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"The first thing you see when you enter this building are the 187 names of the bank workers who were kidnapped during the dictatorship. They are engraved in the memory of an entire region who fought and continues to fight for democracy and human rights. A permanent presence that reminds us who we are, what we did, and the power against which we struggle "said Philip Jennings, UNI General Secretary, at the opening of the 17th Meeting of UNI Americas Executive Committee, held on the 30th of June and the 1st of July, in the Banking Association's Malvinas Argentinas Room.

Ruben Cortina, President of UNI Americas, began the Committee sessions recalling that we are experiencing difficult times and we need to pay close attention to anything that could happen in the coming months, in a scenario where we can  clearly see a neoliberal political attack. "The crisis in Greece is a painful reminder of our own crisis" Ruben recalled and requested the Committee for a declaration of solidarity with the Greek people.

The Work Plan assessment carried out in 2014 and the presentation of the 2015 Plan had the enthusiastic participation of the Committee members and of the sectoral Presidents attending the meeting. "We are proud of the global  launch of UNI Care, and that it was done in Argentina," said Carlos West Ocampo. Sergio Palazzo, President of UNI Americas Finance, highlighted that the sector has developed intense activism across the region, characterized by standing together with the unions every time they needed our support. "Today I invite you to mobilize with HSBC workers who are fighting to defend their jobs. We will support them as we have supported our Brazilian brothers and sisters a few days ago, "concluded Palazzo.

Daniel Amoroso, UNI Gaming Global President, expressed satisfaction with the sector's developments, reporting that progress is being made in the Global Agreement signed with the Spanish multinational company "Codere", and that a new agreement has been signed with the Mexican company "Caliente". Rocio Saenz, President of UNI Americas Property Services, said that the sector was launched in the region one year ago, and the first global agreement was signed yesterday with multilatin "Gestam" and talks with the Solvi Group are moving forward. "We are developing a plan in the region and we want to grow in Peru and Chile," she said. Mario Amado referred to the progress that is being achieved in UNI Americas Commerce, with significant progress in social dialogue in Carrefour Brazil and a new action plan in Walmart. Susana Benitez enthusiastically recounted the progress of UNI MEI in the Americas, with intense work in Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Colombia. Rolando Conte  emphasized that SUTEB is still working towards a global framework agreement with Cinemark.

Special attention was paid to Prosegur workers' situation in different parts of the region, particularly to the long strike being carried out by the Chilean workers and the repeated violations of human and union rights in other countries like Brazil, Colombia and Peru.

“We held a week of action in Spanish embassies in the region and in several countries around the world," said Benjamin Parton, Uni Americas Organising and Campaigns Director. "The reason is clear. The Spanish Government has to be aware of the violations of human and union rights committed by the company and must act accordingly. It is not only Prosegur's reputation that is at stake, but that of the Brand Spain" Ben said. The Executive Committee expressed its full solidarity with Chilean workers and supported UNI in striving for a positive dialogue with the company, leading to the signing of a Global Agreement.

The Regional Secretary reviewed the development of the Plan and welcomed the commitment of each of the sectors who made its optimization possible. The meeting included the active participation of Philip Jennings and Christy Hoffman,  UNI General Secretary and Deputy, respectively. Philip reviewed the motions adopted at the UNI World Congress held in Cape Town, and the priorities established by the participating delegates.

The Committee held a panel on organising in the new world of work. Philip said that we are at the beginning of the third industrial revolution, with huge changes affecting every corner of our lives and those of future generations, changes that raise many questions about the future. "This revolution will have an impact on everyone's life. We have a responsibility in UNI Global Union, not only with us but with the labour movement, to see how this revolution will impact us. We must all work together to prepare the 21st Century Project. "

General Secretary Philip Jennings, highlighted the momentum of major changes taking place in UNI Americas, with a dynamic organisation that has managed to break through in the sectors, making progress in organising more workers, supporting gender and youth work, demonstrating our strength to governments and employers with the signing of new regional agreements. This is a time of dynamism and energy; we have our destiny in our hands in terms of addressing important issues such as democracy, health for all, confronting intolerance, low wages and inequality. Philip thanked Ruben and Adriana and all affiliated organisations for the great work developed in the region, urging them to sustain the momentum.