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Uni Commerce builds
trade union networks in leading multinationals Uni Commerce will step up its work to link together trade union representatives in leading multinationals. Both the global and European commerce meetings in Geneva on 20 - 22 September confirmed that this will remain a major priority. The commercial workers' unions will also continue their fight for economic and social justice. This can be realised only in a commerce sector, which build on a qualified and committed personnel working under secure and favourable conditions. The Uni Commerce Steering Group now met for the first time. The members of this group, which represents more than five million organised workers in retail and wholesale trade, come from all parts of the world. They share a concern for the effects of the globalisation process in commerce, which today is driven by some of the world's largest corporations. For unions and their members world-wide, it is important that the productivity increases of this development are shared by the workers through improved wages and employment conditions. Organising is an important task for all commerce trade unions. This includes both recruiting new members and retaining the commitment of the existing ones. Much of the discussions at the Geneva meetings were about organising, with the Uni Commerce project in multinationals in Central and Eastern Europe singled out as a concrete example of co-operation. The social dialogue with leading commerce enterprises was dealt with at length. Two top managers of German Metro AG, Mr Rainer Marschaus and Mr Klaus-Peter Dittert both addressed the Uni-Europa Commerce meeting and confirmed the company's interest towards a social dialogue. The meetings spoke out in support of the German workers in Wal-Mart and their efforts to secure a collective agreement. Solidarity was also expressed with the Spanish commercial workers, who on 10 October will go on general strike to protest against the government's plans to extend trading hours. A more complete report and documentation on the meetings will be posted soon. |
