International Federation of Building and Wood Workers Report on Activities 1994-1997 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE, 3-5 SEPT. 1997 IBBH IFBWWW IBTU ● FITBR FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS Z 5997 IFBWW 20th World Congress Harare, Zimbabwe 3-5 September 1997 IBB FBW. FITBB IBTU FITCM The International Federation of Building and Wood Workers, IFBWW was established in 1934 through the merger of two independent trade secretariats: the Building Workers International and Woodworkers International. The International Secretariat of Stone Masons and the International Secretariat of Painters and similar Professions joined in 1947. The IFBWW is the International Trade Secretariat, recognised by the ICFTU and the ITS General Conference, organising workers in free and democratic unions in the Building, Wood, Forestry and allied sectors. IFBWW promotes the principles of International Solidarity and is an active defender of human and trade union rights, fighting exploitation of workers in any part of the world. It conducts activities in the field of workers education, coordinates international solidarity actions, carries out research on a wide range of industrial issues, represents its affiliates' interest at world meetings and conferences, has women's and youth programmes and works to combat child labour. The IFBWW currently groups 12.9 million members in 259 trade unions in 110 countries. The Headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland. Regional Offices are in Panama, Zimbabwe and Malaysia. Sub- regional and Education Offices are located in Togo, Japan, Australia and India. The President of the IFBWW is Bruno Köbele, from Germany, and General Secretary is Ulf Asp from Sweden. Published by the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers Geneva March 1997 Published also in French, German, Spanish and Swedish Z 5997 Friedrich Ebert. Bonn Stiftung Bibliothek International Federation of Building and Wood Workers Report on Activities 1994-1997 ( 14) IFBWW 20th World Congress Harare, Zimbabwe 3-5 September 1997 2190W booW bas nibliud to noitstobal Innoitsistl Federation of Building and Wood rough eetfivijo A.no Hoger Wood Faydeer- peer ons in the Building and • easypno blow iOS WWERD owdsdmis, 116H Feedmetge2.2- C MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 IFBWW IBBH IBTU FITBB • FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS Introduction( 5) Developing IFBWW and affiliates' coordinated action IFBWW's steady growth IFBWW defence of trade union rights Annual regional conferences Focusing on issues of direct concern to workers Regional meetings and major missions Trade union development activities Women's activities Youth and child labour activities Conclusions African Region( 10) Political developments African missions Solidarity work Regional activities Membership development Conclusions Asia- Pacific Region( 14) Introduction Low wage economy Child labour Construction industry Wood and forestry industries Human and trade union rights Occupational health and safety Affiliates and administration Asia- Pacific regional meetings Conclusions Latin America and Caribbean Region( 18) Introduction Results of trade union work Sub- regional trade union commissions ICFTU- ORIT/ ITS/ FES coordination meetings Trade union structure Trade union unity Information bulletin Regional office 1FBWW 20th World Congress Contents page 3 IFBWW Industrial Activities and Committee on Europe( 22) Building Committee- a trade union platform for policy development IFBWW Wood and Forestry Committee Organisation development- integration of specific target groups Occupational health and safety- a major concern Committe on Europe- a contact point Solidarity Activities - Trade Union and Other Human Rights( 32) IFBWW priorities for trade union rights activities Intensifying efforts in defence of trade union and other human rights Using new technology to strengthen solidarity Excamples of solidartity actions 1994-1997 Major campaigns involving cross border solidarity ( e) noltoubosini Building greater cooperation with the ICFTU, ITSS and concerned NGOs Trade union development activities( 41) Education Trade union development activities Women Youth Child labour Staff( 48) ( t) noige Annexes 1. 2. Executive, Management and Auditors Committees as elected at the 19th Congress, with subsequent changes( 49) Executive, Management and Auditors Committee meetings held during the Congress period( 53) page 4 ( Br) nolgo ade 1FBWW 20th World Congress MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 IFBWWW FITBB IBTU FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS Introduction Report on activities 1994-1997 Introduction Since the 19th IFBWW World Congress in The Hague, Netherlands the IFBWW has launched a vast range of new activities, with the active participation of affiliated organisations. A new systematic approach was designed through the creation of the IFBWW Programme of Action 19941997, which guided our work, based on affiliates' demands. While the 18th World Congress( 1989 Singapore) represented the rejuvenation of the IFBWW which transformed it into a forward- looking, action- oriented, membership- responsive international body, the 19th World Congress symbolised the blossoming of this initiative. This has been achieved primarily as a result of the opening of IFBWW structures to greater membership participation in decision- making at all levels. Developing IFBWW and affiliates' coordinated action This new era of increasing interactive growth in activities has developed as a result of the foundations set in 1989. Unions everywhere are becoming much more aware of the need for international trade union responses and cooperation in order to resolve increasingly complex local and national problems. Many of these problems result from the" laissez faire" effect of globalisation which governments and certain intergovernmental organisations have promoted and imposed on societies. IFBWW's steady growth, recruiting new members and building cooperation The IFBWW has grown in membership since 1993 from 185 trade unions with 6 million members, in 90 countries, to the current level of 259 affiliates with almost 13 million members in 110 countries. Over the last congress period the IFBWW has intensified its organising efforts in recognition of the need to build one strong international trade union structure for all workers in our sectors. The IFBWW's rapid growth has also placed significant new demands 1FBWW 20th World Congress work and avoid duplication. Similarly, the IFBWW has been in the forefront of developing joint actions with other ITSs in areas of common interest. We are also actively involved in the newly established ICFTU/ ITS Strategy to Strengthen Partnership adopted at the ICFTU's 16th Congress in Brussels, 1996. on the organisation, both in| NBTF has been greatly enterms of finance and services hanced in order to coordinate offered. Mid- way through this congress period the IFBWW suffered a financial deficit as a result of substantial job losses among some of IFBWW's largest financial contributors, following low and unstable levels of economic growth, especially in Europe. Through reorganising and careful budgeting, the IFBWW recovered from the 1994 deficit and enjoyed a financial surplus in 1995. Cooperation with IFBWW/ EFBWW/ page 5 IFBWW defence of trade union and other human rights In 1993, it was reported to Congress that, after having launched its newly established Trade Union Rights service, the IFBWW had responded to more than 118 appeals for solidarity during the 1989-1993 period. During the current congress period the IFBWW has responded to more than 250 appeals for solidarity. There is no doubt that working people and our affiliates are suffering more frequent attacks. Many of the " New Right" governments openly admit their aim to destroy trade unions. Naturally, in the current political environment, and with more members, the IFBWW has had to mobilise international assistance for affiliates under attack more than ever. Annual regional conferences focus on key international issues affecting workers in our sectors During the last congress period the IFBWW also intensified its industrial activities in order to assist affiliates to respond to the complicated ramifications which globalisation has had on our industries. Major areas of industrial activities work during the congress period followed a comprehensive series of annual regional conferences culminating in global meetings aimed at formulating IFBWW industrial policies on international trends affecting our members. page 6 Industrial relations themes dealt with in the regions have focused on: 1994" Migration and Regional Integration and its Impact on our Industries" 1995" Globalisation and Strategies to Strengthen Collective Bargaining" 1996" Modernising our Unions" Other major industrial meetings include: 1994" The First IFBWW Baltic Sea Conference"-Nykøbing, Denmark. 1995" The International Conference on Forestry Issues and Certification"-Ludvika, Sweden. 1996" The IFBWW European Conference on" Promotion of Collective Bargaining"- Warsaw, Poland. 1996" The IFBWW/ EFBWW/ NFBWW Conference on Organic Solvents"- Copenhagen, Denmark. 1996" The IFBWW/ EFBWW/ NFBWW Meeting on" Certification of Wood and Wood Products"- Luxemburg. 1996" The Pacific Conference on Forestry Issues"- Rotorua, New Zealand. 17BWW 20th World Congress Focusing on issues of direct concern to workers in our industries Other industry- specific issues dealt with during this period have included" Privatisation", " Contract labour and other forms of non- permanent employment"" Globalisation and transnational corporations"," Occupational health and safety concerns"," Housing policy", a survey of affiliates on" white collar workers' concerns," studies on" Cancer and magnetic fields"," Ergonomics and the working environment" and the development of approaches on" Best practices and management in the sustainable development of the forestry industry". Meetings of the Building and Wood Committees and other related working parties. Over the last 4 years all IFBWW industrial committees and working parties have met in line with the decisions of the 19th IFBWW World Congress Regional meetings and IFBWW major missions The IFBWW has contin-| Affiliates' active participation in ued to conduct one Regional the formulation of policy direcCommittee meeting per year in tion and activities specifically Africa, Asia/ Pacific and Latin adapted to the needs of differAmerica/ Caribbean during the ent parts of the world has last congress period. strengthened our regional and international structures. Each of the regional meetings also carefully examined finances, developing different formulas aimed at increasing affiliation fees payAll of the Regional Committee meetings and Conferences have made important contributions and reinforced the IFBWW's presence in the regions. ments from the regions. This has resulted in significant increases in fees payments. Finally, each of the Regional Conferences unani- mously elected new Regional Committees, endorsed by the Executive Committee. Major IFBWW missions undertaken in the regions during the congress period included fact- finding visits to: Cyprus, the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Korea, Palestine, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, and Tunisia. 17FBWW 20th World Congress page 7 Trade union development activities " Trade union development activities" have continued to cover a range of activities which aim at reinforcing self- reliance. Increasing numbers of activities are being conducted with affiliates in Eastern European countries and developing regions. Some of these trade union development activities have not only reinforced unions, but also strengthened cooperation between affiliates in countries in which the IFBWW has several affiliates. Joint seminars have also promoted cooperation and initiated work towards encouraging strategic alliances or mergers in different countries. Women's activities The IFBWW's first Women Workers' Conference was held just prior to the Hague Congress. Proposals from that meeting resulted in the adoption of resolutions in 1993 calling for the establishment of an IFBWW Working Party on Women Workers, the adoption of an IFBWW policy approach on affirmative action and specific regional activities promoting womREGIONAL WORK ON TIVE BARGAININ 1995 LOME en's participation in our unions. In 1993, the IFBWW formally establishethe post of Women's Officer in the organisation and worldwide women's activities were launched among our affiliates. The first meeting of the newly established Working Party on Women Workers was held in April 1994, Bombay, India. Also in that year, a Latin American Women's Workshop was held in Panama. In September 1995 a European Women's Conference and the IFBWW Working Party on Women Workers were held in Frankfurt, Germany, where information about women's activities were discussed and recommendations made. page 8 Throughout 1995, significant progress was made in creating women's structures in the regions, including the organisation of the African Regional Workshop in October 1995 in Ghana. A wide range of impressive materials relating to women's concerns in our industries have been published and widely distributed among affiliated organisations. In 1996, the Women's Working Party met in Rotschou, Switzerland, to evaluate progress made with the IFBWW policy and programme on women and to formulate proposals to be presented to the 20th Congress. 1FBWW 20th World Congress Youth and child labour activities In 1994 IFBWW launched its youth activities. In June 1995 an IFBWW European Youth Camp was held in Germany involving approximately 230 young people from 15 nations. During the course of 1995/96 Regional Youth Workshops were held in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Work to combat child labour has also been launched, in close coordination with youth work, through publicity and educational activities. Trade unionsponsored schools have been established to assist child labourers' access to education. In July 1996, following several years of work and preparation, the IFBWW held a World Youth Conference attended by almost 5,000 trade unionists, hosted by Danish affiliates. This conference, produced proposals for the IFBWW's first" Charter for Young People's Rights" which will form an integral part of the IFBWW strategy to" Modernise our Unions". Conclusions The 1994-1997 period has not been by any means a calm or stable time for affiliates or the IFBWW. Unions are increasingly suffering job losses and financial restraints, with obvious repercussions on the IFBWW. In addition, certain internal set- backs have forced a degree of reorganisation in order to maintain our services while constantly responding to the needs of affiliates. Nevertheless the IFBWW can be proud of its 1994-97 record, in having maintained and expanded its existing services to assist affiliates. Information flows have been constantly maintained between the International and affiliates through fast and efficient communications: quarterly Bulletins, bimonthly Faxnews, press releases and Urgent Actions and Solidarity Appeals. Keeping members informed of developments has been a major objective successfully accomplished in the 1994-1997 period. The IFBWW recognises that future challenges await and ominous signs are emerging as we enter the 21st Century. The IFBWW will continue to defend all building, wood, forestry and allied workers at all levels. Through strong national and international trade union organisations we will be able to confront the challenges ahead. 