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Commerce exemplifies solidarity support in Japan

Published: 16 July 2012
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 The meeting was attended by 31 delegates from 8 commerce unions in the Asia Pacific region. Committee members also followed up on ILO's “Global Dialogue Forum on the needs of older workers in relation to changing work processes and the working environment in Retail Commerce”.



In the opening, Ian Blandthorn, UNI Apro Commerce President, stressed that this was an important meeting since the earthquake and tsunami which had shocked the world. He mentioned that our hearts and prayers are still with the Japanese people in the rebuilding exercise. He also highlighted the opening up of Burma and the recent release of Aung Sang Suu Kyi.



In the meeting the committee:-



- Passed a resolution calling upon Walmart to adhere to good industrial relationship and recognition of trade unions in countries where they operate.



- Congratulated KPSU on the success of the opening hour’s campaign that saw legislation being passed to limit the 24 hrs / 7 days a week opening hours on multinational supermarkets that had a great impact on the work life balance of the workers and community.



- Reported Tesco Lotus Thailand signing of a collective agreement which be applicable to all their distribution centers as well as the holding of a joint OHS workshop in collaboration with USDAW, UK.



- Extended our support to the on-going organizing efforts in UNICOME Malaysia, H&M Hong Kong & Singapore, IKEA Thailand & Indonesia, HERO Union in Indonesia, UNICOME Nepal and Vietnam.



- Noted the need to continue organizing efforts in this region and recognized that this process is not instant as time is need to build social dialogues, trust and relationship before the unions can be formed. Unreasonable deadline are an issue.



- Placed on record our congratulations to JAW's 40th anniversary.
Christopher Ng, UNI Apro Regional Secretary, was delighted that the meeting could be held in Japan as it signifies the solidarity with the people and UNI’s membership for the three incidents last year. He noted that the meeting would review the commerce sector's current and future situation. Burma and China would also be one of the priority focal points for UNI Apro’s work.



Kiyoshi Ochiai, Chairperson of UNI-LCJapan and President of UI ZENSEN, recalled that commerce retail workers in the 1960-1970s were considered to be lowest in rank hierarchy and it is only with the establishment of the trade unions that this image has changed considerably. Globalization and liberalization have brought about many challenges to workers while the crisis in Europe is now affecting Asia Pacific regional growth and its real economy. While a small handful of people are benefiting from globalization and liberalization, workers are forced to make more sacrifices and unemployment, especially for the youth, is growing. There is a need for ethics and rules for finance, fair trade and responsible products. Ochiai also emphasized the importance of staying in solidarity and expanding our work into areas of social dialogues.



Committee members met local union members in Sendai that were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and learned how to manage crisis while extending solidarity in rebuilding exercises.



The Japanese people thanked UNI, UNI Apro and affiliates for their support and warm solidarity including donations they had received which were channeled to the victims, RENGO for their relief efforts and for the purchase of three handicap friendly vehicles in Iwate prefecture.



The next Commerce meeting will be held before UNI Apro Commerce Conference tentatively in Bangkok, Thailand at the end of October or in November 2013.



The committee would like to extend their gratitude to UNI-LCJapan, JSD, UI ZENSEN, JAW, UNI Apro Tokyo Office and UNI Apro office for the excellent arrangements made and their hospitality.