APEC rejects protectionism, pledges new growth model Nov 15, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " "We cannot go back to 'growth as usual'," they added. "We need a new growth paradigm. (Channelnewsasia.com)
SA police sued for discrimination Nov 14, 2009
Predominately white trade union Solidarity is taking South Africa's government to court, alleging racial discrimination in the police force. It says the police service prefers to leave posts vacant rather than fill them with competent white officers, hindering the fight against crime. (BBC News -- Africa)
BA-Iberia deal aims giant blow at rivals Nov 14, 2009
However, BA chief executive Willie Walsh also admitted that there would be more job cuts as a result of the proposed marriage, sparking concern among trade unions in Britain and Spain ... Unite, Britain's biggest trade union, said it has requested an urgent meeting with Walsh, adding it would not back the merger unless compulsory redundancies were avoided ... Spanish trade union CCOO added it also wanted to guarantee job security for Iberia's staff. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Learning lessons in by-election Nov 13, 2009
Funds flowed into the constituency from the Unite trade union (Labour's candidate Willie Bain is a member) and they set up what they call a "virtual" phone bank where union members contact fellow trade unionists to try to persuade them to vote Labour. Union insiders say this is four times more effective than getting the politicians themselves to call floating voters. (BBC News -- UK)
China, important development partner in Africa - GTUC Nov 13, 2009
It is based on a research conducted by the Africa Labour Research Network (ALRN), a network of trade union researchers into labour related issues on the continent ... Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwaah, General Secretary of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Africa Office, launching the report reiterated that the presence of China on the continent was becoming extremely important hence the need for Africa to strategise to make the best of the partnership. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
› Maroga a 'racial football' Nov 13, 2009
" He said Brian Dames, the head of generation, and Erica Johnson, the head of the customer and network services, would run Eskom's operations. Reaction Trade union Solidarity and opposition parties welcomed Maroga's departure, but the BMF demanded that the whole board of Eskom resign for violating the Eskom Conversion Act by making Makwana both interim board chairman and chief executive. "We expect the honest South African public to be outraged by this blatant breach of the act and lawless deed... (iAfrica.com)
Eskom clueless: union Nov 12, 2009
Trade Union Solidarity on Wednesday expressed concern over the lack of information on who was leading Eskom following reports that CEO Jacob Maroga had been barred from his office ... Fedusa general secretary Dennis George said Godsell was an "upstanding" man who had been a great asset to Eskom". "Godsell is a very familiar man in the trade union circle with a good reputation of being a man of good integrity as well as a hard-worker. (iAfrica.com)
Ban on upfront model fees planned Nov 12, 2009
Martin Kenny, from performers and artists' trade union Equity, said he supported efforts to offer "greater protection against the acts of unscrupulous agents". And Spencer MacDonald, of broadcasting union Bectu, added: "This could now spell the end of the worst abusive practices that have plagued agency workers in the entertainment sector.". (BBC News -- UK)
Sri Lanka: To which victor the spoils? Nov 11, 2009
At the convention of a big trade union, he promised a pay rise in January for all public-sector employees. The next day, as General Fonseka flew back to Colombo, the president took a helicopter to previously Tiger-controlled areas and told soldiers that the salaries of all security-force personnel would be raised with immediate effect. (The Economist)
Sri Lanka in raceto keep trade pact Nov 10, 2009
Highly placed garment industry trade unionists privy to the informal engagement between the government and the EC are eagerly awaiting the outcome of such talks. "We reliably understand [from our contacts in Brussels] that an EC diplomat arrived last week for consultations on the GSP+ with the government and that the government is seeking technical assistance to help it fulfill these conventions," said one trade union official, who declined to be named ... Separately, Anton Marcus, general... (Asia Times Online)
The Police, BNI and The Rule Of Law Nov 10, 2009
It is contended that central government has sought and seeks to weaken the three basic tenets of Diceys code with an increase in things such as: the Official Secrets Act, the attempt to remove an individuals right to trial by jury, the activities of the Secret Service (after 9/11) in removing what were considered traditional rights (such as the workers right at GCHQ to belong to a trade union under the Thatcher (restored, since 1997). Not forgetting the gagging clause that now has to be... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Gold reaches new high, helps to fuel rand strength Nov 10, 2009
Trade union Cosatu wants the central bank's repo rate cut from 7 percent to 3 percent to weaken the rand, stimulate growth and create jobs. However, Glynos pointed out that lower interest rates might have the opposite effect and boost the rand because a low interest environment improves the outlook for equities. (Business Report, South Africa)
Trial for top Zimbabwean PM's aide gets under way Nov 10, 2009
