News

Training Seminar

UNI-Youth Argentina



As part of the action plan of UNI-Americas – UNI Global Union –, the Argentinean Network of UNI-Americas Youth keeps organizing training courses in trade unionism to make the youth reflect on the new role of trade unions in the current political and economic world order.



On 12-13 June, the recreational centre “El Reencuentro” in La Reja, Moreno, Buenos Aires province, owned by FUVA – Federación Única de Viajantes de la Argentina –, played host to the 5th Seminar on Union Training “Our Mission, Our Vision: Committed Youth”, which was attended by over 50 young men and women on behalf of 10 trade unions from all over the country. The event was also attended by Marcio Monzane, from Brazil, who is the current UNI-Americas Youth’s Regional Director, by Colin Medland, from England, who is UNI-Youth’s Executive Director, and Hernán Gómez, President of UNI-Americas Youth.



This seminar aimed at helping young people become active players in the creation of a fairer country with a strong social conscience, where trade unions may be regarded as a real tool to transform this social model which is fraught with prejudice, inequality and discrimination. This seminar is the first step to continue learning, strengthening bonds and achieving these goals.



During the first day and in commemoration of the "International Day against Child Labour”, UNI Youth Argentina together with the trade unions it represents (ALEARA – BANCARIOS – FAECyS – FATLyF – FATSA – FOECYT – F.O.E.E.S.I.T.R.A. – SOM – SUTEP and FUVA) made a donation (food, clothes and a refrigerator) to San Martín de Porres' soup kitchen, run by Father Eduardo Farrel, in Moreno, Buenos Aires province, which daily feeds hundreds of children in need of food and shelter.



Then, the first training session was carried out by a panel headed by Mr. Julio Aren, President of Fundación Universalista Social Argentina, and by Mr. José María Podestá, Legal Affairs Director of FUVA Social Network, with whom we engaged in an enlightening debate about various issues, such as the history of trade unionism worldwide, the history of trade unionism in Argentina, a brief review of Peronism, Governments, power and the State, the aims of trade unions, and union associations.



On the second day, we were visited by Ms. Andrea Spraggon, Legal counsellor to Asociación Viajantes Vendedores de Argentina), Luis María Cejas (FUVA’s General Secretary), and Rubén Cortina (President of UNI-Americas), who, thanks to their vast experience, could share information and talk with the young people about conflict and collective bargaining.



In the end, Mr. Cejas and Mr. Cortina spoke about their personal experiences within UNI-Youth and pointed out that only through the youth’s commitment and struggle will we be able to make the changes modern society needs.