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The IMF Congress unites more than 200 metalworkers’ trade unions from 100 countries as a counter-balance to the unchecked power of transnational companies in the world today. Delegates will be debating how to stop multinationals moving work from one country to another in search of cheaper labour, ruining lives and economies as they go.
In opening the Congress IMF General Secretary Marcello Malentacchi told delegates,
“Over a 20 year period the largest transnational companies have increased their profits four fold but only created 23 per cent more jobs.”
“More and more people are being forced into temporary jobs, are working longer hours, are under-employed or, worse still, unemployed. We need a global plan that will improve prospects for working people.”
This action plan will take account of China’s overwhelming power to under-cut wages and conditions in the rest of the world by failing to respect fundamental human rights.
Hosted by the IMF affiliate Gewerkschaft Metall – Textil (GMT), other highlights of the Congress include: - Round table discussions on offshoring, health and safety and social justice;
- Eight women candidates running for election to the currently all male IMF Executive; and
- The launch of a campaign for a global asbestos ban.
800 metalworkers from around the world will attend the congress of whom130 are women.
The largest delegations come from Japan with 85 delegates, Austria with 70 delegates and Germany with 50 delegates.
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