1FBWW 20th World Congress The trade union movement must strengthen and adapt its role in societies, not only for change, but also for survival and the continued defence of working people. The IFBWW 20th Congress, September 1997, will focus on the theme" Modernising our Unions" and will set a programme for change- radical change, introducing proposals to modernise the trade union movement so as to face the realities and develop appropriate, proactive programmes. In this process one essential message must be made clear: Unions are here to stay and ready to make positive contributions to the development of modern societies. page 9 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 IFBWW BBH IBTU 20 FITBB FITCM Ta African African Region th WORLD CONGRESS Political developments Much has taken place in Africa since the last IFBWW World Congress in 1993. The process of decolonisation was finally completed in Africa in 1994 when free elections were held in South Africa. The period under review has seen Africa going through rapid political changes. We have seen the fall of dictatorial regimes, the escalation of civil wars and in extreme cases, genocide. These political changes coupled with economic changes and the worst drought ever to be experienced in Africa brought about suffering to nations that were already experiencing poor living conditions caused by ever devaluating currencies. The following case studies should be highlighted: Liberia The situation in the country remains volatile with ceasefires not lasting more than a month. West African countries which are trying to assist in peace making are said to be losing patience as war lords send their armies to fight opponents. The human suffering in the country is beyond comprehension. The IFBWW has two affiliates in the country and is trying to assist in keeping the unions alive. Rwanda and Zaire The shooting down of the plane carrying the President of Burundi and Rwanda in 1994 sparked the worst genocide ever witnessed in Africa claiming over 1,000,000 lives. This led to a bloody tribal war driving refugees into neighbouring countries. Today, the repatriation of refugees from Zaire has been proving difficult as people have been reluctant to return due to fear of revenge killings in Rwanda. Civil war has now broken out in Zaire causing Rwandan refugees to stream back to their country. A guerrilla group which is trying to topple the 30- year- old government of Mobutu has captured some parts of Zaire. This situation has further thrown Central Africa into the crisis limelight again. Aid and international agencies have failed to cope with the precarious refugee situation. Sierra Leone page 10 Elections which were held in 1995 in this small West African country have brought little for the nation to smile about. Development is hindered by threats of coups and a lack of trust between leaders and their people. The country, which is rich in gold, does not enjoy the wealth it should however, as it is said that most of the proceeds find their way into private pockets. 1FBWW 20th World Congress African missions undertaken during the period The following major missions were undertaken during the period under review. Eritrea In 1995 the IFBWW Assistant General Secretary, The President of the Egyptian Building Union and the Regional Representative met officials from the only trade union organisation in the country. The mission noted that the union was undergoing substantial changes and that it was important to wait for industrial unions to be formed before further activities were carried out by the IFBWW. Ethiopia In 1995 the IFBWW General Secretary and the Regional Representative met with the IFBWW affiliate, the Ethiopian Federation of Building and Wood Unions. Discussions were held concerning our affiliate's alliance with government action to suspend the country's Trade Union Confederation. Kenya In 1995 the IFBWW General Secretary and the Regional Representative held familiarisation meetings with officials from the Kenya Building, Construction, Timber, Furniture and Allied Industries Employees' Union and the Kenya Quarry and Mine Workers' Union. Tanzania In 1995 the IFBWW General Secretary and the Regional Representative met IFBWW affiliated union officials and representatives of the trade union centre. General trade union developments were discussed and future strategies with our affiliates were agreed on. Mozambique In 1995 the IFBWW General Secretary and the Regional Representative held discussions on union development with officials from IFBWW affiliates SINTICIM and SINTAF. This was the first opportunity the IFBWW General Secretary had had to visit Mozambique since the two unions had become affiliated to the IFBWW. The results of this visit were extremely positive and have enabled future activities in Mozambique to run smoothly. 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 11 Ghana In 1996 the General Secretary and Regional Representative met officers of all four IFBWW affiliates in the country to assess future work and developments in Ghana. South Africa In 1995 a Health and Safety Project Preparatory Seminar was held with all IFBWW South African affiliates. The seminar drew up a project proposal which is now being implemented and funded by LO/ TCO. Togo In 1996 an administrative meeting was held with the two IFBWW Project Coordinators stationed at the IFBWW Lome office. Familiarisation meetings were also held with the two IFBWW affiliates in Togo. Ivory Coast In 1996 a delegation of six people consisting of the General Secretary, the Regional Representative, IFBWW African staff and Bro. George L. Mannah, an AFRECO member, visited the Ivory Coast and met the Employers' Association and held meetings with IFBWW affiliates and the ILO Regional Office in Abidjan. Burkina Faso In 1996 the IFBWW General Secretary and the Francophone Coordinator visited Burkina Faso and held meetings with affiliates concerning the IFBWW's activities in the country. Liberia In 1996 a delegation consisting of the Regional Representative, the IFBWW Anglophone Coordinator and Bro. George L. Mannah visited Liberia to investigate the trade union situation, especially the position of the National Union of Public Works which had applied for affiliation to the IFBWW. AFRECO had recommended that the mission be undertaken in order to clarify the conflicting information received from the IFBWW Anglophone Coordinator and disputed by Bro. Taylor, General Secretary of the building union in Liberia. The delegation met the two unions in Liberia and also visited one of the National Centres in Monrovia. The delegation was taken on a guided tour of the medical clinic being run by NTUPAW for internally displaced union members. Following the visit, the delegation recommended the affiliation of NTUPAW. page 12 1FBWW 20th World Congress Solidarity work The regional office responded to various solidarity appeals from affiliates by mobilising international support through the Geneva Secretariat and encouraging affiliates in the region to send protest letters to governments and employers. IFBWW African affiliates have been kept informed through Bulletins, FaxNews and Urgent Actions and motivated to respond to different events which have taken place in this region and beyond. The IFBWW Regional Representative maintains close contact with the ICFTU and other ITSs operating in the region. The Regional Representative also attended various ICFTU- AFRO meetings during the period. Regional Activities The IFBWW has held a number of regional policy and thematic seminars throughout the congress period. These seminars have enabled the IFBWW to develop appropriate policy on topics like Contract Labour, Multinational Corporations, Collective Bargaining and Export Processing Zones. The following African Regional Seminars were held during the period: Economic Integration in Southern Africa after Apartheid, November 1994, Johannesburg, South Africa Building Women's Participation In Trade Unions, November 1995. Akosombo, Ghana Advancing Collective Bargaining in Africa, November 1995, Lome, Togo African Regional Youth Workshop, July 1996, Nairobi, Kenya African Women's Seminar, October 1996, Nairobi, Kenya Modernising Our Trade Unions, October 1996, Nairobi, Kenya The following African constitutional meetings were held in 1994, 1995 and 1996: AFRECO Meeting, November 1994, Johannesburg, South Africa AFRECO Meeting, November 1995, Lome, Togo AFRECO Meeting, October 1996, Nairobi, Kenya Membership development IFBWW has continued to enjoy membership growth in the African region. At the 1993 World Congress membership from the region was only found in 15 countries while at December 1996 membership had increased to 700,000 in 55 unions from 34 countries. 1FBWW 20th World Congress Conclusion The IFBWW has increased its role in the African Region during the period under review. The period has seen the end of the cold war and the resultant effects on Africa. More and more free and democratic trade unions are emerging in Africa. However with globalisation and an increasingly difficult economic situation for working people the need for union solidarity has never been so strong. page 13 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 891 IFBW TU 錦 Asia- Pacific Region FITBB FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS Introduction During the last congress| The lack of social progress is af-| free flow of goods, services and period the Asian economies fecting working people in many capital but a free flow of labour countries in Asia- Pacific region. have continued to be buoyant with some countries registering an impressive economic growth rate of up to 9%. This is due mainly to the liberal trade and low wage economic policies that are being pursued by many Asian countries. Although these countries are progressing well economically, the same cannot be said for social developments.| In Asia- Pacific globalisation of economies is already well advanced with economic integration among many countries in the region. The formation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area( AFTA) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation( APEC) are well in place. With this globalisation we are now in a situation where there is not only a as well. The main objective of this economic integration and liberalisation is to keep the labour costs as low as possible. One example is the Employment Contracts Act in New Zealand in 1991 whose sole objective was to bring down the cost of labour. This is what many governments in this region want: " cheap labour". Low wage economy There are one and a half billion people mostly in China, Indonesia, South Asia and Vietnam and who continue to receive less than$ 1US a day as wages and remain in poverty. Many governments in this region believe that a free and a strong trade union is a threat to economic growth and therefore their strength and influence in society has to be reduced, if not eliminated, altogether. Therefore, trade union rights, particularly the rights to organise and collective bargaining, are constantly under attack. These violations of trade union rights are obvious in countries where free trade unions are not permitted. Even in countries where there are free trade unions, governments are imposing restrictions through legislation and labour policies. This has greatly impeded the growth and influence of trade unions in societies which also prevented trade unions from securing a fair share of a nation's wealth for working people. Child labour Due to poverty, the high unemployment rate and the apathy of governments, the employment of child labour has continued to increase in the region with the most serious cases being reported in China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Many of these children are employed in the brick kiln, wood- carving and carpentry industries. The employment of children is the biggest social evil of our time. We should all fight for the eradication of child labour. Children should rightfully be in schools and not in work places. The IFBWW have started schools in India to get a few of these working children into education. These schools are funded through IFBWW and operated by our affiliated unions. They are expected to increase in number in the coming years. However, whatever we are doing is only" a drop in the ocean" when compared to the number of children employed. Therefore it is the responsibility of governments in the region to eradicate child labour. Trade unions should do everything possible, including campaigning for the inclusion of minimum labour standards in international trade agreements, to force governments to take immediate steps to eradicate it. Construction industry With the accelerated economic growth in many of the Asian countries particularly in East and South East Asia, the construction industry is becoming a key industry. With the exception of the South Pacific, the construction in other countries in Asia has contributed between 3% to 9% of the GDP for the last few years. The fast economic growth rate in many of these countries has also created many social and employment problems. The employment pattern in the construction industry has changed from employing local workers 1FBWW 20th World Congress to migrant workers. For instance, more than 90% of the construction workers in Malaysia and Singapore are foreign migrant workers. The situation is also becoming chaotic in Hongkong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Many of these migrant workers enter the host countries illegally. They are very badly treated with wages lower than the normal rate and no proper housing or other basic amenities. The IFBWW has been encouraging local trade unions, particularly our affiliates in the host countries, to organise foreign migrant construction workers. page 15 Wood and forestry industries The occupational health aged even though the working| large- scale logging is being unconditions are unacceptable. dertaken on these islands by forTrade