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UNI is joining The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada in their fight to get the G20 to focus on workers’ rights and trade union rights.



The UFCW has launched its “Gee 20” website to highlight workers issues ahead of the G20 meeting that starts in Toronoto on June 26 and 27.



UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings gave an interview for the website talking about the impact of globalisation and why workers need to join together globally to fight for their rights.



“It’s good to see the UFCW putting the people’s voice on the map in Toronto,” Jennings said. “We’re fighting for our lives. We’re fighting for a cause. We’re fighting for the future of our nations. We’re fighting for our democracy. If you eliminate the trade union movement… you’re chipping away at human rights.”



Jennings lauded UFCW’s push to highlight workers’ views. The G20 is not just a forum for government and big business, he said.



“This is not just the vent for presidents and ministers and big bankers and other guys who are abusing the system,” Jennings said. “It’s important that the people’s voice is heard.”



The UFCW is a 1.3 million strong North American trade union representing workers in industries such as food processing and manufacturing.



The interview can be seen in its entirety on UFCW’s Gee 20 website, which regularly posts videos and articles important to the trade union movement in Canada.