PORTUGAL: THE RIGHT TO INDIGNATION

"The Right to Indignation" stands above the declaration of the independent trade union SINERGIA that I visited together with the members of the Worldboard of WOW one day before the general strike of November 24. SINERGIA is the trade union of Portuguese workers in the oil, gas and electricity sector and an affiliate of WOW.

The trade union says in its statement that it wants to support the general strike even though it has as an independent union no place in the socio-economic dialogue with government and employers and therefore does not have influence on any national decision whatsoever. This is a deplorable situation taking into consideration that the majority of unions in Portugal is independent.

SINERGIA also emphasizes in its statement that as a humanist-oriented trade union it considers a strike as the last resort while emphasising on social dialogue as an instrument for the solution of social conflicts.

The Right to Indignation

 

The current state of national finances, the result of governments of the last decade combined with a difficult global and international financial situation, has caused chaos in the social and economic life of the country.

Although the independent trade unions, the majority of trade unions in the country, are still not represented in the social dialogue and therefore not involved in the development of policies which have led to the declaration of a general strike on 24 November, SINERGIA considers that there are sufficient reasons to show indignation about the direction the national economy is going and is undermining seriously social and economic life of most Portuguese families.

Therefore SINERGIA announces the general strike, taking into account the real concerns of all workers:

- For investment and more dynamics in the productive sector.

- To combat fraud, tax evasion and undeclared work.

- Against the impoverishment of the workers and the people in general.

- For the defense of the basic social functions of the state.

- For the defense and improvement of public services.

- Against the arbitrary elimination of social services.

- Against unemployment and job insecurity.

- Against lowering wages and pensions.

Sinergia is based on the values of humanism with an emphasis on social dialogue and consultation to which the strike is considered as a last resort for the solution of social conflicts. The choice is (always) yours!

NEW EZA PRESIDENT BARTHO PRONK STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DIALOGUE IN TIMES OF CRISIS

The new elected EZA President Bartho Pronk

Last year at a meeting in Königswinter (Germany) the members of the European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) elected Bartho Pronk as their new president. As a former member of the European Parliament and, before that, as an employee of the CNV International department, he is well acquainted with European social and workers’ affairs. This is of importance for EZA as a network consisting of 67 workers’ organisations from 24 different European Union countries that are committed to Christian social values.

Bartho Pronk holds office since the first of September of this year. For this reason EZA has published an interview with Bartho Pronk in its latest bulletin which can be found on the EZA website. In the interview he mentions two key-challenges for EZA. The first and most important challenge will be to find solutions for the impact of the actual crisis in Europe, particularly with regards to employment. Average unemployment in Europe is about 10% but in some countries, as for example Spain, unemployment reaches around 25% (whereas youth unemployment is currently approximately 40%). The second key challenge for EZA is “to involve its members in a process which shows that more can be achieved when we work together than when we don’t work together.”

With the financial support of the European Commission a lot of European training courses and meetings are organized by EZA for trade unions and related workers’ organizations annually. In spite of the different cultural backgrounds and different stages of development of  the European countries Bartho Pronk believes that these European courses and meetings help to develop common points of view and to look for new solutions for social problems on national and European level.

In the interview Bartho Pronk makes clear that he considers the Christian social doctrine as a source of inspiration that helps to develop new answers to the social and economic problems of today. “Of course, not everything that was done in the last 30 years is invalid, but some things have to be re-assessed. The situation has changed in such a way that we have to take a good look at it again.”

“The social dialogue is hugely important for European integration. Why? Economic integration is still a major part of European integration, and that requires employers and workers. Although there were very many cultural differences in the past, ways were found to negotiate. And in times of crisis it is absolutely vital that on the one hand economic solutions are found to overcome the crisis but on the other hand social needs are also met. It happens to be the case, and we have seen this before, that every time one country is in crisis, the countries that seek a solution through social dialogue are more successful. It is always easy to say that the welfare state has to be abolished because it costs too much, but that's not the case. It ends up costing a great deal more than seeking a solution through social dialogue. After all, in the final reckoning what matters are people, not the economy. The economy must not be allowed to harm people.”

