CBAs for permanent workers. They are discriminated against in every sense of the term.”

Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary, says:

“IndustriALL salutes the struggle of Jharkhand Krantikari Mazdoor Union. We stand shoulder to shoulder with all contract workers of Bokaro Power Supply. We believe that the fight against precarious work is not the fight of precarious workers alone, it’s the fight of the entire working class.” 

Photo: Shutterstock

Belarus: Union leader released from jail

Zinaida was detained on 25 March 2022 after her home and union office were searched. Accusations against her were based on materials from a wiretap, installed as she was a union activist.

There are currently 1,414 political prisoners in Belarus. Among them are dozens of leaders, activists and members of the three IndustriALL affiliates that were liquidated by the Belarusian Supreme Court in July 2022.

Repression and state attacks on independent unions, civil society and human rights are a response to the massive protests after Lukashenka's re-election in August 2020.

IndustriALL welcomes Zinaida back to liberty. We demand freedom for all union leaders, activists and members, sentenced for their struggle for democracy, fundamental human and workers’ rights.

Global unions call on EU to withdraw EBA and the MADE in Myanmar programme

As representatives of the trade unions of the world, we are writing to you to request that the EU reevaluate its policies towards Myanmar, in particular the Everything But Arms (EBA) preferential trade policy, and support for the Multistakeholder Alliance for Decent Employment in the Myanmar Apparel Industry programme (MADE in Myanmar).

EBA was introduced in 2013 as recognition of Myanmar’s journey towards democracy. On the third anniversary of the military coup, we believe it is now obvious that this journey has gone into reverse and that EBA should be withdrawn.

MADE in Myanmar is supported financially by the EU in partnership with EU garment brands, and claims to support labour rights organisations and trade unions and address workers’ grievances. Myanmar’s trade unions – which were banned by the junta – have condemned this programme as a sham, designed to whitewash labour rights abuses and provide political cover for garment brands who find Myanmar a cheap and convenient sourcing location. The regime continues to arrest trade unionists and use military force to suppress protests and worker activism.

The military regime has killed more than 4,000 people, arrested almost 26,000, and suspended civil society organisations, including free trade unions. Many state employees, including 200,000 teachers, refused to work for the regime and joined the Civil Disobedience Movement. Many were killed or imprisoned, while others have lost their jobs and are experiencing extreme hardship. The EU acknowledges this in its recent 10.5 million Euro aid package to address the hunger crisis.

The EU condemned the coup in February 2021, and has imposed targeted sanctions on named individuals and organisations linked to the worst abuses. In January 2023, ahead of the second anniversary of the coup, the EU warned that further measures would be taken if the situation did not improve. We believe it is past time to take those measures.

Myanmar’s trade unions say that the banning of their organisations, and the absence of freedom of association, means workers face conditions of modern slavery. This finding was confirmed by the ILO Commission of inquiry, which reported far-reaching violations of freedom of association and forced labour Conventions. This means that clothing made in conditions of modern slavery is being sold to EU consumers by EU companies, with EU financial and political support.

Before the ILO report was released, the EU said it would consider its policies in light of the report’s findings. The report is unequivocal, and details violence against trade union leaders,
the issuing of arrest warrants and the cancellation of passports, instances of forced labour, the use of human shields, forced recruitment to the military and the imposition of martial law. Given the impossibility of conducting due diligence in an environment where freedom of association is not possible, the MADE in Myanmar programme is untenable.

The military junta is widely considered to be in a precarious position, losing territory to armed groups and facing sustained resistance in the areas it does control. Due to the refusal of many civil servants to work for the junta, the state barely functions. The regime desperately needs foreign exchange to buy fuel for transport and electricity generation, weapons and ammunition.

By supporting trade with Myanmar through EBA, and EU investment through MADE, the EU provides a vital lifeline to a despotic regime that is on its last legs. An extension of sanctions, the withdrawal of trade preferences and an end to support for EU brands in Myanmar would dramatically weaken the regime and hasten the return to democracy.

The National Unity Government (NUG), formed by the parties elected democratically in November 2020, is ready to resume the journey to democracy as soon as the regime falls. The NUG has formed a tripartite structure, with the main trade union federation and a democratic employers’ association, that pledges to implement the recommendations of the ILO report when democracy is restored.

This structure, which reflects EU values, deserves to be supported. The EU must send a clear message that doing business with a repressive regime while a democratic alternative waits in the wings is not acceptable. We urge you to withdraw EBA and the MADE in Myanmar programme.

Yours sincerely,

General Secretaries of the following organizations, which are members of the Council of Global Unions: UNI Global Union, EI, ITUC, BWI, IAEA, IndustriALL, IFJ, ITF, IUF, PSI, TUAC

Global unions call for unified action following ICJ ruling on Gaza genocide case

The ICJ's binding provisional measures address the urgent need to protect and prevent further harm to the Gazan population. The ICJ and the convention exist to protect human rights and the safety of vulnerable people and rely on the support of the international community. Now is the time to amplify trust in the international legal order.

The Global Unions emphasise the gravity of the situation. Our members in Gaza are being killed while they go about their work including teachers, healthcare workers, transport workers, journalists, UN staff, international aid workers and many others.

We urge Israel to comply with the ICJ's Order to take immediate steps to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

The signatories also request the following actions from the international community:

While expressing support for the UN’s internal investigation, the people of Gaza and our members depend on the lifesaving support UNWRA provides. The Global Unions urge countries who have suspended their funding of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to re-consider.

The Global Unions below represent millions of workers across all sectors of the economy around the world. We are committed to promoting and protecting human and trade union rights around the world, and we will continue to raise our voices in defence of working people.

Building and Woodworkers International
Education International
IndustriALL
International Federation of Journalists
International Transport Workers’ Federation
Public Services International
UNI Global Union

ENDS

Photo: THE HAGUE, 16 December 2015: Courtroom and bench of International Court of Justice, principal judicial organ of the United Nations located at The Hague – Ankoe Light