Also Monday, trade union leaders said the president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and four other top officials were arrested at a union meeting in Victoria Falls a day earlier ... Tsvangirai, a former Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary-general, has his base in the labor movement and the arrests were likely to be seen as another attempt to Mugabe loyalists to intimidate him. (MSNBC -- International)
Berlin Celebrates the Day the Wall Fell Nov 10, 2009
The former Solidarity trade union leader and former Polish President will push the first domino, symbolically reenacting the toppling of communism across Eastern Europe. He will be joined by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh, former South African President Nelson Mandela and former Czech President Vaclav Havel, who was one of the leaders of 1989's Velvet Revolution. (BusinessWeek)
The Berlin Wall: An enduring memory of a dark period Nov 10, 2009
5-meter tall plastic foam, has been erected between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdam Plaza, and will bring a climax of the celebrations to be set tumbling by Lech Walesa, symbolizing the establishment of Poland's Solidarity, the first independent trade union in the Warsaw Pact member country. The last piece of the domino is set to fall in front of the Brandenburg Gate about an hour after the first piece is toppled. (Xinhuanet, China)
* World Business Quick Take Nov 9, 2009
AVIATION BA staff to vote on action Thousands of British Airways (BA) cabin crew are to vote on whether to take industrial action, the Unite trade union said on Saturday, in a row over job cuts and new contracts. The ballot will open next Monday and close on Dec. 14. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Berlin celebrates demise of Wall Nov 9, 2009
former Polish President Lech Walesa, who led the Solidarity trade union against the Communist regime. former Hungarian Prime Minister Miklos Nemeth, whose decision to open his country's borders first allowed East Germans to flee to the West. (BBC News -- Europe)
British Airways cabin crew to vote on strike Nov 8, 2009
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Most Ghanaian workers lack vital information about social security Nov 7, 2009
The National First Trustee of the Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr. Santos Beyogle who made the observation in Tamale on Friday said the issue was a national problem that should be tackled by the union. Mr. Beyogle was addressing the Northern Regional Women's Conference of the Public Services Worker Union of the TUC, where a number of the participants expressed misgivings about their Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions and the problems they go through after... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Sugar firm to shut pension scheme Nov 7, 2009
The strikes at Fujitsu, by members of the Unite trade union, will take place on 12, 13 and 16 November. Volatile. (BBC News -- Business)
Come in spinner Nov 7, 2009
Wong's assistant minister, Greg Combet, a former trade union leader, helped run the workers' campaign against Corrigan and is so far not convinced by the industry case. The coal executives say Combet is not listening. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Not idealism, but envy Nov 7, 2009
Trade union Numsa hid behind the guise of communism when it made the call to nationalise the wealth of the super-rich in this country, but I am certain that even they know it is a poor system indeed. It enriches governments while taking a toll on every other industry and citizen that falls under its rule. (iAfrica.com)
Browning down Australia Nov 7, 2009
But Wong's assistant minister, Greg Combet, a former trade union leader and an engineer and economist by training, says most coal companies won't be significantly affected by the proposed legislation. Half the industry, he says, will pay 80 cents or less per tonne of coal for their emissions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Sex, lies and videotapes Nov 6, 2009
But what about trade unionist Zwelinzima Vavi ... the secretary general of a trade union federation understands the dynamics of pay structures marked by vast discrepancies. (iAfrica.com)
PNG inquiry hears claims of Asian crime Nov 6, 2009
November 6, 2009 - 8:04PM. As China signed multi-million dollar development deals with Papua New Guinea this week, the darker side of bilateral relations was on display with allegations of Asian-driven crime and corruption. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Eskom needs new plan Nov 5, 2009
The non-aligned Federation of Trade Unions of SA (Fedusa) on Wednesday called on the government to find another way of financing Eskom's massive generator build-programme ... The trade union group also took exception to the establishment of new government departments and the appointment of additional ministers and deputy ministers and departmental staff. (iAfrica.com)
Germany blasts GM decision to hang on to Opel Nov 5, 2009
The head of Germany's IG Metall trade union, Berthold Huber, said its top priority was "to avoid economic layoffs and safeguard the sites". An annonced sale of GM's European unit erupted into controversy as governments in Europe and the United States clashed over which portions of Opel/Vauxhall would be saved and what types of aid would be offered. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
'Ex-communist' who gave the rand a chance Nov 5, 2009
The issue that has been the main rallying point for Mboweni's critics in trade union federation Cosatu has been inflation-targeting ... At a time when growth has been shrinking globally, support for the view has grown outside the trade union movement. (Business Report, South Africa)
Cosatu wants 3% in interest rate Nov 5, 2009
The trade union group also called for a tax to be placed on non-essential consumption imports, which Govender said destroyed local jobs. It also expressed concern about the "business-friendly" proposals to reduce exchange controls. (Business Report, South Africa)