Regarding the Eurocrisis he believes that it is important for EZA to make studies because there is a lot of talking about this crisis, the biggest since the crisis of the 30’s in the past century, but some points are not discussed at all as for example the role and responsibility of the USA in causing great part of the problems.

Other points that are mentioned in the interview are the aims of the Europe 2020 Strategy, the role of EZA and the enlargement of the EU and what possibilities he sees for the future of EZA.

 Bartho Pronk together with EZA vice-president Piergiorgio Sciacqua

·      You can read the whole interview in different languages (German, Spanish, English and French) in the latest EZA bulletin which you can find on the EZA website. There you will also find an interview with the newly elected EZA Vice-President  Piergiorgio Sciacqua, President of the General Council of the Movimiento Cristiano Lavoratori (MCL)

BLOODY ATTACKS AGAINST LATIN AMERICAN JOURNALISTS

 

Journalists in the provinces of Puno  arrive to Juliaca to express their condemnation of the attack against Feliciano Gutierrez Cruz.( La Republica, Peru)

The Latin American Federation of Social and Cultural Communication Workers (FELATRACCS) has been informed about the criminal attack against journalist Feliciano Gutierrez Suca, correspondent of the newspaper "La República" in the city of Juliaca, Peru. FELATRACCS condemned the act and at the same time called on governments in the region to do everything possible to stop this new wave of blood that has been unleashed in this part of the American continent to the detriment of the freedom of press.
 
Recently on the 5^th of November, Gutierrez was attacked  by four men with fire arms wearing hoods, taking advantage of the night to shoot him at close range while grabbing his camera and mobile phone on which he kept actual information material.
 
All this is part of a sequel of attacks against journalists in Peru. The journalists Julio Castillo, Pedro Flores Silva and Jose Oquendo Reyes have been killed this year by unknown persons. In this way Peru joins Mexico and Colombia, where drugs trafficking and organized crime perpetrate these crimes until now without being captured by governments.
 
Because of this spiral of violence the situation has become uncertain. On November 1, in Chile, an explosive device was placed against the premises of the newspaper "La Tercera"  of the Copesa Group, whose unions are members of FELATRACCS. The incident occurred in the early morning hours. The police has a video that gives hope that the criminals can be captured.
 
Another incident occurred on October 28 in San Pedro de Sula, Honduras, where the journalist Eddie Andino from TV Channel 6 was attacked by four thugs, who shot him with firearms from a moving car. He has injuries to his legs and back. This year alone in Honduras died 5 journalists in full exercise of their profession.
 
In Cordoba, Argentine, journalist Maria Gracia and cameraman Raúl Martín Vicessi from Channel 12, were shot dead while filming outside a house in the outskirts of the city and interviewing a female victim of harassment, aggression and assault.
 
It should be stressed that so far in Latin America a total of 21 journalists have been murdered.

 

CHRONOLOGY OF THE EURO CRISIS

 The New Europe

1. In December 2009 the Eurozone countries discovered that the Greek government debt amounts 300 billion Euros, ie almost 113% of the total government budget.

2. In January 2010 it is determined that the Greek deficit is not 3.7% but 12,7%. In the Eurozone, Greece is invited to reduce the deficit. Corrective measures are announced. In February, an IMF/EU mission goes to Greece: it predicts more economic and financial misery, a higher deficit and a recession of the Greek economy.

3. In March 2010 the Greek government announced an austerity package: VAT goes up 2%, the bonus in the public sector goes 30% down, taxes on fuel, tobacco and alcohol go up and pensions are frozen. At the European summit, without going into details, one talks about a possible aid package to Greece.

4. In April 2010 the Eurozone presents a support package: a 30 billion loan facility from the EU and a 15 billion loan facility from the IMF. It is based on a 3-year financing with an interest charge of 5%. The same month, Greece asks for the promised loans.

5. In April 2010 the rating institute Standard & Poor's lowers again the creditworthiness of Greece, and then also of Portugal. One begins to worry about infecting other countries like Spain and Italy.

6. In May the Eurozone, the IMF and the Greek Government create an emergency plan for Greece of 110 billion euros. Greece promises to reduce its expenses by 30 billion.

