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UNI General Secretary: “We are about organising”

Addressing the 4th UNI APRO Regional Conference, UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings, said organising and growth were central to the UNI vision, nomore so than in Asia.

“The theme of the conference is “Scaling New Heights” which speaks to our ambitions for a world of human rights, of health, education, homes and decent work for all. None of these dreams can be achieved without a strong, democratic and innovative trade union movement. In this age of transformation we must grow. We must fight for the voice of people to be heard. For a seat at the table.”

Jennings said there were many challenges ahead and the scourge of inequality was spreading, even to Finland, the home of UNI Global Union President Ann Selin.

“Ann cannot be here in Kuala Lumpur because of the most serious industrial relations conflict in Finland in modern times. She is a strong leader of Finland’s strongest union PAM. The fight is tough - holding back the tide of austerity, an attack on collective bargaining. A way of life is at stake.”

Jennings also made special mention of Nepal and the Nepalese courage in facing up to the deadly consequences of the recent earthquake. He praised the work of the UNI Nepalese Liaison Council led by Rajendra Acharya, well supported by all UNI affiliates who gave to the relief fund. The fund has enable UNI to build many scores of houses in the devasted quake zone.

Returning to his earlier theme of organising, Jennings had special praise for MLC President Mohammed Shafie BP Mammal, who has been responsible for organising scores of businesses across the region. Brother Shafie received a special award as "Super Organiser" for his efforts.

“A brilliant organising task successfully realised. Hands together for Shafie and the UNI MLC. Boleh!”

Jennings concluded his remarks by underscoring the importance of peace to the labour movement.

“We build paths to peace at home, at work, in the neighbourhood, in the nation, between nations.

Next week I will witness in Oslo, Norway the presentation of the Nobel peace prize to the Tunisian quartet. The quartet includes our Tunisian unions. Our unions will receive the Nobel peace prize.

Our unions overturned repression, demonstrated for peace.

Our unions sacrificed for peace, union members murdered, subject to physical attack, union families targeted, union buildings destroyed, bombed set alight.

Still our unions stood tall, chose the path of negotiation and a new constitution was born.

It is an example to the world.

We are proud of them.

We are proud that Israel and Palestine unions are members of UNI side by side.

At this time of terror. Where innocents are killed and maimed.

Let us be inspired by Tunisia.

Let us once again commit to peace.

Work for peace.”