unions must act quickly eign companies without due reto ensure that social demands are gard to sustainable forest manincorporated into certification agement. schemes. The trade unions must also act to influence the develand safety of forest workers is deteriorating in the Asia- Pacific region. Many fatal accidents are still being reported from the logging industries, particularly in South East Asian countries and the smaller Pacific nations. Workers in the forest and timber- processing sectors face daily risks, receive inadequate training and often do not have the security of permanent employment. In many countries the long- term future of industries in these sectors is in jeopardy as unsustainable logging rapidly depletes the remaining forest resources. - The impact of forest certification is rapidly spreading throughout Asia Pacific and forests have now been certified as" sustainably managed" in some countries. However to a large extent the concerns of the labour movement have not been incorporated into certification schemes. This could mean that forests are certified as well manopment of certification and standards for forest management. Realising the urgency of the trade unions' involvement in the development of certification and standard for forest management, the IFBWW have already conducted three conferences/ seminars on social issues and forest certification. In March 1996 the South Pacific Conference was held in Rotorua, New Zealand with 30 participants from all the countries in the South Pacific producing timber and forest products. The second was a seminar in the Solomon Islands jointly organised by IFBWW and SPOCTU for the trade unions in the timber and forest industries. This seminar was considered important as Human and trade union rights The last four years, like previous years, has been a difficult period for trade unionists in their defence and promotion of human and trade union rights. IFBWW Solidarity Actions confirm this and also indicate that violations of trade union rights in the building, wood and forestry sectors are on the increase. We have been active confronting the Govern- ments of China, Fiji, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Korea to name a few. There is a growing recognition with the globalisa- tion of economies that international pressure can often assist in solving local problems. The third of these seminars was held in Malaysia for our affiliates in Malaysia and Indonesia in November 1996 with 35 participants from six unions. At the end of the four day seminar the participants drew up a proposal on social issues that should be included in all certification schemes for sustainable forest management in Malaysia. More such seminars will be organised in the future in Indonesia and other tropical- timber producing countries in the region. Occupational health and safety is still a serious problem for the construction, wood and forestry workers in this region. Many countries still lack adequate occupational health and safety legislation in our industries. It is still a common sight to see bamboo scaffolding being used in many of the countries in our region. Asbestos is still being used in some countries though many have now abolished it. During the conference period, the IFBWW have held a number of seminars on occupational health and safety for our Occupational health and safety affiliates in this region. Occupational health and safety modules are now being widely used by our affiliates in their general trade union education courses and training. These trade union courses are evidence of some progress but this is not enough. We believe legislation should be enacted by governments in conformity with ILO Convention No. 167 for building workers and similar legislation for forestry workers. ILO Conventions Nos. 162 and 167 are not yet ratified by any government in this region. Affiliates and administration The number of affiliates in the region had increased to 84 affiliated trade unions in 21 countries by June 1996. This increase in affiliation can be attributed to a growing awareness among trade unionists of international solidarity. This should be viewed positively in an era where the economies of this region are becoming more and more globalised. In recognition of the increasing number of affiliates, the IFBWW established two new subregional offices during this period. The first sub- regional office was established for South Asia in New Delhi in April 1995. In January 1996 the second sub- regional office for the South Pacific was opened at the CFMEU's Pulp& Paper branch office in Melbourne, Australia. The other sub- regional office for East Asia is in Tokyo. The regional office for Asia- Pacific continues to operate from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Asia- Pacific regional meetings The following regional committee meetings and conferences have been held in the last four years: 5th Regional Conference, was held in Shatin, Hong Kong in November 1995. ✓ Regional Committee for Asia- Pacific was held in Cebu, the Philippines in November 1994. Regional Committee for AsiaPacific was held in Hong Kong in November 1995. ✓ Regional Committee for Asia- Pacific was held in Langkawi, Malaysia in October 1996. Conclusion The IFBWW believes that trade unions are crucial elements protecting the functioning of any democratic society. The right to freedom of association, the right to free collective bargaining, the right to strike in order to protect the right of working people to participate in and freely influence the terms and conditions of their employment are all essential rights in any democracy. The violations of these rights have never been more frequent and pose a major challenge to the trade union movement in this region. The struggle for human and trade union rights must be an overriding priority for the trade union movement in the Asia- Pacific region. The ability of workers to organise and defend themselves depends on it. The work of the IFBWW during this congress period has aimed to achieve these objectives. Although much has to be done we will continue the work until we succeed. page 17 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 H& B! IFBWW FITBB IBTU FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS Latin America and Caribbean Region Introduction In the four years between 1993 and 1997, the IFBWW has worked in the region for social justice, campaigning for recognition and protection of the rights of working men and women. A significant area of work has focused on promoting the rights of migrant workers, particularly in the MercoSur. We have also worked hard to improve the occupational health and safety conditions of workers in their places of employment, and their vocational training. We have placed particular emphasis on equality for women workers and on representation for them in their workplaces and trade unions. Work has started on promoting the involvement of young people who require special attention and activities. We have also fought for the elimination from the region of child labour in all industries. In practical terms, these needs and priorities were tackled under seven strategic headings: training trade union trainers; training union leaders in human and trade union rights; training workers to understand the hazards threatening their health at the workplace, and showing them how to deal with them; training union leaders in economic affairs, mainly on the issue of economic integration; educating workers to understand the importance of the correct approach to forestry resources and the lands and peoples associated with them; training workers to promote and develop values of equality for women workers; using frequent assessment and planning exercises aimed at enabling trade unions to understand the climate in which they are operating, and the best ways of growing and becoming stronger. Results of trade union work( 1993-1996) The objectives of increasing membership in the region and of strengthening the organisational structures are proceeding satisfactorily. Reasonable progress is also being made on the objective of increasing the number of trade union and civil society solidarity actions; the aim here is to encourage union participation in actions protecting workers' rights and in disputes related to the economic and social policies being implemented by governments in the region. We are still a long way from achieving the related objective of trade union self- sufficiency based on reduced financial dependence on external support and enhanced capacity for dealing with administrative matters and internal management. page 18 The Latin American Regional Office carried out 175 work missions between October 1993 and November 1996; these involved 2,118 participants in 18 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, and reached out to another 20,000 or so working people in construction, wood and forestry in the region. 1FBWW 20th World Congress Pilot projects on the sustainable development of forests took place with union participation. There is a considerable upsurge of interest in the question, and most unions are organising multilevel activities aimed at resolving the serious ecological problems created by the irrational and widespread exploitation of forests. Throughout the period, there have been 66 trade union training projects involving an investment of USD 992,321.11 and of USD 516,376 in the Latin American Regional Office's operations during the same period. Sub- regional Trade Union Commissions As a result of the increasing economic importance of the Southern Cone, it was decided to set up a MercoSur Trade Union Commission of Construction, Wood and Forestry Trade Unions. This Commission has met regularly since then to discuss issues such as migrant labour, occupational health and safety and labour clauses. Affiliated and fraternal organisations in Central America and the Caribbean took their lead from the Southern Cone and formed a Commission in 1995. There have been a series of meetings in 1996, to discuss the proposed Central American Labour Code and Labour Clauses. A major overall success, although one difficult to quantify, has been the consolidating of trade union unity in our branches. It has not been easy, but we have won through thanks to the maturity of our affiliates and friends in the region. This move towards unity has been strengthened by mutual respect and the carrying out of joint actions. The presence of non- affiliated unions in our regional and sub- regional meetings indicates an extraordinary capacity for understanding the historic times we are living in, and for discussing matters that are common to all workers without distinction. In another successfui recruitment exercise integrating affiliated and fraternal committees, three union federations with a nominal total membership of 5,236 affiliated during 1994; one national federation and two national unions affiliated in 1995 with a total of 3,480 members, and in 1996 we are in the process of signing up one regional union and one white- collar union with a total membership of 1,825. In all, we recruited a total of 10,541 new members up to November 1996. IFBWW 20th World Congress page 19 ICFTU- ORIT/ ITS/ FES Coordination meetings Relations with the ICFTU- ORIT( Latin American Regional Organisation) and ITSS were strengthened during this period, and the meetings that have taken place have contributed to this. Relations have also been improved and broadened by conferences, closer working harmony, an exchange of information, solidarity and international cooperation. The ITSS have appointed a Coordinator who acts as a link- person with the ICFTU- ORIT for exchanging information on activities we are carrying out in the region. Trade union structure It has been vital for trade unions to adapt and reorganise their structures so that they can respond to issues more quickly and effectively, and resolve problems arising out of members' needs. For trade union structures to be modernised, some of the following features will have to be applied and improved: page 20 the quality and quantity of leaders willing and able to deal with relevant organisational and political tasks; ✔ unions must have up- to- date files on members, activities, plans and ongoing projects, they need libraries, and they must improve their systems of communication so as to keep their members in the picture( although it has to be said that the most effective means is still direct contact and visits); ✓ the democratisation and modernisation of trade unions is a basic, priority task. Over the last four years the IFBWW Regional Office has focused on addressing these needs and changes. 1FBWW 20th World Congress Trade union unity We have continued to make contacts with non- IFBWW affiliated unions in construction, wood and forestry, not only through inter- union dialogue but also via solidarity actions and joint discussions on problems that affect us all. Links may also be further established by means of trade union and vocational training programmes, and through ideas for improving occupational health and safety standards and unconditional respect for human rights. A task for our affiliated and fraternal unions is to open the way for exchange and for inter- union cooperation on concrete and practical questions. Information bulletin One of the best means of communication at the Latin American Regional Office's disposal is the magazine" Construcción y Madera"( Construction and Wood); it contributes to the organisation's educational work as well as providing information, and deals with the activities and policies of the IFBWW and its regional affiliates in an instructive manner. Five issues were published in 1994, only one came out in 1995 for financial reasons, and there were four issues in 1996. More modern equipment has been purchased with a view to improving the quality of both the magazine and other publications. Regional Office The work of the Regional Office has increased considerably over the period, largely because of donor contributions for specific programmes. At the same time, there has been a small increase in the IFBWW core budget. The Regional Office has therefore been able to appoint new Programme Coordinators, for occupational health and safety and for the trade union rights programme. This has greatly improved the quality of the service and training that the Regional Office can offer interested affiliates. Information services have been improved through in- house training and the bulletin is now printed. The education department has a full- time administrative assistant which has meant that the education secretary can devote more time to specialised training. The accounting system has been computerised and the project accounting and financial controls made more systematic. All accounts are now externally audited. The Regional Office has moved to new premises twice during the period and is now in offices directly above those of the long- standing IFBWW affiliate in Panama. The IFBWW in Latin America is widely respected within the trade union movement and the UN system and has strong and valuable links to the NGO community, particularly in areas related to workers' education, human rights, the environment and development issues. 