The EU agrees on a package that will ensure financial stability. It agreed to a "special purpose vehicle", later called the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) of 440 billion euros. The EFSF should be used for, among others, recapitalization of the banks. The EFSF should be able to act on secondary markets to prevent contamination. It seemed to bring calm, but that is short lived.

The European Commission also announced measures that should prevent deficits in the national budget, the so-called six pack. Also sanctions are laid down in European legislation that makes it possible to punish the budget sinners.

7. In the same month Spain and Portugal announced budget cuts with the aim to restore the confidence of the financial markets. The European Central Bank (ECB) starts with interventions and buys bonds from weak countries for a total of 165 billion euros. Maintaining confidence in the financial sector the European Summit announces a stress test for banks. Of the 91 banks tested, 7 banks do not meet the criteria.

8. In the summer of 2010 it becomes clear that Ireland also has problems. This is mainly due to the mortgage loans from banks. A second Lehman debacle threatens.

9. In November, Ireland received an aid package of 67.5 billion Euros. A blueprint for a European Stability Mechanism ESM is designed that will start functioning from 2013 onwards and which is open for private sector participation.

10. In March 2011, the European Summit establishes rules for the ESM. Also the six pack prevention measures are decided to which President Sarkozy and Bundeskanzler Merkel are less strict than the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Finance Ministers from the Eurozone.

11. In May a rescue plan is set for Portugal of 78 billion euros.

12. In June the European Parliament approves the package of preventive measures.

13. In June 2011 the Greek Parliament votes in favor of a drastic austerity package.

14. In July 2011 another stress test for banks is held. Now eight large banks failed to meet the requirements. A new emergency plan for Greece is setteld, worth 109 billion euros. It is decided that the financial private sector should also contribute in addition to the 109 billion euro.

15. The ECB buys more and more Italian and Spanish debt (34 billion) and thus stretches its role to prevent the interest on the Spanish and Italian debt continue to widen.

16. In October 2011, the Greek problem again is larger than expected. However, the country has cut back a lot. The 1913 budget will be balanced. But the interests charged for loans are an excessive burden. The economic downturn is much larger than anticipated. Privatisations are going to slow and do not generate enough money. Instead of 109 billion euro, one need 250 billion and when things go even worse than about 444 billion will be needed on top of the 110 in July 2010. The choice now is a "haircut" of debts or a bankruptcy for Greece. But volontary amortization of financiers (banks) can bring them into trouble too.

17. The debt of Greece will be reduced to 120% of the national budget, to get there in 2020.

The EFSF with its 440 billion Euro in guarantees from which after contributions to Ireland and Portugal remains 290 billion Euros, will be increased to 1000 billion. Private investors are invited to participate in the  Stability Fund. The exact termes have to be worked out.
The banks have to write off 50% of the money loaned to Greece. This will require 106 billion Euro. Banks will initially look for this money through the market, if it is not possible, they can borrow money before the EFSF.
As of July 2013 or possibly earlier the European Emergency Fund will have an amount of 80 billion euros. The European Commission investigates the possibility the release of eurobonds.

It has been agreed that each country adheres to the Stability Pact. Italy is committed to a balanced budget in 2013 and a surplus in 2014 so government debt will be reduced to 113% of the budget.
President of the European Council Van Rompuy, President of the European Commission Barroso and President of the Eurogroup Juncker prepare treaty changes. These are aimed to guarantee more financial stability and to promote more economic cooperation.

Thanks to the European Parliament member Ria Oomen-Ruijten

THE LIMA DECLARATION / DECLARACION DE LIMA

 

During the Third Meeting of the Latin American Coordination of the World Organization of Workers CLAC-WOW (28 of September – 1 of October) in Lima, Peru the “Declaration of Lima” was approved (see: Latin American Trade Unionists meet inLima). 

Durante la Tercera Reunión de la Coordinadora Latinoamericana de la Organización Mundial de Trabajadores CLAC-WOW (28 de septiembre - 1 de octubre) en Lima, Perú se aprobo la "Declaración de Lima" (ver:Latin American Trade Unionists meet in Lima).

