News

Over 170 participants from 31 countries attended the UNI Youth Global Conference in Cape Town, South Africa earlier this month. Youth trade unionists from all around the world gathered to address the fundamental issues facing young workers.
 
“It was great to see such a huge participation to the youth event from so many unions,” said Head of UNI Youth Colin Medland. “Youth is a key component to the UNI Global Union family and underpins our work in every sector.”

 
Participants discussed a range of global issues facing young workers such as youth unemployment, precarious jobs, zero hour contracts, the need to organise and train young members and youth representation in union structures. The UNI Youth target is to get at least 10% Youth participation (under 35) at the next UNI World Congress in Liverpool.
 
Another prominent issue addressed was the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace. The problem is particularly pressing in Africa and UNI will be looking at ways to highlight this issue. Together with the UNI Equal Opportunities department, UNI Youth agreed to fight and to stamp out this kind of behaviour.
 
The UNI Youth Global Conference was followed by the first ever UNI Youth Organising Forum for the following three days. The conference also stood in solidarity with South African union Sasbo in their campaign at Capitec. For the full story please click here.