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 21 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE, 3-5 SEPT. 1997 H881 IFBWW IBTU FITCM FITBB 20th WORLD CONGRESS IFBWW Industrial Activities and Committee on Europe The 19th IFBWW Congress resolved to continue to strengthen IFBWW industrial structures. The IFBWW has since established a Health and Safety Working Party and set up two industrial steering committees to guide and coordinate the work of the IFBWW Building Committee and Wood and Forestry Committee. We continued our work in the Industrial Committees on the Building Industry, Wood and Forestry Industry and the Committee on Europe. The IFBWW Executive Committee appointed the following chairpersons: Poul Eric Skov Christensen, SiD Denmark- Building Committee; Gunnar A. Karlsson, Swedish Wood Workers Union- Wood and Forestry Committee; Loki Hendricks, Bouw- en Houtbond- Committee on Europe; Niels Krause, ST Denmark- Health and Safety Working Party. a trade union platform for IFBWW Building Committee- policy development Building Committee meetings The first Building Steering Committee took place in September 1994 in Vienna, Austria. In 1995 the first IFBWW Building Committee after the Congress took place in May in Lisbon, Portugal. The committee discussed: the report for the forthcoming ILO meeting on social and labour issues concerning Migrant Workers in the Building Industry, ILO Sectoral activities and the new programme of sectoral meetings 1996-1997, the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements( HABITAT II) in Istanbul, the renegotiated World Trade Agreement which also contains provisions on the award of government contracts, including the award of construction contracts, and the IFBWW 1995 Regional Seminars on Advancing Collective Bargaining. page 22 The second Building Steering Committee met in February 1996 in Chexbres, Switzerland. The committee members focused on IFBWW preparations for UN HABITAT II Conference, discussed the IFBWW policy on the World Bank's procurement guidelines and assessed the forthcoming ILO Tripartite Meeting on Social and Labour Issues concerning Migrant Workers in Construction. As in the Wood and Forestry Committee, the outcome of the Regional Seminars on Collective Bargaining was discussed. - The IFBWW Building Committee met again in September 1996 in Copen- hagen. This meeting focused on Contract Labour preparation for the International Labour Conference 1997, reviewed UN HABITAT II Trade Union Forum and Conference in Turkey, discussed public procurement and labour clauses and considered the outcome of the Tripartite Meeting on Social and Labour issues concerning Migrant Workers in Construction. The last IFBWW Steering Committee Building meeting before the Congress took place in May 1997 and discussed the forthcoming ILO Conference on Contract Labour. The 19th IFBWW Congress resolved to promote the concept of" sustainability" in building, wood and forest activities, which leads to stable employment, the improvement of working and living conditions of workers, and developmentally and environmentally sound planning in construction and mumo forest practices.m 1FBWW 20th World Congress Economic integration and globalisation In 1994 the IFBWW held Regional Seminars on the Economic and Social Consequences of Economic Integration for Building and Wood Workers in Africa, Asia, Latin America. Issues regarding international migration were also discussed. The seminars were organised with a view to discuss and develop a common trade union strategy in relation to economic integration. World Summit for Social Development An IFBWW delegation participated in the World Summit for Social Development and at the conference organised in Copenhagen in March 1995 by the ICFTU and the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions( LO Denmark) on the eve of the Social Summit. For the IFBWW the Social Summit represented an opportunity to reject the neoliberalist policies of the 1980s and promote change towards a more socially committed government policy. Building, wood, forestry and allied sectors have been severely affected by the economic crisis. Collective bargaining The rights to take collective action or to gain recognition and bargaining rights are under attack. The IFBWW met this challenge by running workshops in 1995 in all regions to discuss strategies and plan how building, wood and forestry workers' unions can fight back. IFBWW Regional Seminars on Advancing Collective Bargaining in the Building, Wood and Forestry Sectors took place for Asia- Pacific in Hong Kong, October 1995- for Africa in Lomé, Togo November 1995-for Latin America in Barranquilla, Colombia, November 1995- and for Europe in Warsaw, Poland, January 1996. MercoSur IFBWW affiliates from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay met in August 1995 in Buenos Aires to consider developments in Mercosur and proposals for the social dimension within it. The participants discussed the coordination between building and wood workers' organisations in the Mercosur countries, shared experiences and developed policy ideas relating to the impact on workers of the Mercosur integration process. Five major issues have been identified: migrant workers' problems, unstable and insecure employment conditions, accident prevention and health and safety, professional training and retraining following the introduction of new technologies and the impact of economic integration on the ecosystem. 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 23 Urban employment An international symposium on the Future of Urban Employment was held in Turin, in December 1995. The purpose of this symposium, organised by the ILO in connection with the HABITAT II conference in June 1996, was to analyse the urban crisis and the potential role played by employment creation in alleviating the crisis. The participants adopted the Urban Employment Charter. Migrant workers A Tripartite Meeting on Social and Labour Issues concerning Migrant Workers in the Construction Industry took place in Geneva, in March 1996, involving government, employers and trade union representatives from over 30 countries. After consultation with IFBWW and the ILO Workers' Group workers' representatives from the following countries were invited, Brazil, China, Germany, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey and Venezuela. Most of these came from IFBWW- affiliated unions. HABITAT II IFBWW has been develop-| Turkish Union of Road, Coning its concept of sustainable struction and Building Workers, building activities including a Yol- Is, were invited by the UN supplement to the labour clause to coordinate and convene a on basic minimum standards Global Trade Union Forum, just and conditions in the building, before the Conference. The purwood, forestry and allied sec- pose of the Forum was to work tors. The IFBWW prepared for out a trade union point of view and participated in the 2nd on the problems related to the United Nations Conference on broad issue of urban developHuman Settlements, HABITAT ment and adopt a joint position II in Istanbul in June 1996. on the HABITAT Global Action IFBWW and its affiliate, the Plan to ensure that it fully recLabour clauses ognises the role and rights of workers and their organisations. The Forum was organised in association with ICFTU, EFBWW, various organisations dealing with urban and migration questions and Turkish trade union national centres. Other world trade union federations also contributed. The need for protection of people working in other than regular employment situations has been recognised by the ILO. The issue of contract labour will be discussed during the 1997 and 1998 ILO conferences with a view to setting standards. The IFBWW recognises the need for an international legal framework offering protection for all workers in non- permanent employment and strongly supports this ILO initiative. The IFBWW also considers that the role of the World Bank and other international development agencies must be examined with a view to promoting employment rights through agency contracts and loan agreements. IFBWW has developed a policy on World Bank procurement guidelines and labour clauses in public contracts. This policy was presented at the LO/ NFS/ TUAC joint seminar on labour standards in the global trade and investment system in Copenhagen in April 1996 IFBWW/ World Bank meetings In September 1996 and February 1997 an IFBWW delegation met representatives of the World Bank to discuss the inclusion of labour clauses in World Bank loan agreements, procurement guidelines and related documents. During the open and constructive dialogue with the Bank representatives, the delegation learned that the Bank has already given consideration to the issue of workers' rights and the possible use of labour clauses in its agreements. Although labour clauses are now included in some Bank documents, the use of such clauses is not mandatory. IFBWW Wood and Forestry Committee Following the publication of the Forestry Programme, IFBWW has continued to be actively involved in wood and forest issues and to place special emphasis on environmental questions such as tropical and temperate forests and the certification of wood. It is also working to promote its Forestry Programme in international organisations. Committee meetings The first Steering Committee Wood and Forestry took place in September 1994 in Vienna, Austria. The first IFBWW Wood and Forestry Committee meeting after the Congress, in May 1995 in Lisbon, Portugal, discussed recent trends and developments in the wood industry. Technical discussions focused on a review of IFBWW activities in the International Tropical Timber Organisation, the IFBWW workshop on forestry in temperate and boreal regions, and IFBWW Membership in the Forest Stewardship Council( FSC). 1FBWW 20th World Congress The IFBWW Steering Committee Wood and Forestry met in February 1996, in Chexbres, Switzerland. Participants examined IFBWW policy on certification- a system to assess the sustainability of forest management practices, reviewed the outcome of the Forestry Workshop in September 1995, in Ludvika, Sweden and discussed preparation for a forthcoming joint Wood and Forestry Committee meeting of IFBWW, EFBWW and NFBWW. page 25 Brazilian Amazon Forestry Workshop The IFBWW sponsored a workshop on the Sustainable Development of the Amazon Forests in Manaus, Brazil, in December 1993. The IFBWW affiliate in Brazil, the Federaçao Nacional dos Trabalhadores nas Indústrias da Construção e da Madera( FNTCM- CUT), organised this workshop together with indigenous and environmental organisations to draw up a common platform for the defence and sustainable development of the Amazon area. In August 1995 the IFBWW held a follow- up workshop on the Sustainable Development of the Amazon Forests, in Rio Branco. The participants reported on the work achieved since the first workshop. This was an historic meeting because for the first time representatives of almost all interest groups in Brazil's Amazons State agreed on a joint strategy for a regional development policy. The document, known as the" Rio Branco Charter" defines the necessary economic, environmental, organisational conditions for sustainably managed forests. ITTO IFBWW welcomed the initiative by International Tropical Timber Organisation( ITTO) to coordinate different activities relating to the certification of timber. IFBWW supports the labelling of timber from sustainably- managed forests and contributed to the 16th Session of the Council of the ITTO and a Working Party on Certification of all Timber and Timber Products which took place in Cartagena, Colombia, 12- 23 May 1994. The IFBWW has been represented at the following ITTO meetings held in 1995 and 1996. UN Climate Conference In April 1995 an IFBWW delegation took part in the UN Climate Conference in Berlin, Germany. The IFBWW believes that the reduction of pollutant emissions is a precondition for saving forests and jobs in the wood and forest industries. The IFBWW is also concerned about health and safety problems for building and forestry workers. These workers are exposed to the dangerous effects of the destruction of the ozone layer and UV radiation. Ludvika forestry guidelines Representatives of IFBWW- affiliated wood and forestry unions from Europe, Canada and Australia met in Ludvika, Sweden, in September 1995 and adopted the IFBWW Ludvika forestry guidelines which define a trade union policy for forests in temperate and cold regions. The conference stressed that forests have a function of central importance for the survival of humanity, for both economic and ecological reasons. page 26 1FBWW 20th World Congress Workers' rights and sustainable management of resources in the South Pacific Approximately 30 participants from 10 countries attended the IFBWW Pacific Conference on Workers' Rights and Sustainable Development of Resources in the Building, Wood and Forestry Industries of the Pacific, held in Rotorua, New Zealand, in March 1996. Issues were considered within the framework of the interrelationship of sustaining workers' rights and sustaining resources which provide the economic base for their employment. Bringing together participants from all around the Pacific allowed the IFBWW and its affiliates to get a real understanding of the nature and extent of the role and activities of trade unions in the building, wood and forestry industries in the Pacific. Social issues and forest certification More than 30 trade union representatives and experts from invited organisations such as the ILO, Forest Stewardship Council and the European Commission attended the IFBWW/ EFBWW/ NFBWW Wood& Forestry meeting on Social Issues and Forest Certification in April 1996 in Luxemburg. The meeting discussed the involvement of affiliates and the IFBWW in the certification discussion. Global forestry programme A three month feasibility study was undertaken to develop a proposal for the global forestry programme. The purpose of the study was to work with a number of affiliates to develop specific forest project proposals and to develop an overall global proposal. Four countries in Africa and Asia were selected on the grounds of the strengths of the relevant affiliates and the nature of the forestry problems. These countries were Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia and Zimbabwe. The Dutch FNV supports the implementation of the IFBWW for an initial three year period, starting in 1997. ILO meeting on health and safety in forestry The IFBWW Wood and Forestry Committees played a leading role in the preparation of the ILO meeting of experts on Health and Safety in forestry, in September 1997 in Geneva. The IFBWW Wood& Forestry Steering Committee in Canada in April 1997, considered the draft ILO Code of Practice for Health and Safety in Forestry, reviewed the ongoing discussion on certification and learned about forestry work and practices in Canada. 