“Ever since ASEM was created in 1996, unions have been at a disadvantage compared to the special status conferred on business through the Asia Europe Business Forum, and this is no longer acceptable,” stated Sharan Burrow, ITUC general secretary.
“It is time for ASEM Leaders to end this disparity once and for all, and agree to establish equal consultation rights for trade unions in ASEM,” insisted John Monks, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
The union statement calls on ASEM to focus on generating an equitable economic growth model that can build decent work and inclusion rather than greed and unproductive financial instability.
“Progressive fiscal systems including a financial transactions tax are needed to enable sustainable pro-employment and development measures, and ASEM should support this,” stated ITUC-Asia Pacific General Secretary Noriyuki Suzuki.
The unions put emphasis on the creation of new skills for the labour force, the transition from education to employment for young people and occupational safety and health training. The trade union statement also calls for sanctions on Burma in line with the ILO’s decisions, including the 2000 ILO Resolution on Burma.
