Geneva, June 19, 2019

To affiliated organisations  (To the Executive Committee for information)

Concerns: Urgent Reminder – Solidarity with our affiliate HLOB in Myanmar

Dear Sisters and Brothers, The struggle for trade union rights and recognition in support of our affiliate HLOB at the Hotel Tharabar Gate in Bagan, Myanmar is at a critical juncture, and we are calling for international support and solidarity. The union has faced continual attacks since it was formed and registered four years ago. In August 2018, management terminated union chairman Nay Myo Winalong and 11 other workers, including two members of the union executive and 7 active union members. After all attempts at negotiation failed to achieve reinstatement, an end to harassment and good faith negotiations, the union established a solidarity picket on public space in October. Twenty-three union members announced they would not cross the picket line and joined the picket/solidarity camp.  On December 11, police acting on the orders of local authorities destroyed the solidarity camp and picket. The following day, the union organized a peaceful march to the regional government authority to protest this attack. Police violently dispersed the march and 13 protesters were arrested, including union members and leaders from Hotel Tharabar Gate. The 23 union members who joined the picket in solidarity with the 12 dismissed in August were terminated. On March 1, 2019, the chairman and 5 other HLOB leaders and members were convicted under the Law on Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession for attempting to hold a peaceful procession. The 6 trade unionists were each sentenced to one month’s imprisonment and arrested immediately after the verdict was pronounced, an unmistakable announcement by the authorities that trade union activity in Myanmar is now criminalized. The six were released from prison on March 29 after serving their full sentences; the unjust criminal convictions will weigh on them throughout their lives. HLOB continues to fight for the reinstatement of the union members and officers terminated last August and the 23 members who were terminated in December for refusing to cross the union picket in solidarity with the 12. In December 2018, the IUF lodged a formal complaint against the government of Myanmar with the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association. In March 2019, IUF members around the world demonstrated at Myanmar embassies and diplomatic missions to demand the release of the six and reinstatement of all victimized union members. ...  Preberi več

Brussels, 14 June 2019

• To all EFFAT Member Organisations

Dear colleagues,

The EFFAT Executive Committee – as highest decision-making body between the Congresses – has decided in its meeting on 5 and 6 June 2019 to follow the proposal of the President and the General Secretary and to set up the function of a Deputy General Secretary and to appoint Enrico Somaglia for this function. ...  Preberi več

Gathered at the annual EFFAT EWC-TNC Conference in Brussels on 12 and 13 June 2019, around 50 members of national and European works councils, Trade union officers and experts had the opportunity to exchange experiences and good practices around topics of paramount importance for Trade Union work at national and European level. Organising and capacity building were amongst the themes discussed and agreed to be the common denominator of the EWC TNC Committee’s work across Europe and borders. ...  Preberi več