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 27 Organisation development- integration of specific target groups The IFBWW continued to support its affiliates in the establishment of policies on the integration of specific target groups. Regional seminars on" Modernising our unions", which also raised concerns of white- collar workers, were run. White- collar workers IFBWW observed the tenth session of the ILO Committee on Salaried Employees and Professional Workers in Geneva in May 1994. Government, employers and workers' representatives( coordinated by FIET) from 36 countries discussed two reports prepared by the ILO secretariat concerning recent developments affecting salaried employees and professional workers. The meeting requested the ILO Director General to reflect in the Office's activities the importance of salaried employees and professional workers in modern economies. The IFBWW, EFBW, NFBWW organised a special meeting for white- collar workers in our industries in Luxemburg in September 1996. It was stated that the levels of engineering and technical staff in construction companies are likely to increase in the future. A report was given on the IFBWW policy on organising technical and managerial staff. The meeting recommended that the EFBWW Secretariat should analyse trends and developments concerning white collar workers in our sectors; continue the talks with Eurocadres and form a working party to follow up activities including the preparation of workshops in 1997. Occupational health and safety- a major concern Occupational health and safety continued to be an area of major concern. For 1993-1997 the IFBWW focused on the implementation of IFBWW health and safety policies and education and training programmes in the regions. Asbestos IFBWW has been campaigning for a ban on asbestos for many years. Unionists and scientists are demanding the prohibition of all uses of asbestos and the promotion of substitutes which are less dangerous to the health and safety of workers. This reflects the outcome of an international asbestos seminar" Controlled use or ban" page 28 which took place in March 1994 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The meeting was jointly organised by the Brazil Labour Ministry, FUNDACENTRO and the Brazilian trade union confederations, CUT and Fuerza Sindical. The IFBWW contributed to the seminar and was represented by the IFBWW Education Officer for Latin America. 1FBWW 20th World Congress Occupational Health and Safety Working Party The first Working Party on Occupational Health and Safety after the Congress took place in September 1994 in Vienna, Austria. It was agreed that the IFBWW should continue to prioritise its global health and safety programme and expand activities in this area. The IFBWW Working Party on Health and Safety in Lisbon, in May 1995, dealt with a broad range of problems and issues concerning health and safety, including PVC, accident prevention, The first joint IFBWW/ EFBWW/ NFBWW Working Party on Occupational Health and Safety took place in February 1996 in Luxemburg. More than 30 health and safety experts from European countries, Malaysia, Panama and South Africa discussed priorities for the IFBWW Occupational Health and Safety Action Programme. The Working Party recommended that affiliates should actively campaign for health and safety on Workers' Memorial Day- 28 trade union education, campaigning, a health and April 1996 and organise a conference on organic safety action plan and future activities. World Health Organisation solvents. The 1997 meeting of the joint Working Party focused on the ILO Codes of Practice and on the OHS issues for the 20th Congress. The World Health Organisation arranged an international meeting of experts on" Evaluation and Control of Noise Exposure in the Work Environment" in September 1995 in Geneva. The objective was to produce a document dealing with the occupational aspects of noise including its effects on humans, particularly hearing loss, sound measurement and assessment of exposure to noise, and the prevention and control of noise in the work environment. The meeting was attended by delegates from 15 countries. Two representatives from IFBWW affiliates from Great Britain and Denmark attended the meeting and supplied examples of noise reduction from the construction and woodworking sectors to the expert group. Mineral Fibres As a follow up on the IFBWW Helsingør| workers' federation), the IFBWW and the ILO declaration on MMMF in November 1993 the met in September 1996 in Washington, USA for IFBWW requested the ILO Director General to an ICEM/ Industry Forum on Synthetic Vitreous provide regulations for the handling of insula- Fibres Safety. tion wool and other man- made mineral fibres ( MMMF) and initiate the preparation of an internationally accepted code of practice on safety in the use of insulation wool. The ILO invited the IFBWW to comment on the draft working document Practical Guide on Safety in the Use of Insulation Wools. Representatives from the mineral fibres industry, ICEM( chemical and energy Organic Solvents The IFBWW affiliates in the BAT- Cartel in Denmark carried out a campaign in 1996 focusing on the use of mineral wool and on use of possible alternatives. The BAT- Cartel initiative has been praised by the Danish Minister of Labour and it also contributes to the discussion within the ILO on a new code of practice concerning the use of mineral wool. Around 50 representatives of building, wood and forestry unions belonging to the IFBWW, the EFBWW, and the NFBWW held a conference on Organic Solvents in September in Copenhagen. The conference was also attended by health and safety experts from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Mali, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. The meeting adopted the Copenhagen Agreement, which defines a trade union policy concerning organic solvents in the forestry, wood and building industries. IFBWW 20th World Congress page 29 Committee on Europe- a contact point The political developments in Central and Eastern Europe have entirely changed the foundations of post war policies. The long- standing East- West conflict, the cold war, has come to an end. But the inequalities, poverty and unemployment between and within nations in these countries are on the increase. In the building and wood industries, cheap wood products are now flowing over borders from low- wage economies. In the building industries, companies with access to low- cost labour from other countries now compete for public and private tenders. Industrial agreements and standards are being undermined. The Committee on Europe has the responsibility to oversee IFBWW activities across the whole of Europe, and has developed a special role as a contact point between unions in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The Committee has provided an important forum for discussion and exchange of information between all European trade unions in our sectors. The first IFBWW Steering Committe on Europe took place in September 1994 in Vienna, Austria. The IFBWW Committee on Europe met in January 1996, in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting discussed economic and social development in Central and Eastern European countries and the development of trade unionism, and surveyed IFBWW affiliates' cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe and CIS States. The Committee also reviewed in detail the collaboration between unions in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. It discussed the IFBWW study on Multinational Enterprises in the European Building, Wood and Forestry Sectors, the IFBWW programme for European women trade unonists and the problems of young trade unionists and employment in Europe. More recently, the Steering Committee on Europe met in May 1997 to discuss the report on IFBWW activities in Europe 1994-97 and considered a discussion paper on the IFBWW strategy in Europe. The Baltic Sea Region Trade unionists from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden met in April, 1994, in Nykøbing, Denmark to discuss" The future of the Baltic Sea region" and the economic and social implications for building, wood and forestry workers. The Baltic Sea region has a great potential as an area of future growth and development in this part of Europe. The participants, concerned by the widening economic and social differences between Eastern and Western Europe, considered measures that could bridge the gap. They demanded that financial assistance from governments and the European Union are increased, notably for reforms which target poverty and environmental pollution in Central and Eastern Europe. page 30 FBWW 20th World Congress Advancing collective bargaining Nearly one hundred unionists from 24 countries took part in the IFBWW conference" Advancing Collective Bargaining in Europe's Building, Woodworking and Forestry Industries", held in Warsaw, Poland, in January 1996. The European conference was the last in a series of IFBWW regional meetings on collective bargaining. Others had been organised in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Increasing cooperation IFBWW has increased its cooperation with EFBWW and NFBWW during the last congress period and carried out joint activities on health and safety and forestry issues. The IFBWW Secretariat has attended many meetings of both federations, for example: The EFBWW 7th General Assembly in November 1995 in Blankenberge, Belgium. The NFBWW Conference on" A Change of System for the Labour Market in the Nordic Countries", in November, in Nykøbing, Denmark. NFBWW held a meeting in Siikaranta, Finland, in October 1995. The main topic of the meeting was" How to defend collective bargaining in Nordic countries". Research: to achieve industrial aims The IFBWW worked to achieve specific industrial aims set out in the Action Programme for building, wood, forestry and allied trades workers worldwide. IFBWW research activities since the last Congress include studies on economic integration and globalisation; health and safety in our sectors; a survey on unions in our sectors which are organising white- collar workers including membership levels, and research on major transnational corporations in our sectors. 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 31 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 IF BWW th BBH IBTU FITCM Solidarity Activities20TH WORLD CONGRESS Trade Union and Other Human Rights IFBWW priorities for trade union rights activities Since the last Congress, the IFBWW has increased its work in the field of defending and promoting trade union rights. Over the last four years the IFBWW has: ✓ continued to intensify its efforts in defence of human and trade union rights; ✓ worked towards greater cooperation with the ICFTU, ITSS and concerned NGOs especially in fighting for the respect of basic minimum labour standards; ✓ worked to promote the authority of the ILO and other United Nations agencies to protect and promote conditions which prevent the abuse of trade union rights; ✓ submitted an application to the ILO for an international project to conduct awareness seminars on trade union rights and international labour standards; ✓ addressed women's rights at every level and coordinated campaigns to protest about violations of women's rights; ✓ strengthened IFBWW trade union rights violations information and solidarity actions; ✓ worked to create greater awareness among IFBWW affiliates about the rights of indigenous peoples; ✓ undertaken specific trade union rights training programmes on campaigning and actions in defence of trade union rights in the regions; ✓ continued to encourage affiliates to make voluntary collections among members to be used in cases of violations of trade union rights in different parts of the world; ✓ developed materials explaining different mechanisms for the defence of trade union rights; ✓ organised missions to intervene and examine violations of trade union rights and to press for a positive resolution on behalf of affiliates. page 32 17BWW 20th World Congress Intensifying efforts in defence of trade union and other human rights Between 1994-1996 alone the IFBWW has been called on to launch appeals and bring pressure on governments or companies in the following countries. Approximate estimates are as follows: ( Country and number of interventions) Argentina- 4, Australia- 2, Bangladesh- 3, Belarus- 2, Bolivia- 5, Brazil- 6, Burma1, Chad- 2, Chile- 10, Colombia- 16, Costa Rica- 7, Croatia- 3, Curaçao- 2, Cyprus- 1, The Czech Republic- 1, The Dominican Republic- 2, El Salvador- 1, France 4, Gabon- 2, Germany- 1, Ghana- 2 Guatemala- 29, Honduras- 3, Hong Kong- 1, India- 2, Indonesia7, Korea- 6, Lesotho- 4, Liberia- 4, Luxemburg- 1, Mauritius- 1, Mexico- 4, The Netherlands- 1, Nicaragua3, Nigeria- 3, Pakistan- 8, Panama- 5, Paraguay- 12, Peru- 4, The Philippines- 3, Romania- 1, Russia- 5, Rwanda- 1, The Slovak Republic- 1, South Africa- 7, Spain- 1, Sri Lanka- 2, Swaziland- 2, Turkey- 4, The United Arab Emirates- 1, The United Kingdom- 2, Uruguay- 2, The USA- 10, Venezuela- 6, Zimbabwe- 5. The IFBWW has documented" Urgent Actions"," Solidarity Appeals" and other means undertaken to support affiliates and fraternal organisations during the last congress period in its booklet" IFBWW Solidarity 1994-1997”. The IFBWW responded to more than 250 appeals for solidarity assistance during the period 1994-1996. During the previous congress period the IFBWW responded to 118 appeals for solidarity action. Although the cases brought to the IFBWWs attention vary widely, it is notable that the IFBWW has recently received a far higher number of appeals for solidarity from industrialised countries, many of which had previously had relatively stable industrial relations records. The results recorded include major industrial disputes. However, it is clear that when dealing with a local dispute, affiliates are increasingly using the IFBWW to activate international pressure. The types of violations reported and documented include a wide range of categories. Serious violations are estimated to represent the following percentages of the total number of IFBWW Solidarity Actions: Murders, death threats, torture, disappearances= 10.13% Arbitrary attacks, police intervention, arrests= 17.62% Random or