News
Another Break Through – the Launch of UNI Apro MEI Sector
More than 40 union leaders representing media, entertainment and arts (MEI) unions from 15 countries across the Asia Pacific region gathered in Bangkok 28-30 August 2013 to launch a new structure for UNI Apro and UNI MEI – the UNI Apro MEI sector. This is a major breakthrough for UNI Apro and UNI MEI Global Union, “closing the circle” after more than 2 years of concerted effort to bring together MEI affiliates in the region. Head of UNI MEI, Johannes Studinger, recorded his compliments and satisfaction of the bond and cooperation from all affiliates and UNI Apro secretariat, allowing the sector to punch above its nominal weight – a vision in the founding of UNI Global Union, a merger of 4 former global union federations including MEI. He reiterates UNI MEI’s support to UNI Apro MEI to help affiliates grow their members and to better negotiate with employers in the region.
This regional MEI sector conference kicked off with an opening of distinguished personalities including Dr Anek Preamwongsaynee, President of the MCOT Broadcasting Company Limited, a Thai state owned enterprise broadcaster currently undertaking a digitalization process – possibly one of the most pressing issues confronted by the MCOT union under its new elected leadership of Bro. Suwit Mingmol.
UNI Apro Regional Secretary Christopher Ng emphasized that challenges confronted by the industry/ sector could be resolved through strong management-union industrial relations where well organized workers and employers representatives must engage in genuine and constructive social dialogue to seek and implement solutions to protect the company and the general public and industry.
UNI Apro President Tomoyasu Kato, President of ICTJ Japan, pointed out to the reality that digitalization has led to a gradual merging of technology and emerging digital platforms between MEI sector and ICTS sector. The launch of UNI Apro MEI sector is clearly a big step in the right direction and to even look into cross sector union cooperation on campaigning for regulatory reform in a digital economy.
Over the course of the two days, delegates vigorously discussed core issues ranging from approaches and strategies to grow union members of various employment status, building the union strength to collectively bargain, pushing the agenda on an international health and safety framework for media workers in television and film and on ensuring the gender mainstreaming in the sector.
UNI Apro MEI and the ABU also had a fruitful dialogue with Ms Olya Booyar and exchanged core common interests as well as explored more in depth concrete areas of partnership cooperation following the MOU on developing health and safety and gender policies among Asia’s broadcasters.
The conference gave its endorsement and support to the UNI Apro MEI Breaking Through Action Plan outlining its ambitious plan which includes:
1. Organizing in Asia Pacific, Organizing in a Digital Economy
2. Building Power for Collective Bargaining
3. Respect Dignity, Respect Rights and Respect Equality
4. Towards International Health and Safety Standards
Time after time, media workers and their unions are trying hard to defend media independence, media plurality and the duty of media to provide universal access to quality public service broadcasting in order to build an informed society. Yet, broadcasters continue to be driven by commercial or political agenda and turning away from its main responsibility in educating the public and society.
The 1st UNI Apro MEI Conference and its delegates strongly supported the call to reinforce this message – that media workers are steadfast in protecting a democratic, independent transparent and open media landscape in a digital economy.
The 1st UNI Apro MEI Conference elected unanimously for its first President, Bro. Christopher Warren, Federal Secretary of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Australia.
“Those of us who inform and entertain our communities in the Asia Pacific coming together through UNI Apro MEI have an opportunity to shape our futures by working together with creativity and integrity. This means respecting differences and understanding unity to break through to build decent jobs in our exciting industry.”
UNI Apro MEI President, Chris Warren
Download resolutions and strategic action plan adopted by UNI Apro MEI from the menu above "related files"
Some photos of the inaugural UNI Apro MEI Sector Conference, 28-30 August 2013 can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniglobalunion/sets/72157635306065947/