Sourcing Journal’s Post

ETUI: Trade unions in the European Union. Picking up the pieces of the neoliberal challenge. Published by Peter Lang and edited by three ETUI experts (J Waddington, T Müller and K Vandaele) with the support of 45 contributors, "Trade unions in the European Union: Picking up the pieces of the neoliberal challenge" is the most comprehensive comparative overview of the development, structures and policies of national trade unions in the European Union since 2000. This milestone publication maps the features of the neoliberal challenge: a reduced role for the state as regulator and employer, ‘flexibilisation’ of labour markets and distancing of the state and political parties from unions. Trade unions have repeatedly been challenged by neoliberal programmes implemented within Member States of the European Union and at the European level. The twenty-seven country chapters at the core of this book chart the features of the neoliberal challenge in EU Member States and the measures implemented by unions in their attempts to adapt to changed circumstances since 2000. It is clear that union activity, either independently or in conjunction with allies, will be at the centre of revitalization campaigns if the pieces left from the neoliberal challenges are to be picked up and wielded into a coherent response. This book offers a comprehensive comparative overview of the development, structure, and policies of trade unions in all the 27 Member States of the EU from 2000 to 2020. It presents an in-depth analysis of the neoliberal challenges facing these organizations and their strategic and policy responses. The full PDF is available via https://lnkd.in/eRdBQMnt .

Unions are intensifying efforts to ensure that human rights #duediligence frameworks lead to meaningful improvements in workers' conditions within the base metals sector Trade unions have always been at the forefront of defending workers’ rights, It is up to us to ensure that due diligence frameworks are shaped by the workers they are meant to protect says Judith Kirton-Darling IndustriALL Global Union ➡️https://lnkd.in/eG6gKTjs

A recent report from the Helen Kennedy Centre for International Justice at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) alleges that numerous well-known brands are implicated in sourcing materials like cotton and PVC from China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region through forced labor and state-imposed labor transfer programs. Researchers from SHU in the UK highlight the involvement of 30+ well-known brands in the apparel industry, suggesting that some are closely connected to the Uyghur region. Additionally, four leading Chinese apparel companies are identified as having significant ties to the region, with their products, made under allegedly forced labor conditions, entering the European Union market without restriction. This underscores the significance of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (#UFLPA) for EU businesses, as unlike the EU, the United States has been rigorously implementing this act since 2022 to target forced labor-made goods. The regulatory gap between the EU and the US leaves EU businesses vulnerable to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and ethical concerns associated with profiting from human rights abuses in their supply chains. Explore more about the importance of the UFLPA Entity List in our new blog: https://lnkd.in/d9XKesS9

As a teacher of Industrial Employment Relations the findings of this paper will be of great interest to me.

🌟 Role and Responsibilities of Trade Unions In today's globalized economy, fair recruitment practices are essential, and trade unions are at the forefront of ensuring ethical standards and protecting workers' rights. As job opportunities transcend borders, trade unions advocate for fair recruitment mandates, collaborate with civil society, and monitor processes to prevent abuse. Trade unions play a crucial role in organizing and safeguarding migrant workers, advocating for fair practices in labor boards and legislation. They also provide support to those facing exploitation, offering training programs and awareness campaigns to empower workers. By complementing government efforts and promoting fair recruitment, trade unions contribute to creating equitable and sustainable labor markets worldwide. Watch Now: https://lnkd.in/gvuK49WX International Trade Centre, International Labour Organization #TradeUnions #IndustrialRelations #EmployeeEngagement #QualityOfWorkLife #BusinessTransformation #EmployeeWellbeing #CollaborativeWorkplaces

The Power of Trade Unions in Malaysia: How the 1959 Act Shapes Your Rights, Collective Bargaining, and What Every Employer Should Know to Stay Compliant! Read more in the link below: #YALaw #tradeunion

The global unions have written to Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission (again) demanding that the EU stop propping up the military regime in #Myanmar with a preferential trade deal and support for the garment industry. Myanmar’s trade unions say that the banning of their organisations, and the absence of freedom of association, means workers face conditions of modern slavery. This finding was confirmed by the International Labour Organization Commission of Inquiry, which reported far-reaching violations of freedom of association and forced labour Conventions. This means that clothing made in conditions of modern slavery is being sold to EU consumers by EU companies, with EU financial and political support. The context is that: * The regime is on its last legs, struggling to maintain power * The opposition groups have united behind the democratic government, which has formed a tripartite structure with unions. * We need a last push to topple the regime and restore democracy.

Despite the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the crazy “de minimis” trade loophole is continuing to enable fast-fashion brands to exploit Uyghur forced labor. It's time to close the legal gap and demand accountability:

Despite the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the crazy “de minimis” trade loophole is continuing to enable fast-fashion brands to exploit Uyghur forced labor. It's time to close the legal gap and demand accountability:

Q: What roles can trade unions play in Human Rights Due Diligence #HRDD? A: A lot! Trade Union representatives from across Asia are meeting in Japan to discuss just this. How unions across supply chains, both in home countries and countries of production can coordinate to promote decent work, #HRDD and Responsible Business Conduct #RBC.