Yearly Archives: 2012

On 16 November 2004, Philippines police and soldiers opened fire on a picket of protesting farmers at Hacienda Luisita.  Forteen people died, including 2 children.  The killing of these protesters is just one in an ongoing campaign by the government of the Philippines to smash unions and stifle dissent.   […]

The terminated workers of Maruti Suzuki, Manesar plant launched their mass hunger strike this week in front of the District Magistrate Office, Gurgaon.  They are demanding an impartial inquiry into the incident of 18 July, the immediate release of all arrested workers and the withdrawal of all the false charges […]

The Arab Workers Union in Israel is a young, independent trade union which primarily organizes and defends Palestinian workers of Israel who work in factories in Nazareth, Haifa and the Galilee, along with women working in agriculture. The union has a major women’s platform to advance the rights and interests […]

Thousands of people took part in a procession and marched for 4 kilometres to mourn and protest calling for the immediate punishment of the killers of Abdul Karim who was the President of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation Bhurungamari Sub-district Committee. The mourners recalled the amazing role of Abdul Karim in […]

In another example of the vulnerable position that migrant workers often face, over 70 workers were brutalised by the Lebanese army in early October during an identity sweep. When this repression was publicised internationally, the Army Command defended their actions by accusing the migrant workers of being involved in criminal […]

On the 30th of October, workers at the Irungattukottai car factory took industrial action again demanding that their dismissed comrades be taken back and for a better wage agreement. One of the important characteristics of this dispute is that the company has created a ‘yellow’ union with whom it says […]

Women rights are attacked all over the world in many ways. Whether for cultural, religious or other reasons, the attempt is to restrict the ability of women to have control over their lives. In Melbourne, Australia there is a concerted campaign to make abortion illegal again. Women and trade union […]

As previously reported, almost 3,000 workers at a former sportswear company in Indonesia have been fighting for over a year for their wages and other entitlements. Adidas, the main company that was sourcing sportswear from this factory, has refused to intervene. Pressured by the actions of the workers and international […]

Over the last few years, successive governments in Thailand have made use of the Lese Majeste law to suppress dissent. Many of those detained have been arrested with no real evidence against them. Surapak Puchaisaeng was arrested a year ago with the accusation of having created a Facebook page insulting […]

Filipino President Benigno Aquino visit to Australia was marked by protest against his government’s continued repression of workers in the Philippines. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) participated in the Melbourne demonstration. In addition to showing solidarity with Filipino workers at such events, the AMWU helps to fund an organiser […]