The Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union (KHMU) are holding a series of strikes and rallies from 24 to 30 June, to protest against the Korean government’s announcement to allow for deregulation and privatisation of the health services in the country. The president of the Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union also staged a 10 day hunger strike, ending of the 20 June to galvanise opposition against the privatization of health care. There are also fierce struggles going on against the privatization of Korea’s railway system, including a 22-day strike in December 2013 and January 2014.
Author: jiselle
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Indian steel workers battling hunger amid ongoing strike
It is now two weeks that thousands of steel workers of the Wazipur industrial zone near New Delhi have been on strike for better pay and conditions. After attempting to break the spirit of the workers through intimidation, the companies are now resorting to the tried and tested method of starving the workers back to work. The workers are holding strong but have launched an appeal for money and food so that they can continue their strike. -
Second global day of action for dismissed NXP
With the fight entering the second month, the 24 unionists sacked by the Filipino subsidiary NXP Semiconductors, are continuing to put pressure on the company. Amid continued protests and organising in the Philippines, a second Global Day of Action has been planned for the 2nd of July in conjunction with unions around the world. Against global companies like NXP, only by organising globally will we be able to resist effectively the onslaught of these companies. -
Bangladesh’s garment industry – an article by Colin Long, NTEU
In February of this year, a delegation of unionists from Australia Asia Worker Links (AAWL) and the Victorian branch of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), travelled to Bangladesh on a solidarity trip to meet workers and unionists. This visit was spurred by the dual disasters of Tazreen Fashions and Rana Plaza. Colin Long, the Victorian Secretary of the NTEU, in an insightful article, recounts what the delegation saw and analyses the issues facing workers and unions in Bangladesh. Both AAWL and NTEU are currently working on developing solidarity projects with unions in Bangladesh. -
Military junta extends its reign of repression throughout Thailand
The repression by the Thai military junta against human rights and labour/trade union activists is not only deepening but is expanding to the regional areas of Thailand like Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. The mass exodus of close to 200,000 Cambodian and Burmese migrant workers is another example of the nationalist and class nature of the coup. Notwithstanding this repression, resistance to the coup is continuing both inside and outside the country.
No to the military! Free all political prisoners! Organising is not a crime! -
Bahrain migrant workers defy deportation threats
The working conditions for millions of migrant workers in the oil producing countries in West Asia are notoriously bad. Bahrain itself has become even more repressive in the last few years as the government has suppressed a popular anti government movement. This week, 2,000 garment workers returned to work after a week-long strike having won some improvements to their pay and conditions. Their heroic stand is very significant considering the prevailing attitudes and laws against migrant workers. -
AAWL Public Meeting: Our jailed comrades, and how to free them
Labour movement activists organise against exploitation every day. In every country, workers are discouraged from demanding their rights by capitalists and governments. This pressure can be applied in many ways, either via fines, dismissals, beatings, rapes or even murder. Many activists end up in jail because of their organising activities. How can we organise internationally so that our campaigns to free our jailed brothers and sisters can become more powerful?Come to a Public Meeting, on Wednesday 2 July at 6pm at Trades Hall, Lygon Street, Melbourne
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Demonstrations in Australia for World Refugee Day
The last decade has seen successive Australian governments enact more and more repressive laws against asylum seekers and refugees. Earlier this month, a Sri Lankan asylum seeker killed himself as he found his situation in Australia intolerable. The Australian government stopped his family from attending his funeral. Rallies in support of refugee rights were held in many Australian cities this weekend including Melbourne and Sydney. -
Indian workers killed at work while others remain on strike
Earlier this week, six workers were killed at the Bhilai Steel Plant in Kolkatha following an explosion at a blast furnace. In another incident, Rakhi Sonkar, a worker at Swiss Auto, took her own life after being dismissed for being a few minutes late. Sonkar was an outspoken labour activist who was active in fighting for workers rights. Her fellow workers protested about her death, while in another area of Wazirpur, near New Delhi, thousands of steel workers are involved in a prolonged strike over low wages and unsafe working conditions. -
Thai military junta tighten controls on workers and dissidents
While a small group of unionists employed at KFC Thailand have managed to improve their position, for most workers the situation is getting worse. A new report has just highlighted the slavery-like conditions for migrant workers in Thailand’s fishing industry. Since coming to power the junta has unleashed a nationalist tirade against foreign workers, deporting tens of thousands of workers. At the same time, the crackdown against activists continues with more arrests, click here and here. Workers internationally need to act against the military junta.
No to the military
Free all political prisoners
Organising is not a crime