Yearly Archives: 2013

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to massive destruction in that country and the destruction of the trade union movement. Workers have been rebuilding their organisations amid continuing economic crisis, repression and governmental corruption at all levels. A number of demonstrations have been held by Iraqi trade unions in […]

The garment sector in Cambodia has seen a number of disputes recently, see here, here and here. In an ongoing case, a group of around 700 workers, formerly employed by Kingsland, a supplier to Walmart, have blockaded the factory to make sure that no machinery is taken out until their […]

As in many other parts of the world, the Indian coal mining industry has seen a massive drop in the number of permanent employees. These workers are replaced by casual/contract workers in an offensive by employers to cut costs and increase profits. The Indian National Mineworkers’ Federation has worked hard […]

It is estimated that around 3.2 million labourers work at 27, 000 kilns in Pakistan and that 1.1 million of these workers are children. The conditions at work are often highly dangerous with wages less than two thirds of the legal minimum wage. This forces many workers into debt, a […]

Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011, it is becoming obvious that the Japanese government is putting workers’ lives at risk by trying to cut costs for the clean up operation. It has emerged that the clean up is being handled by a series of sub-contracting firms, each of which […]

While it is a bit early to know exactly how many workers in India went on strike over two days this week, it is clear that tens of millions of workers came out to protest against deteriorating working conditions. This strike is a continuation of a general mobilisation by Indian […]

This week, 800 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, carried out a 24 hour hunger strike in support of fellow prisoner Mr. Samer Issawi. The hunger strikes have generated mass support among Palestinians in the Occupied Territories as well as international support. The latest statement of support has come from a […]

In a worrying development, over 100 trade unionists in Turkey were arrested under that country's anti terror laws. This is not the first time that unionists in Turkey have been targeted this way, nor is Turkey the only country that has used anti terrorism laws against workers and trade unionists. […]

Last year saw a record 365 toxic laden ships sent for breaking by European shipowners to the beaches of South Asia, notably Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. In conjunction with the terrible OHS conditions for workers, this dumping exacts a terrible toll on workers, see here and here. A recent Australian […]

As previously reported, the tactic of aerial occupation is spreading to new sectors of the workforce with private tutors now taking action around recognition of their union. In the long standing issues at Yooseong Piston Ring (YPR), a major supplier of piston rings for Hyundai Motor, it has been revealed […]