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UNI Global Union’s President Ann Selin is addressing a 100000 strong rally in Indonesia to celebrate International Labour Day

During her speech the UNI Global Union President praised the trade union federation ASPEK Indonesia.

Selin said, “My union in Finland, PAM, has had a close relationship with ASPEK since 2009.What you have achieved during this time is amazing. You have fought for a social security system for millions of workers, overhauled the minimum wages in Indonesia as well as championing a law that limits outsourcing.”

She also called on the Indonesian government to reverse its move to deny workers a collective voice in the annual wage negotiation process.

“The government broke a tri-partite institution and imposed its will in a way that is not democratic. Trade unions around the world support your fight. The Indonesian government should reconsider and include trade unions in the minimum wage negotiations,” Selin said.

She said the Indonesian labour movement was not alone in facing attacks.

“Many governments are increasingly listening to big business. The richest 1 percent already controls more than half of the world’s wealth. That is more than 99 % of the world's population together. Something is very wrong with this world. Several studies have concluded that growing inequality is one of the biggest threats to prosperity and economic growth. It creates unrest. It's bad for business, it's bad for governments, it's bad for people.”

The UNI President brought a message of hope and a message of action to Indonesia.

“UNI Global Union represents over 20 million service workers around the world. We want to change the rules of the game. And we want to do this by including you. Including you in taking back our economies. Putting people first. We demand global justice, job creation, proper work, wage-led growth and social protection for all. A more active role for governments is needed. We need stronger regulation of our financial system. We need stronger collective bargaining. Unions are a key political force to drive the change that the world needs. To create economies that include you.”

The UNI Global Union President concluded her speech by praising the leadership and the international solidarity shown by the Indonesian trade unionists.

“I want to thank you for your solidarity. Last year, the government in Finland introduced anti-labour policies. In our struggle, we received several support messages sent from you: ASPEK, KSPI, FSPMI. They gave us a lot of courage. What a great example of South to North solidarity. Thank you for your solidarity Indonesia!”

“Happy International Labour Day to you here in Indonesia and to all the workers around the world! Solidarity!”