mass dismissals of union representatives or members= 11.9% Other violations include legal actions, demonstrations, actions against regressive legislation, strikes or other industrial action and appeals on behalf of indigenous peoples. While almost all of the cases reported to the IFBWW involve women workers in our sectors, it is worrying to note that at least seven cases recorded were directly focused on intimidating and harassing women workers or murdering women union activists or trade union leaders for taking actions to organise or protect women in specific areas. In all of these cases the IFBWW has undertaken concerted action to support the organisation of women in our industries. page 33 The IFBWW has strengthened its response to attacks on trade union rights in the following ways: writing direct protests to governments and companies; informing affiliated organisations of national disputes and encouraging unions around the world to send protest letters; ✔ providing and collecting humanitarian assistance funds for dismissed or striking workers and for legal expenses; ✓ launching well researched international information campaigns for affiliates, ITSS, ICFTU, Amnesty International, the ILO, the United Nations, international development assistance agencies which may be funding projects where a dispute is taking place- and the press; sending missions to the dispute site or to meet local managers; making direct representations to the world headquarters of the subsidiaries of companies involved in disputes; requesting the the ILO Director General to intervene and bring pressure to bear on the offending government; lodging official complaints against governments in the ILO's Freedom of Association Committee; making representations to the ILO Committee on Application of Standards; drawing cases to the attention of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights; making direct protests to the embassy of the offending government, and calling on affiliates to do the same in their own countries; calling on other countries, which are major donors or trade partners offering special trade relations with offending countries, to suspend trade and development assistance aid to specific countries in which an affiliate or general trade union rights are suppressed. IFBWW" Urgent Actions" are generally launched when serious threats are posed to the existence of the union, its representatives or members. They are also used in the event of mass dismissals or when workers are the victims of violence." Urgent Actions" usually involve calling on affiliates to protest to governments or employers. Recognising affiliates own workloads and the need not to over- use this mechanism," Urgent Actions" are now usually restricted to particularly serious situations. IFBWW" Solidarity Appeals", introduced in 1994, are usually circulated when an affiliate requests messages of support for their demands during the course of collective bargaining, industrial disputes or in the event of a breakdown in negotiations. EMEK BIZIM YEMEK SİZİN page 34 CAGO4S RAS 1FBWW 20th World Congress Using new technology to strengthen solidarity In some cases, depending on the severity and likely duration of a dispute, the IFBWW writes directly to the government or employer. Corporate investigations may be launched to identify locations of corporate activities in order to inform branches of the same company in other countries of the dispute at a branch elsewhere in the world. In this manner, the IFBWW may ask for the involvement of the union at the headquarters or in other subsidiaries in order to bring pressure in another part of the world. Due to the global coverage of transnational companies and financial investment houses, it is often difficult to find out" who owns who". In order to be able to track a company's operations and establish the source of ownership, the IFBWW now uses the Internet to collect information about companies, including subsidiaries, profits, addresses and worldwide operations. Such information can assist in bringing pressure on the local company whose reputation may not only be at stake in the country of the dispute, but also worldwide. Annual company reports are also used when the IFBWW needs information about a multinational company. Case Study 1 Examples of solidarity actions 1994-1997 Asia Pacific: Daewoo operations in Pakistan- an ongoing history of violations of trade union rights legal loopholes and delaying tactics to block recognition. The IFBWW has been involved in a 4- year dispute between the Awami Labour Union at the Daewoo Motorway Project and the Daewoo Corpo- the Awami Labour Union have ration in Pakistan. The Awami Labour Union Daewoo MotorVarious actions taken by the IFBWW in solidarity with included: kistan about the violation of trade union rights at the project. The ILO Freedom of Association Committee ruled decisively in the IFBWW's favour, calling on the Government to register the union and investigate the way Project is a member organi- ✓ solidarity appeals to all affili- violence against the workers sation of the IFBWW's affiliate, ates the Pakistan Federation of ✔ Urgent Actions to all affiliates Building and Wood Workers ( PFBWW). and friendly organisations ✓ letters of protest to the Daewoo Corporation in Pakistan and Korea The Awami Labour Union organises workers at the Daewoo Motorway Project between Lahore and Islamabad in Paki- ✓ Letters of protest to the Government of Pakistan ✓ financial support to the Awami Labour Union stan. The union is seeking registration and recognition of its right to organise and bargain collectively on behalf of the workers on the site. This has been refused by the project management which has resorted an IFBWW/ ICFTU comto violence and has been using plaint to the Government of Pa1FBWW 20th World Congress stan ✔a joint IFBWW and Korean Federation of Construction Trade Unions which organises construction workers in Daewoo's Korean operations, met representatives from the head office of Daewoo Corporation Construction and Engineering in Seoul, Korea. Although this dispute is yet to be finalised, the support and ✔high level missions to Paki- solidarity provided by the IFBWW and its affiliates has been a decisive force in enabling the union to continue its struggle. page 35 Case study 2 Africa: Lesotho- 15 workers shot dead and 30 others injured page 36 The IFBWW last intervened in this case on 5 September 1990, submitting a complaint against the Government of Lesotho. Recommendations were made by the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association asking the Government of Lesotho to respect ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to abstain from interfering in the work of trade union officials and stop the violations of trade union rights documented in our submission. On 4 May 1994 the IFBWW informed the ILO that we believed there had been gross negligence on the part of the Government of Lesotho in seriously examining the ILO recommendations. The IFBWW was informed by our affiliate( CAWULE) that on the 14th September 96, 15 workers were killed and 30 wounded by state police at the Lesotho Highland Project site at Butha Buthe, during protest action which was being undertaken following the summary dismissal of 2,300 workers at the project. The IFBWW immediately intervened in the case sending the African Regional Representative to assist the employers LHPC and MHPC and CAWULE to reopen discussions. The negotiations resulted in a number of positive steps. The employers LHPC and MHPC insist that the shootings were the responsibility of the Government of Lesotho. All parties agreed that negotiations should aim to achieve a firm basis for good industrial relations and the avoidance of similar incidents in the future. The IFBWW protested about the shootings to the Government of Lesotho and launched and" Urgent Action" calling on all affiliates to protest. IFBWW 20th World Congress Summary of the actions carried out under the IFBWW Latin American Regional Pilot Project on Human and Trade Union Rights 1994-1996. nied by circulars addressed to member and kindred organisations, urging them to express their solidarity. Most of the actions of solidarity were in reActions of solidarity have been one of the main priorities of the Pilot Project on Human and Trade Union Rights in Latin America. Since the implementation of the Project in September 1994, the Latin American Regional Office( ORL) has enhanced its capacity to respond to reports of vio- sponse to violations of the rights to freedom of lations of trade union rights submitted by( 40%). There were also actions in response to association, to bargain collectively and to strike IFBWW member unions or fraternal organisations in Latin America. Since the start of the Pi- in some cases culminated in attempts on the lives reports of persecution and death threats, which lot Project the ORL/ IFBWW has launched 100 widely varying actions of solidarity. These direct interventions by ORL have been accompaNational Seminar- Workshops of trade union leaders. Urgent Actions In implementing the Pilot Project, the ORL/ IFBWW carried out 49 solidarity campaigns in response to violations of human and trade union rights, both within and outside the region. Between 1994 and 1995, the actions of solidarity increased by approximately 42%, while from 1995 to 1996 their number grew by 101%. Under the Pilot Project, five national seminar- workshops and two similar regional events have been organised and held on human and trade union rights. They took place in Colombia, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru. Support was also given to a seminar on IFBWW trade union policy in the Caribbean, held in Barbados in November 1995. 1FBWW 20th World Congress Publication of supplementary material In the process of implementation of the Pilot Project, some materials have been published to supplement the training of members of IFBWW unions and kindred organizations. They include: a)" Derechos Humanos y Sindicales en America Latina"[ Human and trade union rights in Latin America], containing a brief explanation of the IFBWW Regional Human and Trade Union Rights Programme, and a summary of the principal trade union rights contained in international labour standards and national labour laws; b)" Nosotros tambien tenemos derechos"[ We have rights too] containing a summary of international standards for the protection of women workers, embodied in ILO Conventions; c)" La Solidaridad no tiene Fronteras"[ Solidarity has no boundaries], containing a guide for the formulation of reports on human and trade union rights violations. A poster was also produced to promote human and trade union rights. page 37 Major campaigns involving cross border solidarity Case study 3 North American, European and Asian Solidarity In 1994 The Laborers' In-| Metal Workers' Union raised the ternational Union of North matter with Volvo Headquarters America( LIUNA) informed the and sent a delegation to the site IFBWW that the Volvo Corpo- to talk to the local Volvo Manration was planning to expand agement. Unfortunately, the disits facilities at their Dublin site pute was not settled and conin North Carolina. It was re- tracts were given to non- union ported that the company was construction companies. considering using non- union labour. The IFBWW asked the NFBWW and our Swedish affiliate, the Swedish Metal Workers' Union, to intervene with Volvo to persuade them to recognise the Laborers' Union and to use their organised workers in the extension of the Dublin facilities project. The Swedish In 1995 The Teamsters informed the IFBWW about a dispute with two foreign companies, Lone Star Northwest owned by Cichibu Onoda( Japan) Cadman Inc. owned by CBR- Belgium and Heidelberger Zement- Germany, following the management's attempts to avoid signing a new collective agreement, while undermining existing provisions of employment. The IFBWW wrote to its German, Belgian and Japanese affiliates providing information about the dispute and asking for affiliates to take the matter up. The Teamsters informed us that contracts were successfully concluded with these subsidiaries in the USA in March 1995. The Teamsters expressed thanks to the IFBW, Belgian, German and Japanese affiliates for the information provided about the companies from Japan, Belgium and Germany and for having intervened with parent companies. Case study 4 Asian and European solidarity In July 1994 the Burmese trade union movement in exile informed us of a shipment of teak wood, harvested by forced labour arriving in Hamburg Harbour. The IFBWW, German affiliates and Amnesty International organised a demonstration at the dock site of the Burmese ship, Mandalay, which was cargh MANDALAY BBH und GHK für ksafts- schenrechte in Burma amnesty international CH rying the teak wood. The German unions also took up the case with the purchasers, informing them that the wood had been harvested under forced labour conditions, organised by the military, forcing villagers to cut the teak at gun point. The unions pressed the purchasers to use alternative sources other than Burmese wood. page 38 1FBWW 20th World Congress Building greater cooperation with the ICFTU, ITSs and The IFBWW participates with other ITSS and the ICFTU in joint initiatives to defend trade union rights, for example, joint conferences, seminars, meetings or projects. The IFBWW regularly participates in the ICFTU Trade Union Rights Committee. The IFBWW has also participated directly in ICFTU/ ITS missions to Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia and Palestine in order to investigate the general trade union situation and examine workers' freedom to form and join trade unions of their choice. concerned NGOs The IFBWW maintains close cooperation with the ICFTU and ITSS developing united responses to the global attack on union rights and employers' efforts to dismantle ILO standards setting activities. Joint meetings are frequently held between the ILO Workers' Group representatives, the ITSS and the ICFTU in order to keep the ITSS informed of developments and problems faced by the Workers' Group and to ensure a coordinated strategy to confront the employers' attempts to weaken the ILO's Industrial Activities. IFBWW/ ILO International project on trade union rights and international labour standards- specific trade union rights training programmes on campaigning and actions in defence of trade union rights in the regions During the last congress period the IFBWW succeeded in implementing an international trade union rights project, sponsored by the ILO, to assist affiliates encountering problems with labour legislation or with specific international employers in our sectors. The project provided the opportunity for meetings between trade union representatives from neighbouring countries, to compare labour