Nzimande gives flawed Setas a stay of execution Nov 5, 2009
In Ireland, the salaries of unionists came under the spotlight last month following a survey of the nation's main trade unions ... The survey prompted a response from the Communist Party of Ireland, which accused the Irish mass media of reinforcing stereotypes about "out-of-touch" union bosses, and of using the issue to "attack the trade union movement, in a bid to dividing and demoralising" union membership ... Enter Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, who this week admitted his salary... (Business Report, South Africa)
Ill health 'costs economy 100bn' Nov 5, 2009
The reforms were broadly welcomed by the doctors trade union, the British Medical Association. BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: "The BMA has long called for the sick note system to be reviewed. "A major problem is that GPs can have huge difficulties in accessing physiotherapy and counselling services that would help patients to return to work more quickly. (BBC News -- Health)
Health workers urged to careful when considering migration Nov 4, 2009
The journal was jointly produced by the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) of the TUC and the Ghana Registered Nurses Association (GRNA) both affiliates of a Global Trade Union Federation known as the Public Services International (PSI). It is specifically intended to provide aspiring migrant health workers information on required documents before travelling, recruitment procedures, migrant health worker rights, information on illegal recruitment practices, support services for migrant health... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Chinese mainland vows continued support for Taiwan in economic downturn Nov 3, 2009
Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting with trade union representatives from Taiwan ... Jia urged more trade unionists from Taiwan to be involved in mainland-Taiwan exchanges and cooperation. (Xinhuanet, China)
› Eskom's tariff tensions Nov 3, 2009
Now the National Union of Mineworkers (Num), the largest labour union affiliated to the ANC's ally, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), has strongly criticised Cabinet's endorsement of the Eskom tariff increase application ... Other trade union leaders concur with Num and Baleni that the tariff increases pose a real risk to business and industry, that companies will be unable to afford the huge power cost hikes, and that workers will consequently be retrenched. (iAfrica.com)
Veep swears in reconstituted DIC Board Nov 3, 2009
The rest were Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary-General of the Ghana Trade Union Congress, Mr Yao Klinogo, Executive Secretary of the State Enterprises Commission, Mr Asakkua Agambila, Executive Secretary of the DIC, Dr Odame Larbi, Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands omission and Lt. Col. Edward Fiawoo of the Ghana Armed Forces. 2 Nov. 09. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Saving Sappi jobs Nov 3, 2009
Retrenchments at Sappi's Mandeni factory, near Richard's Bay, have been limited to 11 jobs, trade union Solidarity said on Monday. In terms of the original retrenchment notice issued by the paper manufacturer, the company planned on retrenching 140 of its employees at its Mandeni operations, Solidarity said in a statement. (iAfrica.com)
Regulate, not ban, is sensible path taken by others Nov 3, 2009
The European Trade Union Confederation welcomed the vote in the European Parliament because it ensured that social partners now have a major role to play in protecting agency workers ... Another fine example is the national level agreement concluded in Britain in May last year between the government, the Trade Union Council and the employer body, the Confederation of British Industry. (Business Report, South Africa)
Nigeria: National Assembly Intervenes in Deregulation Face-Off Nov 2, 2009
The group said it was in support of NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in saying no to deregulation. According to a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, Osita Okechukwu, the conference said that it did not believe in government's argument of subsidy of over N600 billion per annum. (allAfrica.com)
Marcus likely to keep her cool in the central bank's hot seat Nov 2, 2009
While supporters of the two people responsible for implementing sound monetary and fiscal policy admire them for taking a tough stand in the face of opposition from the Left, trade union federation Cosatu has described both as "arrogant" ... If not, the stand off between the central bank and the trade union movement may be repeated. (Business Report, South Africa)
* Artists rally to start union to better protect interests Nov 1, 2009
Artists rallied in Taipei yesterday to campaign for the creation of a trade union to better protect their interests and participate in the countrys social welfare systems. Tang Huang-chen (), a member of the preparatory panel for the proposed Art Creators Trade Union, said that an application for such a trade union was rejected by the Council of Labor Affairs in June, which means artists are not eligible for standard retirement and insurance benefits. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Qld premier plummets in Galaxy poll Nov 1, 2009
"There is two years before the state election and Queenslanders know from experience that Ms Bligh is prepared to lie all the way to the ballot box and we know from experience that the trade union movement will bankroll her," he said in a statement. However, he said Ms Bligh faced the prospect of being rolled by her own party if she did not stop the forced privatisation plans. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
