The Trade Union Development Cooperation Network is recruiting a new Project Officer
We are looking for an experienced Project Officer to join the global secretariat at our Brussels office. The chosen candidate will be tasked with implementing and managing the budget of the TUDCN program. We are looking for someone with solid knowledge and experience in complex programme management, especially in development cooperation. Working languages are English, Spanish and French.
Trade Union reactions to GPEDC HLM2 Outcome Document first draft
Trade Unions have welcomed the improvements made as well as the space provided to continue to provide input throughout the drafting process. Improvements have been made to the first draft of the Outcome Document in terms of situating the role of the GPEDC within the broader development agenda, reinforcing the human rights based approach and decent work. The emphasis on multi-stakeholder partnerships is also welcome.
However, further improvements are still needed. Recognition of the vital role of social dialogue as a tool for cementing democratic policy-making is missing. A more thorough assessment of issues linked to migration and a reinforcing of the emphasis on the rule of law is also suggested by the submission.
Trade Union input on revising the European Consensus on Development
The EU is moving forward with its response to the 2030 Agenda. Its latest consultation process aims to collect stakeholder input for the ongoing revision of the European Consensus on Development. Trade Unions provided their analysis of the key issues at stake, suggestions as to what can be done as well as on how to maximise the reach and impact of the EU’s development work.
Financing Development: a Business Opportunity for the Rich
Helping developing countries escape poverty represents a big opportunity for businesses and economic interests in rich countries. State-owned or part state-owned development finance institutions (DFIs) are in charge of channelling towards the private sector part of the official funds intended to aid less advantaged countries. But the benefits of these public-private projects in developing countries remain unclear. Equal Times takes a closer look.
Policy Forum on Development reports on TUDCN updates
The Policy Forum on Development (PFD) is a multi-stakeholder space for dialogue on development issues at EU Headquarters level. In their most recent newsletter, they feature both the TUDCN report of the Financing for Development Forum as well as the TUCA resolution on development.
PLADA, the trade union development platform of the Americas
The Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) has recently released an illustrated explanation of the work of PLADA. They provide an accessible overview of how trade unions are engaging in development debates as well as a breakdown of their positions.
Experience sharing on organising informal economy workers in Africa
By Martine Roy of the Institut Bellville, CFDT, France
For the last three years the Belleville Institute, the CSN Quebec and the ITUC’s African Regional Organisation (ITUC-Africa) have been involved in a development cooperation project with trade union partners in Mali, Senegal and Togo. The project provides support to workers in the informal sector, which in these countries employs about three quarters of the working age population. Training carried out through the project has enabled workers ranging from dry cleaners in Mali, leather tanners in Senegal and hairdressers in Togo to organise.
Brazil's UGT launch website dedicated to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals
The new website provides a focal point for the work of one of the main national trade union federations, the UGT. With sections highlighting the relationship between SDGs and the trade union movement, providing suggestions on how to engage with the SDGs and a news section, this initiative will go a long way in promoting trade unions as development actors in Brazil. By galvanizing the attention of members, it will both raise the profile of the Agenda 2030 at the national level and give international recognition to trade union work.
Workers in Ghana stand against private control of electricity sector
Amid a national energy crisis, workers in Ghana are organising against the planned privatisation of the national energy company. The move is reportedly part of conditions for the Government of Ghana to access a grant of US$498.2 million from the United States of America ostensibly to support the energy sector of Ghana. This story provides another example of trade unions opposing both tied aid and the privatisation of key public resources.
Defying Challenges, Myanmar Workers Win Rights at Work
After five decades of military dictatorship, political transformation has opened up the country in the past few years. Union leaders have sought to ensure that workers are part of the process of structuring the ensuing economic and cultural change. Last year, Myanmar passed its first-ever law setting a minimum wage—$83 per month—yet employers do not always pay it.
From ‘precarious informal employment’ to ‘protected employment’: the ‘positive transitioning effect’ of trade unions
A new paper by the Global Labour University sheds some light on the contributions of trade unions towards formalising employment. The study draws on case studies in 9 countries (Brazil, India, Israel, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, the UK and Zambia). The paper analyses several factors, such as the legal framework (i.e., labour laws and regulations), economic and social protection measures beyond the labour law, union's organisation structures and processes. Also analysed are union strategies and measures that influence the success of various ‘transitioning’ initiatives undertaken either solely by trade unions or in collaboration with other organisations.
The ILO has released a series of 23 case studies that document how many countries have achieved universality, such as Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cabo Verde, China, Georgia, Kosovo, Lesotho, the Maldives, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania (Zanzibar), Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago and Ukraine, all of which have gone from limited coverage to extend social protection guarantees to all. This showcases evidence that universal social protection is feasible in developing countries.
The Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism was set up to monitor states’ compliance will all categories of human rights equally. New research by CESR and the Sciences Po Human Rights Clinic has shed some light on some important shortcomings that have emerged since the body was established in 2006, however. Most notably, economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) appear to have been comparatively neglected in the Council’s reviews when compared to civil and political rights.
This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the ITUC and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.