Title: UNI Global Union Hosts 6th World Congress, Setting Ambitious Labor Agenda for the Future
Introduction:
Under the theme “Rising Together,” the 6th World Congress of UNI Global Union is set to take place from August 27-30, 2023, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. With over 1,200 leaders representing more than 20 million workers from 109 countries, the congress aims to strategize and establish a transformative labor agenda for the next four years. This pivotal event will tackle pressing issues and shape the future of workers’ rights and social progress globally.
Union Leaders Gather in “Proud Union City” Philadelphia:
The four-day event will unite union leaders from around the world in Philadelphia, a city with a rich history of union activism. Christy Hoffman, the General Secretary of UNI Global Union, expressed excitement about the gathering, emphasizing the historic significance of uniting trade union leaders from diverse backgrounds.
UNI Global Union’s Global Reach and Member Organizations:
UNI Global Union has a wide-ranging presence with member unions in 150 countries. It represents workers in sectors such as banking and financial services, care, cleaning and security, commerce and retail, film, television and the stage, gaming, post and logistics, printing and packaging, professional athletics, technology, and telecommunications. These member organizations play a crucial role in the labor movement and will shape the discussions at the congress.
Focus on Collective Action, Inclusion, and Solidarity:
The UNI World Union Congress will concentrate on collective action, inclusion, and solidarity to amplify the voices of millions of workers worldwide. The event aims to address critical issues and concerns affecting workers in today’s rapidly changing world and set a transformative program for the next four years. The theme “Rising Together” reflects the collective desire to emerge from the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis stronger than ever, with worker’s rights at the forefront of the global economy.
UNI’s Role in Improving Workers’ Rights and Livelihoods:
UNI Global Union assists unions in improving working conditions and livelihoods through organizing, collective bargaining, stakeholder engagement, and political campaigning. The organization is known for coordinating cross-border campaigns at employers like Amazon, supporting worker organizing efforts worldwide. It has also signed more than 50 global agreements with multinational corporations to guarantee workers’ rights throughout their operations.
Key Agenda Items:
The congress will focus on key issues aimed at advancing workers’ rights and addressing global challenges. These crucial items on the agenda include:
1. Building Union Power for All: UNI aims to strengthen the influence of working people worldwide by expanding union membership through strategic organizing efforts. The organization seeks to advocate for the protection and extension of collective bargaining rights to grow workers’ influence over multinational corporations.
2. Changing the Rules to Hold Corporations Accountable: UNI fights to establish effective and binding instruments that hold multinational corporations accountable for respecting workers’ human rights. The emphasis is on involving unions in all stages of binding due diligence.
3. Rising Together for a Digital Transformation with Shared Benefits for All: UNI and its affiliates strive to ensure that workers share the benefits of technological advancements while addressing potential risks through union-led initiatives. As digitalization continues to shape the world of work, negotiating the impact collectively is essential.
4. Rising Together for Health and Safety: The post-pandemic era highlights the need for strong workplace representation and safety regulations. UNI Global Union and its affiliates will develop strategies to organize and bargain around health and safety concerns, as well as promote independent health and safety committees.
Conclusion:
The 6th World Congress of UNI Global Union brings together union leaders from around the world to address crucial issues affecting workers. By amplifying the voices of millions of workers, the congress aims to set a transformative labor agenda for the next four years, prioritizing worker’s rights in the global economy. Through collective action, inclusion, and solidarity, UNI Global Union is committed to empowering workers, promoting social justice, and combatting global challenges.
Source