* UK democracy under attack X from the police Nov 1, 2009
For most of the last century, the secret state targeted the left, trade unionists and peace campaigners, along with Irish republicans and anyone else regarded as a subversive threat ... And just as MI5 used to claim it never targeted peace organizations or trade unions but the subversives within them, so the police intelligence apparatus insists its only interested in extremists, not the groups theyre part of ... While clearing a faction of the security service of having plotted... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Top UK Scriptwriters & Video Games Creators' Shortlisted for Writers' Guild Awards 2009 Oct 31, 2009
The Writers' Guild Awards are sponsored by the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society, BBC Writersroom, BBC Talent Rights and, H.W. Fisher & Company who number many media organisations and trade unions amongst their clients ... This year's event also marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain as an independent trade union affiliated to the TUC. ... The Writers' Guild of Great Britain is the trade union representing writers in TV, radio, theatre, books,... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Recovery will only help rich to get richer Oct 30, 2009
So far as most trade union analysis is concerned, economic growth is possible, even probable, in the next year or two ... But at the same time, three of the four local trade union federations generally welcomed this week's budget statement because of the promises it held out, not just for growth, but for job creation ... But so far as Cosatu, Fedusa and the National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu) are concerned, Gordhan's statement, while in some respects worrying, should broadly be welcomed. (Business Report, South Africa)
Single Spine Pay Policy in January 2010 Oct 30, 2009
We hope that the government will do what is required to ensure industrial peace which is necessary for economic growth," the letter said. The letter was copied to several people including the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, The Fair Wages Commission, Secretary to the Cabinet, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers, President of Ghana Registered Nurses Association, President of the Judicial Service Workers Union and the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
EU vows to continue stimulus plan for economic recovery Oct 30, 2009
BRUSSELS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) stressed Thursday that it was not time to give up the stimulus plan for economic recovery, vowing to act together with employers and trade unions to fight the global economic crisis ... The summit brings together government, business and trade union leaders to discuss challenges facing Europe ... John Monks, general secretary of European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), said at the summit that ETUC's biggest worry currently was that EU... (Xinhuanet, China)
› Eskom's big fat lies Oct 29, 2009
Earlier this year, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), in response to the trade union organisation Solidarity, said it would investigate the role of the coal industry in the cost structure of electricity production. Last week, the regulator admitted that it did not take a look at the coal industry, since "there was nothing sinister observed" in the industry. (iAfrica.com)
Business.view: Cash for votes Oct 28, 2009
Having narrowly failed to secure similar bylaw changes this year at Dell and Office Depot, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (a trade union and, through its pension fund, an activist shareholder), plans to bring similar votes at six companies at least in 2010. Yet there are reasons for pessimism. (The Economist)
Press Release: IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Meets with Trade Unions Oct 28, 2009
IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Meets with Trade Unions ... The trade union delegation was headed by Mr. Hrygoriy Osovyi, Deputy Head of the Federation of Trade Union of Ukraine (FTUU), and included representatives from the trade union of the workers of the communal utilities, local industries and enterprises for personal services, the trade union of the fishery industry, the trade union of the city branch of the automobile transportation, as well as other members of the FTUU. The meeting... (IMF News)
Strike fears at two universities Oct 28, 2009
A Glyndwr university spokesman said: "The university can not comment on this case as it is still subject to the appeal process. Swansea University said it was committed to avoiding compulsory job losses when possible "The university strongly denies however that it has ever dismissed any member of staff for undertaking trade union activities. " In June 2008, the UCU announced plans to ballot members at the university (then known as the North East Wales Institute), after claims it failed to tackle... (BBC News -- UK)
China's top legislature considers draft amendment to electoral law Oct 27, 2009
Lawmakers will also hear a report presented by the NPC Standing Committee on the inspection of major public projects, a report on the enforcement of Trade Union Law and a report on NPC Standing Committee chairman Wu Bangguo's visit to the United States, Cuba and the Bahamas. A pact on civil and commercial judicial assistance between China and Brazil is due to be ratified during the session. (Xinhuanet, China)
No tax hikes: Cosatu Oct 27, 2009
Trade union federation Cosatu on Tuesday called for clarity on governments commitment to increase social spending ahead of the 2009 Medium-Term Budget Speech. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was presenting his first medium-term speech in Parliament, outlining how much money government was planning to spend, and on what, over the next three years. (iAfrica.com)
