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UNI Global Union’s finance unions, UNI Finance, are staging protests, demonstrations and meetings ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in London on April 2 to urge government leaders and finance ministers to back financial reforms that give workers the right to offer quality services and good advice.



The action kicks off today in Brazil and then continues on Thursday with demonstrations in France and in the United States.



UNI Finance and its member unions are calling for a new business model for financial institutions that is customer oriented, risk-conscious and sustainable and that empowers staff and customers. It also calls for comprehensive international financial regulation and restructuring and bailout plans that don’t saddle taxpayers with toxic assets, while corporations keep only their profitable businesses.



“We are simply calling for fairness and equity in the solutions to the financial crisis,” said UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings. “Our unions are taking that message to governments in their own countries and I will take it to the G20 leaders in London. Workers’ outrage is palpable as we get more news of bailed-out executives getting fat bonuses or and then railing against workers who simply want union rights and fair pay for their work.”



UNI and its member unions will take their new finance industry business model to governments all over the world. And in the lead up to the G20 Summit in London, unions will also be taking this message to the streets during a week of action to advocate for the new financial plan.



The UNI Americas executive board joined Brazilian affiliates in a demonstration and rally today in Sao Paolo.



In the US on Thursday thousands of people nationwide will demonstrate outside major banks and demand real change in the banking business. UNI member SEIU is one of the organisers of the events across the country. Americans will hold demonstrations at the offices of major banks and other corporations to demand more responsible corporate behavior and call on Congress to enact the change that will make it happen: employee free choice and healthcare reform.



In France, unions are organising a joint demonstration for workers from all industries in a demand for economic and social change.



Next week UNI member unions in New Zealand, Finland, Italy, Belgium the UK and elsewhere will be holding their own events to lobby governments or raise public awareness.



The actions will culminate in a huge demonstration planned for March 28 in London to “Put People First.” UNI member Unite will participate in the march along with other trade unions who are advocating for jobs, justice and climate.



“The financial crisis has made it clear that a fundamental change in the system is necessary to enact real, long-lasting change and to create a business model that will benefit many people, not just a few at the top,” said Head of UNI Finance Oliver Roethig.