The labour movement isn't just about what affects workers here in B.C. or in Canada.
Canadian unions do their part to help the situation of workers all around the world.
Through its Labour International Development Program, the Canadian Labour Congress is involved in projects around the globe - in cost-sharing with the Canadian International Development Agency.
The program deals with important international labour issues such as gender inequity, weak labour protections, globalization, child labour, poverty, lack of social protection, job creation and overt workplace discrimination.
Among some of the projects: ? In Mozambique, a local union training program enables the National Union of Civil Construction Workers, Wood Workers and Miners to expand its network and to inform workers about democratic trade unionism.
Through seminars for leaders of local union committees, members, activists and members of the Committee of Working Women, workers have learned better techniques in the negotiation of collective agreements, resolution of labour conflicts and the promotion of a fair and peaceful labour relations environment.
? In South Africa, a program is helping to increase the capacity of the Communication Workers Union of South Africa and to understand and influence public policy with regard to the impact of deregulation and privatization on workers. On a second tier, the project also sought to increase the participation of women in the union.
? In Brazil, a project is helping female metal workers. The National Confederation of Metalworkers in Brazil has more than 850,000 members across the country in the metal sector. As with many other industrial unions, it's a male-dominated union, and, while efforts have been made to increase the number of women within the organization and in the leadership, it has been challenging. This project has helped promote child care for inclusion in the national collective bargaining agreement, and two regions have established new women's committees.
? In India, a project supports the Andhra Pradesh Vyavasaya Vruthidarula Union to strengthen the unionization of fish workers and to address the problems of hunger, poverty and displacement and promote equity and social justice.
? In Palestine, a project targets youth and is designed to recruit and organize young workers and educate them on issues of democracy, equality and gender sensitivity in the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions and in Palestinian society. The project operates in 12 areas in Palestine, 11 in the West Bank and one in Gaza Strip, and aims to train 100 young workers between the ages of 17 and 30.
These are just a few of the many international projects being undertaken. For all the details, see www.canadianlabour. ca and click on the International Solidarity heading.
Source: Canadian Labour Congress,
www.canadianlabour.ca