Burrow is staying as unions fight for influence Oct 27, 2009
The unions were seeking assurances last night that proposed campaign finance reforms would not dilute trade union influence in the Labor Party or limit the capacity of the movement to campaign politically ... Ms Burrows has just returned from three weeks overseas where she was working with international trade union organisations ... The secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, Guy ryder, has indicated he will not seek re-election, fuelling speculation that Ms Burrow is in line... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Billions of rands wasted Oct 26, 2009
The Gauteng Congress of SA Trade Unions said on Friday it learned with shock the auditor's reports on the financial performance of the various departments in the province. "We have also noted with serious concern that the legislator is also not immune, as it has been financially unqualified with other matters raised by the auditor in nine of the departments and entities," the trade union federation said in a statement. (iAfrica.com)
South Africa Reserve Bank keeps interest rates on hold Oct 23, 2009
South Africa's government has given its blessing to the proposed power price hikes but public opposition is fierce, including from the ruling ANC's trade union allies, an increasingly powerful influence on government. The increase must still be approved by the energy regulator. (Business Report, South Africa)
Teachers threaten strike Oct 23, 2009
"As promised the meeting went peacefully. We are a reputable trade union. There were only six police vans here... "They (the police) became discouraged and some of them left," said Nyathi. Teachers have given their representatives the go-ahead to negotiate further with the MEC, while they intend to embark on a go-slow on Monday. Sapa Digg NEWS FEATURES "We are being oppressed again. We will rise again. (iAfrica.com)
Patel's image as a revolutionary softens Oct 23, 2009
As one senior trade union official noted this week, it was ironic that this debate occurred at the same time that China made its latest attempt to cut industrial overcapacity. The official felt these were clear indications at a global level that the main problem confronting the economy was overcapacity. (Business Report, South Africa)
Delhi car workers go on strike Oct 21, 2009
Dozens of car firms have been affected by the strike, called by the All India Trade Union Congress. A worker at the Rico Auto Limited factory died on Sunday during clashes between two groups of workers at the factory over trade union issues. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Mining: Solidarity to seek pay rise Oct 21, 2009
Solidarity would begin wage negotiations over a 10 percent pay rise demand with platinum producer Lonmin, the trade union said yesterday. Solidarity said it would also demand a "market-related" increase in housing allowances for mine workers, artisans and officials. (Business Report, South Africa)
Thousands strike in India's industrial hub Oct 21, 2009
Trade unions accuse the company management and police for the death ... Trade unions accused company management and police instead ... D.L. Sachdev, secretary of the All Trade Union Congress (AITUC), insisted Tuesday's strike had a broader agenda though. (CNN -- International)
Uganda: Agoa Girls Take Govt to Court Oct 21, 2009
The Uganda Textile, Garment, Leather and Allied Workers Union, a trade union representing workers under the textile sector together with 19 girls, filed an application at Kampala High Court, seeking permission to sue the government and Mr Kanathan Vellupullia on behalf of the girls. The girls intend to sue the respondents jointly with Apparels Tri-Star (Uganda) and Lap Textiles Ltd who took over from Tri-Star Apparels (U) Ltd. Tri-Star Apparels was established by the government to export... (allAfrica.com)
Transcript of the Fourth Pillar Meeting, Istanbul Convention, Center Taksim Meeting Room Oct 20, 2009
Peter Bakvis represents the International Trade Unions. Mr. Bakvis--That is right, I represent the International Trade Union Confederation, which has 170 million members ... Now, with regards to the impact on society in general, I represent the trade unions. (IMF News)
Gurgaon faces big strike today Oct 20, 2009
NEW DELHI: Production at one of the country's biggest automobile hubs is set to be hit on Tuesday with a major trade union giving a strike call across the Gurgaon-Manesar industrial belt that houses major automakers as well as important component suppliers ... The strike call, given by All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), comes in the wake of the death of an agitating worker in a clash at the plant of component maker Rico Auto on Sunday in which many other workers were also injured ... "There... (India Times, India)
Haryana: 80,000 workers on strike over colleague's death Oct 20, 2009
They supported the strike called by All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) ... "RICO workers have a right to form trade union but the management is not ready for it. The workers have been deprived of their right to form a trade union and we will not let this happen," said Sachdev. (India Times, India)
South Africa: Zuma Bids to Settle Cabinet Turf War Oct 20, 2009
Johannesburg PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has moved to settle the turf war in the ruling alliance over economic policy, evidently acceding to trade union demands for Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel to be given a key role in policy formulation ... The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) holds that the green paper gives Manuel too much power. (allAfrica.com)