legislation with international labour standards and develop awareness of existing ILO Conventions and Recommendations. The IFBWW Handbook on Trade Union Rights was used extensively during this project and we plan to publish an up- dated version on Mechanisms for the Defence of Trade Union Rights. Activities organised under this project during 1995 included 1) The Southern African Sub- regional seminar on Employment Policies and the Impact of Export Processing Zones-August, Zimbabwe; 2) The Regional Seminar on Women's Rights and ILO Standards- Ghana; 3) Collective Bargaining, Trade Union Rights and ILO Standards Seminar-October, Hong Kong; 4) The Sub- regional Seminar on Trade Union Rights and ILO Standards and Multinational Companies-October, Guatemala; 5) The Trade Union Rights, Collective Bargaining and ILO Standards Seminar- November, Colombia; 6) The Trade Union Rights, Collective Bargaining and ILO Standards Seminar- November, Togo; 7) The Regional Seminar on Trade Union Rights and ILO Standards- September, Colombia; 8) The National Seminar on Trade Union Rights and ILO StandardsMarch, Peru. FBWW 20th World Congress page 39 IFBWW increases its role in the United Nations system In order to enhance the IFBWW's impact within the United Nations system, in 1995, the IFBWW became a member of the UN Economic and Social Council, which deals with a wide range of human rights cases. The IFBWW also became a member of the UN- NGO system, the " Conference of Non- Governmental Organisations"( CONGO) which also provides additional avenues to bring cases to the attention of government representatives and the United Nation's Committees. The IFBWW, presented the case of bonded labour in India, at the UN Sub- Commission on the Promotion of Human Rights and Against Minority Groups Discrimination in June 1995, highlighting the difficulties which IFBWW affiliates in India were having in freeing bonded labour construction workers and in pressing for the respect and application of the Indian Law against Forced Labour. A further complaint is to be presented by the IFBWW against the Government of India for violation of Convention 29 in the ILO's Committee on Application of Standards. Conclusion Trade unions and trade union rights have increasingly become a central target for governments and employers who are trying to diminish the rights and expectations of working people. This assault is not limited to any one country or region, it is a worldwide attack. Through strategic planning and coordinated, targeted international corporate campaigns, concerted Verantwortungslos macht arbeitslos. Arbeitslos macht obdachlos Ding STOPPT INDUSTRIE ERKVERBAND RERLIN S organisation and our collective strength, IFBWW campaigns for the defence of trade union rights will continue to be a powerful force, recognised as such by those set on undermining workers' rights. page 40 17BWW 20th World Congress MOPERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 H881 IFBWW IBTU FITBR FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS Education Trade union development activities The aims of IFBWW education work are to: ކ work with the international trade union movement as a whole on global issues that affect our members link the work of trade unions with other aspects of civil society ✓ develop education and research on trade union and human rights develop international links between trade unions in the North and South to assist them jointly to explore common problems and ideas promote activities specifically concerned with women and youth development in trade unions and in the wider society and to ensure a gender perspective in all aspects of our education work provide specialist skills on participatory education and the training of trainers develop a network of educators to support and manage education projects provide training on effective project management, design and evaluation in order to help international trade unions make the best use of scarce resources promote sustainable development based on effective training and mobilisation of human resources IFBWW education coordinators The IFBWW is convinced that education programmes are one of the most effective ways to strengthen unions in the developing world, and that sound organisation, good communications and advice and support are vital to make sure that education programmes really work to the long- term benefit of union members. In order to help affilliates plan finance and run their educational activities the IFBWW has continued to strengthen its network of regional and subregional education and project coordinators. The IFBWW head office in Geneva takes care of key tasks such as: O programme development O finalisation of project submissions O liaison with donor organisations O preparation of reports on activities and finances O writing of project guidelines and education materials O training of educators and project workers hong O coordination of activities of the IFBWW regional and subregional staff 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 41 In every region a team of Education Coordinators has been created to advise unions, assist with training and materials development, help with programme planning and administration, handle financial transfers and accounting for education work guided by the IFBWW Regional Representatives to make sure that IFBWW education meets union needs and IFBWW objectives. IFBWW donor organisations The IFBWW has continued efforts to maintain good working relations with all the major donor organisations, and involve them as partners in the education activities of IFBWW. We have sought to maintain and increase the availability of funds despite adverse economic and political trends in donor countries over the last four years. We have continued to involve and indeed expand the participation of affiliates in industrialised countries as donors and partners. Regional education activities During the last 4 years IFBWW education activities in the regions have focused on strengthening trade union organisations by integrating international policy goals into the organising and industrial needs of our affiliates. IFBWW Education Activities in Africa The need for the development of strong and democratically run trade unions continues to be a priority in the African region. In common with other regions, union development has been hampered by the effects of political and economic instability and change; in addition to these influences specific difficulties such as large- scale dismissals have been created by structural adjustment programmes in many countries. Education initiatives in the region have therefore focused primarily on trade union organisation and development with activities being carried out at workplace, sectoral and national level. Strategies have also been developed to attract and fully involve greater numbers of women and youth members. Trade union rights, collective bargaining techniques and occupational health and safety have remained as priority concerns for members in the building, wood and forestry sectors. These concerns have been addressed through awareness- raising campaigns and through specific training for union leadership and educators. In addition to' union specific' projects, several programmes have been undertaken with the aim of increasing levels of cooperation and understanding between different unions at national and regional level. The IFBWW is particularly proud of these programmes which promote South- South collaboration and exchange of experience and are helping to overcome language and racial barriers. page 42 1FBWW 20th World Congress IFBWW Education Activities in Asia- Pacific Our trade union development activities continued to be our main activities in the region. The major activities of IFBWW trade union development cooperation is for the development of free, democratic, strong and selfreliant trade unions. Activities encompass programmes for trade union leaders, activists and grass- root members including women and youth in the construction and wood sectors of the developing economies in the region. Significant inroads have also been made into the informal sectors. Occupational health and safety is still a priority in this region. IFBWW education activities have focused on preventative measures, training That educators and preparing appropriate materials and campaigns. WOOD IND KOLING IFBWW education programmes in the Asia- Pacific region have helped to create stronger, better organised unions and we are also beginning to see an increase in women's participation in trade union activities in this region. IFBWW Education Activities in Central and Eastern Europe Education programmes in Central and Eastern Europe have continued to expand over the last 4 years. IFBWW education was vital in assisting trade unions in these countries to find new responses and strategies to defend effectively the interests of workers. IFBWW education has focused on assisting unions to educate their members about the role of trade unions in market economies and collective bargaining procedures. Our education programmes have helped with the development of new union policies on issues such as employment rights, social security provisions and social welfare systems. Another priority has been the training of educators, particularly to help them use participative learning techniques. The IFBWW has coordinated substantial education programmes in cooperation with Western European affiliates and has greatly improved cooperation between our affiliates in East and Western Europe. This cooperation is going far beyond the education activities and is vital for the strengthening of the unions in Central and Eastern Europe. 1FBWW 20th World Congress page 43 IFBWW Education Activities in Latin America and the Caribbean The education programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean have expanded significantly over the last four years. The education work has always sought to be relevant to the immediate social and political problems that trade unions in Latin America must face. Participative education methods are used. Workers are often taught to be passive and suspicious of collective action and through IFBWW education programmes, they are encouraged to seek solutions to common problems. It is clear that trade unions need to reorganise and review their structures and working methods in Latin America. Education programmes can play an important part in strengthening and renewing the organisational base of our affiliates. In Latin America, the education programmes have included basic trade union training, specialised educator training both at national and regional level, seminars on trade union planning and goal setting, occupational health and safety training and production of campaign materials and a regional programme to promote trade union and human rights. The IFBWW has developed a pilot project in the Mayan Biosphere in Central America on sustainable forestry management and trade union organising. In addition, there have been a number of sub- regional and regional programmes, including women activists' training at regional level, basic literacy training for women, and a regional training programme for young workers. The IFBWW has also supported a pilot project for a vocational training school for construction trades in Central America and supported training and information exchange for the construction and wood trade unions in the MercoSur economic union and in Central America. Education has sought to increase cooperation and unity within the Latin American trade union movement within a perspective of political pluralism and mutual respect. Health and Safety Education Health and safety education is a key issue for the IFBWW. Construction, wood and forestry industries are amongst the most dangerous, with high accident rates and health risks. The IFBWW believes that these problems are problems which unions must tackle- they cannot be left just to employers and government agencies- as they often simply do not do anything. This is why the IFBWW health and safety programmes have been so important. page 44 1FBWW 20th World Congress Local union representatives and members must be aware of common hazards, their rights to safe work, and how to raise and tackle the daily hazards which they find in the work place. Education is therefore a key weapon in the fight for safe work. Through a long- term programme supported by LO Norway, the IFBWW has worked to: ✓ train trade union leaders through regional courses to make them aware of the issues and the role of trade unions ✓ train trainers and health and safety officers at national level to help unions build up the structures they need for effective health and safety work encourage unions to include health and safety courses in all national programmes ✓ develop health and safety materials on key issues of direct concern to workers in the building, wood and forestry industries. IFBWW education has also helped equip affiliates to fight for the widespread ratification of relevant ILO Conventions, particularly Convention 167 on Health and Safety in the Construction Industry. Education materials development The IFBWW has increased the number of education materials and publications in the last congress period. Materials developed have included training manuals and information on administration and teaching methods, evaluation and material writing skills. The IFBWW has added to the number of manuals which have been produced in consultation with and by local unions so as to ensure their relevance and appropriate style in line with local needs. Specific materials for women, West Africa, Trade Unions in Transition and theme- based materials on health and safety and trade union rights, for example, have been produced. Trade union development activities Women workers, young workers and child workers are all basically issues about how to meet the needs of specific target groups which require new strategies and careful planning and form part of the wider challenge related to modernising our unions. Through its regional and international education structures, the IFBWW has helped provide a service to affiliates whereby together we can develop the union's overall organising and industrial plan of action with the support of an education programme. FBWW 20th World Congress Women nou IFBWW education projects aim to develop trade unions to be effective organisations which can defend the interests of their members. As a key part of that aim, education projects must encourage participation by all members, both men and women, in discussion and decision- making in their trade unions. If women are to play an equal role in trade union affairs, they must benefit together with men from the education projects of their union. Women make up 18% of the membership of the IFBWW but are not participating on an equal basis in the education programmes. The IFBWW encourages the greater involvement of women by suggesting that affiliates look at: Consultation: consult their women members about how to make sure the trade union's education and training activities meet their special needs. Programme design: develop special women's courses within the overall education project. Some women may prefer to be trained separately, for cultural reasons or to build their confidence. Affirmative action: specify how women will participate in and benefit from the activities and how the design promotes women's participation in accordance with their needs and possibilities. Quotas: set a realistic quota for women's participation in all education programmes, usually between 15%-30% female participation. Course duration and venue: encourage more women to attend, through shorter hours, flexible study plans, non- residential courses and venues closer to home. Child care facilities: provide child care facilities, or other support, for women who otherwise could not participate in education courses. page 46 Education materials: include- women's issues in trade union education materials. For example the IFBWW has developed training materials on bargaining for equality for use in particular in women's training programmes. 