***BWI calls to end the exploitation of construction workers in preparations for mega-sports events
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.
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.”
— Changes to various contractual clauses
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.”
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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| ***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.” |