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More than a hundred and ten unionists from private clinics in Santiago, Chile voted last week to create a National Union Federation of private clinics in Chile.

This decision was taken at the Second National Conference of Trade Unions of Private Clinics in Chile which lasted two days and was attended by distinguished speakers, including Claudia Pascual, Minister Sernam; Maria Eugenia Puelma, Seremi Labour; Francisco Javier Díaz, Secretary of Labor, and Marco Barraza, Secretary of Social Welfare.

Carlos West Ocampo, President of UNI Americas UNICARE and FATSA, Argentina, stressed that private medicine companies have a business strategy. "Relations with workers is part of this strategy and unless there is a common decision to work jointly will not be able to counter the power of these companies." "Building the visibility and identity of the sector is our challenge, and we can do this work because we are on the side of what is best for all people," said Carlos, in his well received speech.

During the course of the conference a study was presented on the working conditions and effects on health for workers in Private Clinics in Chile. This research was developed by Denisse Quijada, Sociologist of the University of Chile and Patricia Grau, also of the University of Chile in partnership with unions and UNI Global Union. This research was based on interviews with workers around the country, where rich testimonies about the harsh working conditions in the sector were shared. At the same time, workers shared their strong identity as private health sector workers who want the best for the people in their communities.

Maria Cecilia Grau, President of the Union of the German Clinic, reported on the work done before the Conference in order for leaders to attend from across Chile. "It was an extraordinary experience to organize the Second Conference, and is an extraordinary experience to have you all here making a firm decision to contribute to a more worthy life for health care workers," she said.

"Why have we been so isolated from one another for all these years? Why have we not listened, what we have we not seen, why have we not supported each other?" These were the questions asked by one of the leaders from Clinical Dávila, who strongly supported the proposal to create a National Federation. It was supported by all the union representatives present.

"Here are the courageous leaders who dare to build something new. Here are those who dare to make change, and who are truly representative of what unions should be, "said Adriana Rosenzvaig, UNI Global Union Americas Regional Secretary.

"Today we are making history: the story of those who want unions united and organized,"she said.