17BWW 20th World Congress Youth The IFBWW commenced its campaign on young workers in the last congress period. We have focused on establishing a charter of basic rights for young people which has allowed us and our affiliates to identify very clearly areas of future need or activity to be undertaken by unions. This charter was developed through a series of local, regional and international events and we will continue to include these issues in our local and national education programmes. As well as ensuring that these rights are clearly expressed and accepted, the IFBWW has recognised the need to fight for better work related education and training for young people. Educating and training young people can build the basis for trade unionism. It can promote informed political decision- making as young people learn to understand the role of trade unions in protecting workers and their role in societies and economies. Over the last few years the IFBWW has encouraged the increase of young workers' participation in education activities. More and more affiliates are requesting that their local and national education programmes have a" youth focus". We have continued to support the training of young trade unionists and the exchange of ideas between young people from different countries and between young members and their union leadership. Child labour- how can trade union education help? The IFBWW's work on child labour has received considerable interest and support from affiliates from industrialised countries and from the donor community. There has been a very strong commitment and humanitarian concern among union members in the North to find meaningful ways to contribute to the IFBWW work to reduce child labour. IFBWW education and development activities have played a very important role through: feasibility studies to establish integrated programmes of support the production of education materials on child labour awareness raising and organising strategy discussions with affiliates in countries with a high incidence of child workers international lobbying and campaigning local programmes which integrate trade union organising work, improvements in the real income of mothers and initiatives related to provision of formal or non- formal education for child workers FBWW 20th World Congress page 47 MODERNISING OUR UNIONS. HARARE. 3-5 SEPT. 1997 IFBWW. IBTU An Staff FITBR FITCM 20th WORLD CONGRESS IFBWW Secretariat in Geneva The General Secretary, Ulf Asp, is a full- time official of the IFBWW, responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Congress, Executive and Management Committees and for the IFBWW Secretariat in Geneva and in the regions. In the IFBWW Geneva Secretariat Robin Whitehouse is Assistant General Secretary. Marion F. Hellmann is Industrial Relations Secretary and Secretary of the IFBWW Industrial Committees. Nora Wintour is Education Secretary and Women's Officer. Piotr Zeydler is Information Officer. Sten Toft Petersen is Education Secretary. Susana Miller is education assistant. Faith O'Neill is education assistant. Sylviane Decollogny is responsible for office administration. Patrick Fonjallaz is our accountant. Sylviane Muller is secretary and receptionist. Camilla Jelmini is Swedish translator. Geneviève Kalina deals with translations and assists with solidarity actions. Raquel Gonzalez works in finance and office administration. Rosenell Dubois is office assistant. Andrew Fairclough was the IFBWW's Education Secretary from June 1990. Andy died in November 1996 after a long illness. Under his guidance the IFBWW developed effective regional education teams and a broad range of new programmes. IFBWW regional staff are part of the IFBWW Secretariat. The Regional Representatives are appointed by the Executive Committee and report to the IFBWW General Secretary. The duty of the Regional Representatives is to represent the IFBWW General Secretary and to pursue their tasks in the best interest of the IFBWW as a whole. In Asia- Pacific the IFBWW Regional Office, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is staffed by Balan Nair as Regional Representative, Elena Tan as administrative officer and Jenny Luck as Regional Education Secretary. An IFBWW Sub- regional office for East Asia operates from Tokyo, staffed by Takeo Ikawa. The IFBWW Pacific Sub- Regional Office in Melbourne, Australia is staffed by Sarah Fitzpatrick as Sub- Regional Representative and Project Coordinator. The IFBWW South Asia Sub- regional& Projects Office in New Delhi is staffed by BK Sood as Sub- Regional Representative and Project Coordinator. In Harare, Zimbabwe, the IFBWW Regional Office is staffed by Walter Mugadza as Regional Representative and Canisius Zharare as Education Officer. The office staff are Charity Sacirarwe, Morris Muchenje and Shelter Mudongo. In Latin America, the Regional Office in Panama is headed by Pablo Arosemena, as Regional Representative. Vicente Carrera is Regional Education Secretary. Iraida Cano is in charge of occupational health and safety and Marcelina Samaniego coordiIFBWW's Lome office nates the trade union and human serves West, Central and North- rights programme. Office adern Africa. Abdou Ouedraogo is ministration staff are Lucila de Project Coordinator for Franco- Gutiérrez, Manuel Jiménez, phone Africa. Michael Ofosu is Melkys Miranda, Celestina Project Coordinator for Anglo- Jurado de Ortega, Raquel phone West Africa. Office staff de Rodriguez and Damaris include Vivon- Amegan Afatchao, Samaniego. Godwin Ayeh- Fianko and Patado Simon. Members Group 6: Great Britain/ Ireland- 1 representative, 2 substitutes Colin A. Christopher/ George Brumwell George Brumwell 1st substitute George Brumwell/ Colin A. Christopher vacant 2nd substitute Gerard Fleming Gerard Fleming Member Shlomo Dahan Sammy Cohen Member Tevfik Özcelik Group 7: Israel/ Cyprus- 1 representative, 2 substitutes 1st substitute Andreas Klitou Andreas Klitou 2nd substitute David Galanos David Galanos Group 8: Turkey- 1 representative, 2 substitutes 1st substitute Güral Ercakir 2nd substitute Tamer Eralan Members Group 9: Central and Eastern Europe- 2 representatives, 4 substitutes Robert Zednik Rudolf Horvath vacant Dusan Barcik 1st substitute Marian Sârbu Mara Tomsone Gheorghe Mares Mara Tomsone 2nd substitute Janos Nagymihaly Dimitar Manolov Janos Nagymihaly Zbigniew Janowski Group 10: North America- 2 representatives, 4 substitutes 1st substitute 2nd substitute Members vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant( G.Stoney retired recently) vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant Members Group 11: West/ Central Africa& Tunisia- 2 representatives, 4 substitutes Ousseynou T. Gueye R.O. Sanyaolu 1st substitute George Mannah 2nd substitute Hassen Chebil Baba El Madane Toure vacant Members Amento Komla Yawovi George Mannah Amento Komla Yawovi Jean Pambhoo Hassen Chebil Félicien Makaya Group 12: Southern/ East Africa& Egypt- 2 representatives, 4 substitutes Mounir El Dorghamy Mathew Oliphant 1st substitute Musamia Wa Wafula Edward Njekesa 2nd substitute Rajpalsingh Allgoo Kester Kaamba page 50 1FBWW 20th World Congress vacant Mathew Oliphant Member Yoshio Suzuki Member Musamia Wa Wafula vacant Rajpalsingh Allgoo Kester Kaamba Group 13: East Asia- 1 representative, 2 substitutes 1st substitute Lin Wu Tong 2nd substitute Kim Rak Ki Group 14: South/ East Asia- 1 representative, 2 substitutes 1st substitute Saralen Purba Ibarra Malonzo 2nd substitute Ibarra Malonzo Goh Choon Kiat S. Santhanasamy S. Santhanasamy Group 15: South Asia- 1 representative, 2 substitutes 1st substitute Saeed Malik/ K.A. Khan vacant 2nd substitute Member K.A. Khan/ Saeed Malik vacant Member Trevor Smith M.R. Chowdhury M.R. Chowdhury Group 16: Oceania/ South Pacific- 1 representative, 2 substitutes 1st substitute Chris Northover 2nd substitute Len Wilson- Parr Group 17: Andean Countries- 1 representative, 2 substitutes Member Ramiro Moncada 1st substitute Hugo Davila Manuel José Cova Fermin Hugo Davila Member 2nd substitute Luis Carlos Guarin Luis Carlos Guarin Group 18: Southern Cone- 2 representatives, 4 substitutes Ramon Elbio Benitez Jorge González Edison Bernardes 1st substitute Jorge González Victor Hugo Brandan Pedro A. Gimenez 2nd substitute Edison Bernardes Marcos Hartung José Antonio Di Santo Member Group 19: Central America/ Caribbean- 1 representative, 2 substitutes Luís Alonzo Mayorga Member 1st substitute ом тело Juan Medina Solano 2nd substitute Nilo Salazar Aguilar Group 20: CIS( Russian Fed., Moldova)- 1 representative, 2 substitutes Boris Soshenko 1FBWW 20th World Congress 1st substitute Valery Ochekurov 2nd substitute Oleg Budza page 51 IFBWW PUBLICATIONS Language code: A( Arabic), E( English), F( French), G( German), P( Portugese), R( Russian), SP( Spanish), SW( Swedish) Periodicals IFBWW FaxNews( E) IFBWW Bulletin" Building and Wood"( bimonthly)( E, F, G, SP, SW) IFBWW Bulletin" Education News"( twice a year)( E, F, SP) Information and History IFBWW at Work( E, F, G, R, SP, SW) " Organizing for the Future"-a 25- minute Video programme about the IFBWW( E, F, G, SP, SW) Building the Future. 100 Years of International Cooperation- a History. By Knut Johansson and Jan- Erik Norling( E, F, G, SP, SW) WW Solidarity Handbook on Trade Union Rights( A, E, F, R, SP) WW Policy Papers IFBWW Strategy for employment and stability in Building, Wood and Forestry- agenda for 1994-1997( E, F, G, SP, SW) [ IFBWW Forest Programme( E, F, G, SP, SW) [ [ ☐ IFBWW Bern Asbestos Manifesto( E, F, G, P, SP, SW) IFBWW/ EFBWW Helsingør Declaration on Manufactured Mineral Fibres( E, F, G, P, SP, SW) Privatisation- the IFBWW view: For Social Justice in Structural Adjustment( A, E, F, G, SP, SW) Non- Permanent Employment- the IFBWW view: Protecting All Forms of Employment ( E, F, G, SP, SW) Changes in the Cement Industry. ( E, F, G, SP, SW, Italian) - - the IFBWW study: Concentration and Globalization Housing the IFBWW view: Build better homes for all!( E) Organising young workers- both women and men( E) IFBWW Education Manuals D [ [ [ C Project Manual( E, F, SP) Trade Unions in Transition( E, R) WW Health and Safety Series Ban Asbestos( E, F, SP) Make Construction Work Safe( A, E, F, P, SP, Thai) Solvent and Paint Hazards( E, F, SP) Wood Dust- No, Thanks!( E, F, G, SP, SW) Manufactured Mineral Fibres in Construction( E, F, G, SP, SW) Safety, health and welfare on construction sites. A training manual.( E) WW Women's Reports IFBWW Women's Questionnaire( E, F, SP) New Voices in the IFBWW. A report on the IFBWW Women's International Workshop, 1993, The Hague( E, F, SP) " Women on Site". Report of IFBWW Asian Regional Workshop" Building Women's Participation in Trade Unions"( New Delhi, 1994)( E) Opening the Curtain on New Opportunities. A report from IFBWW Seminar for European Women Trade Unionists( Steinbach, Germany, September 1995)( E) IFBWW Discussion Papers " 12 hours a day every day"- Child Labour in the Brick Kilns in India( E) Economic Integration in the Americas- MERCOSUR and NAFTA( E, SP) Economic Integration in Asia/ Pacific- ASEAN and APEC( E) Economic Integration in the Southern African Subregion( E) The Baltic Sea region- Perspectives for the IFBWW sectors( G, R, SW) Construction and Wood Multinational Groups in the Face of Globalization. An IFBWW study.( E, G, SW) IFBWW Conference Reports Conference on Europe, Berlin, 7-9 November 1990( E, F, G, SP, SW) Conference on Transition of Societies and the Implications for Building, Wood and Forestry Workers, Budapest, 10-12 February 1992( E, R) Conference on the Mediterranean Region, Palermo, 27-29 April 1992( A, E) IFBWW PUBLICATIONS Language code: A( Arabic), E( English), F( French), G( German), P( Portugese), R( Russian), SP( Spanish), SW( Swedish) Periodicals IFBWW FaxNews( E) IFBWW Bulletin" Building and Wood"( bimonthly)( E, F, G, SP, SW) IFBWW Bulletin" Education News"( twice a year)( E, F, SP) Information and History IFBWW at Work( E, F, G, R, SP, SW) 1 Centimetres 2 10 25 minute Video programme about the IFBWW( E, F, G, SP, SW) 6 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Inches 2 Grayscale C Y M Sachverständigen- Zubehör.de 012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 100% 13 13 14 50% 18% 0% Housing The IDW W υιω. Dum των. Organising young workers- both women and men( E) IFBWW Education Manuals Project Manual( E, F, SP) Trade Unions in Transition( E, R) FBWW Health and Safety Series Ban Asbestos( E, F, SP) Make Construction Work Safe( A, E, F, P, SP, Thai) 5 7 Centimetres Inches 2 Color chart 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 S Sachverständigen- Zubehör.de Blue Cyan Green Yellow Red Magenta White Grey Black # C9C9FF # 0000FF # C0E5FC # 009FFF # 759675 # 008800 # FFFFC7 # FFFF00 # FFC9C9 # F10000 # FFC9FF # FF00FF #FFFFFF # 9D9E9E # D9DADA # 5B5B5B # 000000 Dcontomac Integration in the Southern African Subregion( E) The Baltic Sea region- Perspectives for the IFBWW sectors( G, R, SW) Construction and Wood Multinational Groups in the Face of Globalization. An IFBWW study.( E, G, SW) IFBWW Conference Reports ㅁㅁ ☐ Conference on Europe, Berlin, 7-9 November 1990( E, F, G, SP, SW) Conference on Transition of Societies and the Implications for Building, Wood and Forestry Workers, Budapest, 10-12 February 1992( E, R) Conference on the Mediterranean Region, Palermo, 27-29 April 1992( A, E) IBBHO IFBWWW. IBTU FITBB FITCM IFBWW/ FITBB P.O. Box 1897 ICC Building A CH- 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland Tel.(+ 41-22) 788 08 88 Fax(+ 41-22) 788 07 16 Internet: www.ifbww.org e- mail: info@ifbww.org Z 599