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Mari-Ann Krantz, President of Sif, Sweden, spoke of the enormous power transnationals hold during her introduction of Section 3.1 and 3.2 of the Action Programme. “Everyday we see how transnational corporations use offshoring to pressure workers to give up hard won social benefits.” Facilitated by Robert Taylor, the round table discussion that followed, continued on the same subject.
Elizabeth Bunn (UAW) from USA said:
“Offshoring has to be about organising the unorganised. And while we are excited by the potential International Agreements (IFAs) have for us, they are only one step in a long process that must include supply chains.”
Silumko Nondawangu (Numsa) from South Africa said:
“As important as IFAs are, they can not be a substitute for building strong trade union organisations. We require strong, militant unions to take on big capital. The strength of trade unions is the most important thing.”
Emília Valente (CNM/CUT) from Brazil said:
“IFAs do exist with companies operating in Brazil. Through these we have a communication network with other trade unions that has helped us a lot. IFAs will help us to develop international solidarity with Chinese workers, so that those workers can know more about what their basic rights are.”
Göran Johnsson (SMF) from Sweden said:
“The IMF Executive made a declaration on China on Friday. The IMF will try to engage workers at multinational companies operating in China. We must always be very clear with the Chinese about what we think of democracy and human rights.”
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