News

The UNI World Executive Board meeting in 13-14 November focused the first day on UNI's Breaking Through strategy as it looks ahead to the next World Congress in Cape Town 2014.

UNI Global Union President Joe de Bruyn opened the meeting by calling President Obama's victory in the US a positive step for the union movement and working people.



UNI Deputy General Secretary Christy Hoffman presented some of UNI key campaigns and wins including the recent signing of a global agreement with Eurosport and the on-going work with among others Carrefour, IKEA and Securitas. Hoffman also highighted the success of the UNI Walmart Global Union Alliance

launched in Los Angeles last month.



UNI Europa Regional Secretary Oliver Roethig said that the Europe Day of Action and Solidarity which will see general strikes in Spain, Greece and Portugual was a marker in the sand against the unacceptable tide of austerity. The UNI World Executive Board joined with him in calling for an end to austerity and a real growth and jobs strategy.

The UNI affiliates who have travelled from all over the world for the meeting showed their commitment to the Europe Day of Action by raising their banners, placards and flag in a mark of solidarity.



UNI General Secretary, Philip Jennings said, "Austerity 2012 doesn't work and will take the social unrest gauge clear off the dial. It raises the question what motivates this elite to pursue an agenda which is false and doesn't deliver sustainable economies? In Greece, Spain and Italy what we really seeing is a grab for power and one that excludes unions and the voice of the working people. We join with all our European affiliates and indeed with our global UNI family in demanding change, That is what the Europe day of Action and Solidarity is about and the UNI Global Union World Executive Board is proud to be a part of it."