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First Global Framework Agreement signed by Japanese Multinational Mizuno
On 15 November 2011 a global framework agreement was signed by Mizuno, a Japanese multinational company, and the ITGLWF’s Japanese affiliate, UI ZENSEN.
Mizuno Corporation is headquartered in Osaka and Tokyo and employs 1,983 workers in Japan. The company produces goods at their factories in UK, USA, Thailand，China and Japan as well as at suppliers in several countries mainly in Asia. Mizuno mainly produces sport related goods such as sport wears, golf clubs, athletic shoes among others.
This agreement covering the textile, garment and leather industries is the first of its kind signed by a Japanese company in our sector.
ITGLWF President, Hisanobu Shimada, and ITGLWF General Secretary, Klaus Priegnitz, believe that this agreement which includes the commitment of all signatories to ensure the implementation of eight ILO core labour conventions is a step forward and a way to protect the interests of the textile workers worldwide
Pakistani Textile Unions Outline Living Wage Demands
Following a two day national level meeting in Islamabad involving five trade union federations affiliated with International Textile Garments Leather Workers Federation have outlined a serious of key union demands for the implementation of a living wage.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Pakistan Textile Garments Leather Workers Federation (PTGLWF), Pakistan National Textile Leather Garments and General Workers Federation (PNTLGGWF), Itehad Labour Union Carpet Industry Pakistan (ILUCP), Pakistan Textile Workers Federation (PTWF) and National Trade Union Federation (NTUF).
In the meeting the situation confronting the workers was the subject of detailed discussion and highlighted serious concerns on the high rate of inflation, low minimum wages, centuries old labour laws and poor enforcement of labour laws in Pakistan as well as the denial of social security and pension facilities to the majority of workers.
The meeting resolved to struggle against all these odds and demand from the government
1) To end minimum wage system which failed to fulfil the basic needs of the worker and introduce the "Living Wage System" and it stand at PKR 25,000 for every worker to maintain his or her better family life.
2) To formulates labour law in accordance with the requirements of the workers and observe them strictly.
3) To end the ban on factory labour inspection.
4) The Punjab government has put restrictions on union formation in factories where the number of workers is less than 50 which is against the articles of constitution and ILO conventions, it is demanded to end this restriction immediately.
5) To end contract system and daily wage system from financial, commercial and industrial sectors.
6) To end all kind of restriction in the way of union formation and make it compulsory for every establishment to have union and restrain the employers from putting hurdles in the way of unionization.
7) There should be a mechanism for labour courts to decide the cases of industrial dispute with in period of three months.
We demand that the government accept the workers’ demands for the sake of industrial peace and harmony, otherwise we don't see any other way than except to take the streets to achieve these demands.
The press conference was addressed by (From right to left) Mrs Farida Zaheer, Haji Jabbar, Niaz Khan, Aslam Wafa, and Nasir Mansoor.
ITGLWF Intervenes in Turkish Disputes
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation has intervened in two labour disputes in Turkey following requests from Turkish affiliate Deri-Is, a leather workers’ union.
The General Secretary of the Global Union Federation travelled to Turkey recently to meet with the leadership of Deri – Is to discuss two cases involving the sacking or victimisation of workers for exercising their right to join a trade union.
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Speaking on his return to Brussels Klaus Priegnitz, General Secretary of the ITGLWF, said “These two cases highlight the length to which Turkish employers are willing to go to prevent workers from exercising their fundamental right to unionise. On the one hand we have an employer that has continually failed to abide by agreements negotiated with the union following the sacking of 38 unionised workers in 2008. On the other hand we have an employer that has tried to shake off the union and its obligations to workers by constantly shifting the site of production in the hope that workers and unions will simply give up.”
“However, the message that the employers must understand is that unions will continue to organise and fight for the rights of their members no matter the circumstances or the barriers placed in front of them. The ITGLWF will continue to support the efforts of its members to achieve decent work and will use all available means to assist our members.”
“Following the ITGLWF’s visit to Turkey management at DESA and the leadership of Deri-Is have now agreed to begin negotiations on steps to ensure basic worker rights are respected. Management have also been given three weeks to respond to the unions proposals on how to overcome barriers to freedom of association. We are hopeful that the employer will continue to engage with the union in good faith”
Eren Korkmaz, Director of International Relations at Deri-Is has called for more international solidarity and support for the workers “Solidarity letters, applications to Turkish Government, Employers' Associations, Municipalities, CHP and AKP, ILO, sending delegations would be effective.”
Date: 15 November 2011
ITGLWF Condemns Jailing of Pakistan Power Loom Union Leaders
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation has strongly condemned the brutal campaign waged by employers on workers and unions in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Speaking in Brussels the ITGLWF’s General Secretary Klaus Priegnitz said “In July this year workers in Faisalabad were forced to go on strike to secure a 17% pay increase that was adopted by Government but which employers refused to pay. Over 100,000 workers went on strike in Faisalabad and the surrounding areas. The employers responded by launching a brutal campaign of violence and intimidation seeking to silence workers and deny them their fundamental rights. As part of this campaign workers have been attacked by armed men employed by factory owners, some have been shot while others have been badly beaten. “
The Labour Education Foundation Director Khalid Mahmood highlighted the severity of attacks on workers. “The owners and their henchmen resorted to violence by throwing stones and bricks on the peaceful march of workers from one side of the protest, while police used tear gas shells on the workers from the other end. 25 workers were injured including Mr. Tahir Rana, the president of LQM Faisalabad district, who was critically injured. Around 100 workers were also arrested.”
Mr Priegnitz continued by stating “ This vicious campaign has now culminated in a decision by the Anti Terrorism Court to sentence 6 trade union leaders from the Labour Qaumi Movement (LQM) to a total of 490 years in jail on falsified charges. The involvement of the police and the judiciary in this process shows that Pakistan’s state agencies are actively working with employers to assist in the repression of fundamental human rights.”
Concluding Priegnitz called for “The immediate release of the union leaders and respect for the right of workers to organise and bargain collectively”
Date: 15 November 2011
