LACR: Unions gear up for major regional political developments
Last 20 October, a webinar on the region’s current political and trade union situation was held attended by 110 union representatives from BWI-affiliated and fraternal unions. The online discussion, which was also attended by BWI affiliates in Asia, Africa and Europe, was facilitated by renowned Brazilian union leader and activist Kjeld Jacobsen.
SUNTRACS Secretary General and BWI Regional Committee President Saúl Méndez Rodríguez chaired the event with the special participation of the BWI Global Deputy President Dave Noonan (CFMEU) and BWI Secretary General Ambet Yuson. The activity culminated with a proposed “declaration on the regional political situation,” which will be approved by trade unions and political and social actors in the region.
Subsequently, the 15th Meeting of the Regional Committee for LACR was held on 29 October which was attended by BWI Regional Representative Nilton Freitas, regional office staff and 36 union representatives. Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) General Secretary Rafael Freire, as well as CUT-Chile representative and TUCA Secretary of Economic Policy and Sustainable Development Bárbara Figueroa also attended and presented the key points of TUCA’s Development platform of the Americas (PLADA).
“After learning about PLADA, our regional leaders recognised its similarities with BWI’s regional strategic plan. The regional committee will support a proposal for a similar plan for BWI industries in the region,” Freitas said.
In a video message, Yuson welcomed the initiatives taken by BWI affiliates in the region. BWI’s General Secretary lauded their efforts despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.