The future of Peru (photo 29/09/2011 before the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, Lima)

DECLARATION OF LIMA

The Trade Union Organizations gathered at the Third Meeting of the Latin American Coordination of the World Organization of Workers, held in Lima on 28, 29 and 30 September 2011 note the following:

1.    New technologies and globalization have generated relative economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, but rates of unemployment, underemployment, informal workers, lack of social protection and poverty have not changed significantly and may worsen in the context of the global economic crisis.

2.    In Latin America and the Caribbean, governments persist in establishing public policies regardless of the participation of trade unions, ignoring their role as social actors and protagonists of profound change, as evidenced by the history of organized labour.

3.    In this context, more than 50% of young Latin American and Caribbean workers, between 15 and 25 years of age, lack the opportunities for entering the labour-market, and those who enter a position, receive wages below the vital minimum and without any social security protection.

4.    In labour-relations in our region persists gender inequality as well as discrimination for reasons of ethnicity, social position, age, among others.

5.    The number of self-managed, autonomous male and female workers in Latin America and the Caribbean is growing, but they are in lack of a representative and effective organization to ensure their rights against economic aggression of large corporate structures and the inexistence of adequate social protection.

Given this situation we declare the following.

1.    As unions and social actors, we are active participants in the formulation of public policies based on social dialogue, which promote employment without discrimination whatsoever, the integral social development and the creation of decent jobs.

2.    We demand full compliance with international standards of protection of economic, social and cultural rights of male and female workers, as established by the rules of the International Labour Organization.

3.    We demand government implementation of legislative and economic politics for the improvement of working conditions for all workers, with special attention to those most disadvantaged: women, youth, indigenous peoples, self-employed and self-managed workers amongst others.

Lima, September 30, 2011

 The young ones of Lima, Peru. (photo 29/09/2011 before the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, Lima) 

DECLARACIÓN DE LIMA

Las Organizaciones Sindicales reunidas en el III Encuentro de la Coordinadora Latinoamericana de la Organización Mundial de Trabajadores, realizado en Lima los días 28, 29 y 30 de septiembre del 2011,  señalamos lo siguiente:

Las nuevas tecnologías y la apertura económica mundial han generado un relativo crecimiento económico en América Latina y el Caribe, sin embargo las tasas de desempleo, subempleo, informalidad, desprotección social y pobreza no han variado significativamente y pueden empeorar en el contexto de la crisis económica mundial.

En América Latina y el Caribe, los gobiernos persisten en establecer políticas públicas al margen de la participación de las organizaciones sindicales, desconociendo su rol de actores sociales y protagonistas de profundas transformaciones, tal como lo acredita la historia del movimiento sindical.

En este contexto, más del 50% de  jóvenes latinoamericanos y caribeños, entre 15 a 25 años de edad, carecen de oportunidades para acceder al mercado laboral,  y aquellos que acceden a un puesto de trabajo, perciben  remuneraciones inferiores al mínimo vital y sin ninguna protección de seguridad social.

En las relaciones laborales de nuestra región, siguen persistiendo las desigualdades de género, discriminación que también se manifiesta por razones de origen étnico, sector social, edad, entre otras.

 Las trabajadoras y los trabajadores autónomos y autogestionarios son colectivos en crecimiento en América  Latina y el Caribe, pero carentes de una organización representativa y eficaz que vele por sus derechos frente a la agresividad económica de las grandes estructuras empresariales y la inexistencia de una protección social adecuada.

Ante esta situación, manifestamos lo siguiente.

1.    Los sindicatos, en tanto actores sociales, somos sujetos activos para la formulación de políticas públicas sobre la base del diálogo social, en las que se promueva el empleo sin discriminación alguna, el desarrollo social integral y la creación de puestos de trabajo decentes.

2.    Exigimos el pleno cumplimiento de los estándares internacionales de protección de los derechos económicos, sociales y culturales de los trabajadores y trabajadoras, reconocidos en la normativa de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo. 

