Bahrain: Wave of Sackings, Threats and Violence Against Workers and Union Representatives
The ITUC denounces the wave of massive sackings, threats and violence against workers and their trade union representatives in Bahrain, in reprisal for their participation in legitimate strike and protest action for greater democracy in the country.
Promoting democracy in the Arab region is also about defending migrants
From Libya (1) to Bahrain(2), migrant workers have been caught hostage in the whirlwind of the popular uprisings in the Arab world. All too often exploited and denied their rights, they are today the direct or indirect victims of the repressive policies imposed in response to the wave of hope for change sweeping the region. The ITUC is calling for urgent international solidarity and a long term response based on migrants’ rights and development aid for their countries of origin.
Bahrain: Exploitation of migrants workers, including for political reasons, puts their lives at risk
On the small island of Bahrain, 77% of the workforce is made up of migrant workers, most of whom come from South Asia and work in low-skilled, low-paid jobs. The majority are highly vulnerable temporary workers, concentrated in the construction industry and domestic service sector, where working and living conditions are harsh.
Libya’s Humanitarian Crisis: Solidarity First
According to IOM and UNHCR figures, before the Libyan popular uprising against the dictatorship of Colonel Gadaffi broke out on 17 February, there were 3.5 million migrant workers, including about 1 million Egyptians, in Libya. Today there are still over 1 million, many from sub-Saharan Africa.
A Sporting Chance for Workers: Launch of the Play Fair Campaign in Brazil
An international conference organised by Play Fair and the Building Workers’ International is opening today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Conference will launch the BWI Campaign around the World Cup 2014, as well as the Olympic Games 2016 Play Fair Campaign, and will formalise the strategies and action plans around both campaigns.