For The Press June 1, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   UNION LEADERS TO MAP OUT LABOUR RESPONSE TO GLOBALISATION   Trade union leaders representing textile, garment and leather workers from all parts of the world will come together in Sweden in June to map out a labour response to globalisation. Some 250 delegates from 74 countries will be attending the 8th World Congress of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF) in Norrköping from 26 to 29 June 2000. The Brussels-based ITGLWF is an international trade union body representing 220 unions in 110 countries, with a combined membership of 10 million workers. The theme of the Congress, 'Global Solidarity in a Global Industry', reflects how vital the issue of globalisation has become in these sectors of industry. Says ITGLWF General Secretary Neil Kearney: "In today's global economy, no worker in any part of the world is shielded from the effects of what is happening elsewhere. "People often use the expression 'global village' to refer to the process of globalisation. Unfortunately, as far as workers are concerned, the term 'global jungle' would be more apt. Most of the 30 million jobs in the sector worldwide are insecure and low-paid. Wages are frequently below subsistence level. Millions of children are employed. Attempts to unionise are met with the utmost brutality, sometimes with murder. "Rather than improving, the situation is worsening as globalisation gathers force. The return of sweatshops in industrialised countries is evidence that working conditions in all parts of the world are deteriorating." Delegates will define the priorities of the ITGLWF for the next four years to challenge the globalisation of corporate power. Says Kearney: "Our strategy must be aggressive and direct. Our aim must be to mobilise international solidarity in order to rid the global jungle of those who prey on workers, playing off one country against another and driving down standards worldwide". The ITGLWF's 8th World Congress is hosted by Swedish affiliate Industrifacket together with the Nordic Federation. The Congress will be held at the Louis De Geer Congress Centre in Norrköping from 26 to 29 June 2000. Congress sessions are open to the press. Journalists are kindly requested to register at the ITGLWF Secretariat. Further information on the Congress is available at www.itglwf.org. - end - For more information, contact: Neil Kearney at 32/2/512.2606 or 32/75932487

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