Global daily news 06.06.2014

***BWI calls to end the exploitation of construction workers in preparations for mega-sports events

“Tragic costs of human lives and the impunity of workers’ exploitation in mega-sports events has to stop now,” said Ambet Yuson at the BWI rally at the Broken Chair in front of the UN building in Geneva this morning. Around 80 people, including Industriall and IUF, two global union federations based in Geneva, denounced the widespread and systematic exploitation of construction workers in mega sports events. Red helmets of construction workers showed how the last games have been fatal for construction workers.
In the afternoon, the BWI and ITUC event at the UN generated interest among ILC delegates. The event showcased the work of trade unions in organizing and campaigning for decent work, workers’ rights and human rights. Among the panellists, Sharon Burrow, general secretary of the ITUC said: “Investment is more powerful and is the reality of the situation. The worst case is the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar.“ For migrant workers who represent a significant part of the work force in preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the conditions are far worse and they often find themselves exploited and in positions of forced labour. Thousands of workers are expected to be killed in Qatar.

François Crepeau, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Migrants indicated that a report will be presented to the Human Rights Council next week. He also added that “countries of origin have the responsibility for training migrant workers in order to enhance their skills and ability to defend themselves.”

Raimundo Novato Gomes of SINTEPAV-CE of Brazil, a BWI affiliate from Brazil, highlighted the projects carried out in his country for the World Cup in 2014: “12 stadiums were built for the World Cup, 45 urban projects, 30 airports and 6 ports. This investment will leave legacy for the future of the Brazilian society.” He also added that the 26 strikes have improved workers’ wages and health and safety conditions. 9 workers have died in Brazil with a week to go before the first game.

Vasyl Andreyev, President of Ukrainian Building Workers, insisted: “Trade unions must be involved and cooperate to push FIFA and UEFA to take responsibility. They shouldn’t only take care about profits but also about people.” 20 workers were killed in the preparations for the 2012 Eurocup.

Gabriel Mocho Rodriguez of ITF: ”Today, the ITF and the ITUC submitted a case against the state of Qatar to the ILO. The case accuses Qatar of allowing its state-owned airline, Qatar Airways, to violate ILO Convention 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation). Female cabin crew members face gender-based discrimination such as a contractual marriage bar for the first five years of service and a provision allowing the company to terminate employment upon a crew member (compulsorily) reporting a pregnancy.





FROM THE SIU, ALSO SEAFARER TIMES (INDIA),  :

***IBF Framework Agreement Reached (6/5)
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, has posted the following news release. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, quoted in the release, also serves as chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section.
As noted by the ITF, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) was formed in 2003 “as a mechanism for collective bargaining between maritime employers and maritime unions over the wages and conditions of employment for seafarers serving on foreign-flag ships covered by ITF Special Agreements. Maritime employers are represented by the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), the International Shipping Employers’ Group (ISEG) which incorporates the International Maritime Managers’ Association of Japan (IMMAJ) and the Taiwanese company Evergreen, and the Korean Shipowners’ Association.
“Together they form the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) which allows maritime employers to present to the ITF a coordinated view of employers from across the world.”

The ITF’s affiliates include 684 unions in 140 countries representing more than 600,000 mariners.

According to the federation, “The IBF negotiations include both central negotiations and local negotiations which allow for development of core principles which can then be incorporated into specific local arrangements. This unique approach to pay negotiations is the only example of international collective bargaining.”
IBF press statement: Industrial relations collective, the International Bargaining Forum, concludes the final round of negotiations for 2015-2017 IBF Framework Agreement
5 June 2014
The ITF and JNG met in Indonesia June 4-5 to conclude negotiations for the creation of the new IBF Framework Agreement. The round of negotiations initially commenced in October 2013, when both parties met in St. Petersburg, to exchange their list of demands for the negotiation.
The negotiations were particularly challenging this year, following the depression of the global shipping market, since the last agreement was negotiated in 2011. Both parties acknowledged the need to support the growth of the market, but also acknowledged the need to maintain sustainable and fair employment for the seafarers sailing on JNG vessels worldwide.
The talks concluded today with a mutually agreed Framework Agreement, for the following 3 years. The main points of the agreement were:
-- A salary increase of 1 percent in 2015, 2 percent in 2016 and 3.5 percent in 2017
-- A 10 percent rebate for JNG members from the ITF Welfare Fund, with an additional 2.5 percent based on an incentive system
-- Downgrading of the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor to an IBF Extended Risk Zone status, while maintaining all other risk areas previously agreed

