A New Global Labor Federation
Representatives from trade unions throughout the world organized a new global labor federation to insure that workers' rights are not overlooked in economic globalization (Associated Press, 2006). The new body, the International Trade Union Confederation, replaced the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. It would adapt itself to the fresh challenges to the rights of unionized workers. It would also take bolder steps against forced and child labor. Appointed head of the new federation was Guy Ryder, who assured everyone that "the strong tradition of solidarity" would continue. He emphasized the importance of trade union unity in the international level in insuring effective representation of workers rights and interests in the global economy (Associated Press).
The umbrella group is reputed to be the world's largest, dedicated to workers' rights (Associated Press, 2006). It represented more than 150 million members from 241 affiliates from 156 countries. It took the place of Brussels, Belgium-based ICFTU of 1949, tasked with enforcing international standards. In his address before 1,600 delegates in Vienna, Austrian President Heinz Fischer said that giving them a greater voice was "an important and indispensable component of a democratic society." Another guest, Emilio Gabaglio, was a former head at the European Trade union Confederation. He urged the delegates to "go on the offensive" and link up to improve conditions, especially for the poor workers of developing...
They included Britain's Trade Union Congress the United States' AFL-CIO, Frances OGT union, Germany's DGP trade union federation and many other labor groups from five continents. It challenged members to form a strong approach to globalization. Its charter deplored violations of workers' universal right to strike to secure better pay and working conditions as well as to engage in collective bargaining. This charter called sharp attention to "unbridled capitalist globalization" to which "effective internationalism" would be a necessity for the future strength of trade unionism. It resolved to continue struggling "for the emancipation of workers" and "a world where the dignity and rights of all human beings is assured (Associated Press)."
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Associated Press (2006). Delegates launch global labor union. Deseret News: Deseret
News Publishing Company. Retrieved on June 8, 2009 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20061102/ai_n16831637/?tag=content;col1
Encyclopedia of Small Business (2002). Labor unions. CBS Interactive, Inc. Retrieved
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Maxwell, G (1999). Labor unions. Encyclopedia of Business: CBS Interactive, Inc.
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