Trade unions and worker organisations of any kind have always had to deal with strong opposition not only from employers but often from backlashes and crackdowns by their very own governments. To this day, dictatorial and authoritarian regimes around the world resort to oppression, jailing and even murder when dealing with trade unions. In recent years, independent trade union movements in the Arab world and elsewhere have taken a front line position in the struggles for social and political freedom and equality. This thematic track aims to shed light on some of the most recent events and current developments and most importantly address tactics and strategies of trade union work under authoritarian regimes and questions on what forms of global solidarity could be adequate in these cases.
Workshops we are exploring at this point in time include:
1. The Arab Spring: Labour and the Aftermath of Revolution
With old regimes deposed, where do Arab unions stand today, what are the next steps for the region and what connections to the global labour unions are needed.
2. Oil, the Law & Exploitation – Labour in Iraq
Despite a deposed despot and declining foreign occupation, Iraqi labour continues to struggle for recognition. What chances are there for international support for the struggle of workers in one of the essential oil producing economies?
3. Union and workers rights and labour organisations in post-Soviet countries
4. China: Unions, strikes, and solidarity
The Chinese working class is the largest in the world, and yet very few trade unionists outside the country know much about what is going on. Are new, independent workers’ organizations emerging? Who is organizing workers and leading strikes? What is happening with the official unions — the All China Federation of Trade Unions? And finally, how can trade unionists outside China help?
5. Defying the state: Building Worker Power & International Solidarity
Identifying common difficulties & strategies to building union power under authoritarian regimes and necessary methods for global solidarity & support. Statements and discussions by representatives from Asia, Easteran Europe, MENA and Latin America