-- Changes to various contractual clauses
-- Enhanced welfare support for seafarers

Commenting on the two days of intense negotiations, David Heindel, Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, who chaired the talks, said, “Considerable progress has clearly been made from both parties over this round. The ITF has understood the challenges facing the JNG members in their ability to afford a pay increase, but it has been important to secure a pay increase for our members, to ensure a fair wage and conditions of employment. There have at times been differing views by both parties, but both have been able to put aside these differences to conclude the negotiations.”
Speaking at the IBF meeting in Indonesia, the JNG Chairman Mr. Tsutomu Iizuka said, “The last eight months of IBF discussions have been tough. Both sides commenced the progress at different ends of the spectrum, wishing to best represent their respective members. There has been considerable movement from each side, which has been difficult at times and has only been possible due to the mutual respect between the parties to the IBF, gained over the past 10 years.”

ITF President Paddy Crumlin added, “The negotiations were understandably difficult given the market conditions, but notwithstanding that, the successful conclusion is a reflection of the maturity of social dialogue and engagement within this aspect of the shipping industry. In a truly international industry employing seafarers from virtually every nation, reaching a single standard of employment that is enforceable and supported by the social partners is an extraordinary achievement.”

Speaking on the outcome of the new IBF Framework Agreement, the JNG spokesperson, Giles Heimann, said, “The past few years have been particularly challenging for shipowners. Although we have seen signs of market recovery, many owners are still facing challenging times. The JNG has worked hard to get a mutually acceptable outcome, which will aid owners to financially recover, but at the same time, will recognize the welfare of the seafarers that they employ.”

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FROM ALL ABOUT SHIPPING:


***Unions put Qatar in the dock at UN body
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Global union organisations the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) and the ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) have submitted a case against the state of Qatar to the ILO (International Labour Organisation) in Geneva.

The case accuses Qatar of allowing its state-owned airline, Qatar Airways, to violate ILO Convention 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation), which Qatar signed in 1976.

The ITF and ITUC accuse Qatar Airways (QR) of workplace sex discrimination and restricting women’s rights, and allege that the Qatari government is in breach of its international obligations by turning a blind eye to these offences.

The two organisations have provided evidence that female cabin crew members face gender-based discrimination such as a contractual marriage bar for the first five years of service and a provision allowing the company to terminate employment upon a crew member (compulsorily) reporting a pregnancy.

They argue that the government of Qatar also fails to enforce the legal protections that exist in its constitution, Law 14 of 2004 (the Labour Law) and Law 11 of 2004 (the Penal Code).

The ITF has repeatedly exposed what it calls discriminatory and wholly unacceptable practices – including curfews, surveillance and arbitrary dismissal – at the airline, where workers repeatedly refer to a climate of fear.

Meanwhile the ITUC has led the way in its challenges to the state of Qatar over its treatment of migrant workers in Qatar.

ITF acting general secretary Steve Cotton said: “Qatar Airways already has an unenviable reputation for severe employment practices, even among industry professionals, with allegations including harassment and restrictions on visitors and relationships. Its gender discrimination against female cabin crew is equally unacceptable.”

He continued: “We urge the ILO to act on our representation and make the recommendations necessary to bring the Qatar government into compliance with its international commitments as soon as possible and end the disgraceful discriminatory measures against women workers employed by its national carrier.”

Sharan Burrow, ITUC general secretary said: “The corrupt kafala system used in Qatar, including by Qatar Airways, virtually enslaves women and controls their every movement. They live under strict curfews and the smallest details of their lives are controlled by their employers. They have no right to join a union to have a collective voice and there appear to be no effective grievance procedures concerning sexual harassment. They are being denied their rights and dignity.”

ITF president Paddy Crumlin said: "Qatar is on trial – over its national airline, over kafala, over the World Cup. The truth will out, and we're going to continue making sure it does. Change has to happen, and until it does the rulers of Qatar and Qatar Airways can be sure that we won't go away."