3.    Exigimos a los poderes públicos la puesta en práctica de medidas políticas, legislativas y económicas para la mejora de las condiciones laborales de todos los trabajadores, prestando especial atención a aquellos sectores más desfavorecidos: mujeres, jóvenes, pueblos originarios, trabajadores autónomos y autogestionarios, entre otros.

Lima, 30 de septiembre del 2011

THE HISTORY OF THE TRADE UNION NAPFE IN THE UNITED STATES

Paul Tennassee was invited by the World Organisation of Workers WOW to speak on the World Financial Crisis during a European seminar held in EU country Cyprus sponsored by EZA. You see Paul in the centre. On the left you see WOW President Roel Rotshuizen. Between Paul and Roel sits WOW Boardmember Piet Nelissen. WOW Executive Secretary Bjorn van Heusden sits on the right.

Trade Unionist and Academic Paul Tennassee was invited by President James M McGee of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees NAPFE to write the history of his union. NAPFE has already a long history. It was founded in 1913. So in two years more it will celebrate its centennial. Paul hopes to present in August 2013 a book with the complete history of 100 years of NAPFE.

Recently Paul presented his book on the history of NAPFE from 1913 until 1945 during an interview on the TV station CaribNation. The interview with Paul can be seen and heard on YouTube. It takes you less than half an our to get to know better Paul and of course the history of NAPFE. It is a very interesting history because this trade union history is interwoven with that of the struggle against racism in the United States.

MALTA WORKER'S UNION CONGRESS

The outgoing board members are President Gaetano, Vice President Joseph S. Vella (right from Gaetano) and Secretary General Geatu Vella (centre). Left of Gaetu you see Jesmond Bonello, the new elected Persident, behind Gaetu Vella on the second row stands the new elected Secretary General Joseph Vella and also on the second row on the extreme left the newly elected Vice President Edwin Balzan. 

 There were three highlights on the 31 Congress of the Malta Workers’ Union UHM: the election of a new President, Secretary General and Vice President, the presentation of the report “People’s Social Vision for Malta” and a critical dialogue with the three main political leaders of Malta. 

Mara Erdelj with at her right Andrew who was so kind to translate everything said in Maltese into English.

Mara Erdelj from Serbia and member of the European Board of WOW represented the WOW on the Congress together with WOW World Board member Piet Nelissen. She thanked the UHM for its contribution “to WOW’s position in the ILO as well as in Europe the more so as UHM as a Maltese union is a bridge between Europe and countries of the Mediterranean.” She also said that UHM is giving an example of international solidarity with its proposal for “a project on training and education of leaders of democratic and independent unions in North African and other Mediterranean countries” that has been freed from dictators.” She wished that in the near future more Maltese women should be involved in trade union activities.

 On the left you see Joseph FX Zahra who elaborated "People's Social Vision for Malta". In the outgoning board Jesmond was Assistant Secretary General. He was elected on the Congress as the new President.

The second day of the Congress economist Joseph FX Zarah introduced the report “People’s Social Vision for Malta” starting with the observation that ‘The Economy is for man, not man for the economy.” The report covers six themes: education, health, the family, democratic institutions, electronic revolution and better quality for life. The report is guided by “the need to factor in the human and social dimension in the country’s strategy with clear objectives to be achieved during the coming decade, by highlighting a vision complacent to the thinking, attitude, behavior and action of the human person within the European 2020 strategy which is primarily hinged to economic objectives.” After extensive discussion the report was unanimously adopted by the Congress.

Outgoing Secretary General Gaetu congratulates Josef with his election as the new Secertary General.

In the afternoon the results of the election were presented to the Congress. Elected were Jesmond Bonello as President, Edwin Balzan as Vice President and Joseph Vella as Secretary General. 

After the farewell speeches, outgoing President Tanti, Vice President Vella and Secretary General Vella were rewarded by the conference participants with a sustained applause for their years of dedication to the union. 

During the extensive interview of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition Leader of the Labor Party Joseph Muscat and Leader of the Party Alternativa Democratica Michael Briguglio and the debates with the Congress we understood WOW that UHM plays an important role in the national social dialogue on the economic and social future of Malta.

Of course elected Secretary General Joseph Vella had the honor to close the Congress.