Look at the power of international unionism

By Denise McGuire

Union Network International (UNI) is a Global Union Federation representing workers in the skills and service sectors around the world. I have just chaired a meeting of their World Women’s Committee. We heard stupendous stories from wonderful women around the world. South Africa told us of their ‘Valentine’s Day’ campaign which visited train and bus stations, giving out leaflets and condoms – to make the “safe sex” message in an engaging way. They took cucumbers to schools and gave demonstrations on how to use condoms – vital protection against HIV/AIDS. Mozambique now has legislation on domestic violence – thanks to campaigning and lobbying from union women. In India, they have an organising team that works in the big shopping malls – going from shop to shop to persuade people to join the union – until the whole mall is organised.

The Philippines have been running “train the trainer” programmes – where women learn skills for life, as well as for their union responsibilities. They take those skills back to the workplace, having committed to train more women – who also commit to train more women – ever increasing circles of experience and expertise – all dedicated to improving the situation for women (and men) at work.

Brazil showed photographs of a vibrant International Women’s Day that included training sessions and rallies – every event well attended – and by lots of young women.

Many of these projects were funded by unions in developed countries. In some case unions opened doors to funding from their governments – real, concrete and inspiring tales of international solidarity.

We heard about collective bargaining too. UNI has been able to make Global Framework Agreements only because unions around the world have worked together to approach some big global companies and challenged them to commit to operating to decent labour standards, wherever in the world they operate. It’s been a hard slog – corporate social responsibility is one thing, treating employees decently is quite another! But having those agreements in place can make dramatic differences for example – workers in Chile used the equal pay clause and the women got a huge pay rise!

There has been no shortage of combined, corporate lobbying around the global financial crisis and the G20 talks. Unions must unite to do the same – so please make sure your union plays an active role internationally.

Workers of the world unite might be an old slogan – but it’s alive and well and happening in a union near you!