The commencement of the first day of the 6th World Congress organized by UNI Global Union took place in Philadelphia. The agenda for the day was brimming with activities centered around the themes of union strength, women’s rights, and the campaign to ensure Amazon’s accountability.
The opening address by UNI’s General Secretary Christy Hoffman emphasized the significance of the global labor movement and its potential to overcome challenges. She stressed the need for unity and strategic action to achieve goals, acknowledging that politeness wouldn’t suffice, and that the movement would require a determined fight to succeed.
Hoffman reiterated the mission to empower unions in a tangible way, improving the lives of workers and reshaping the global power dynamics. She highlighted the practical accomplishments of this mission and the ongoing efforts to create meaningful change.
The initial session, titled ‘Building Union Power for All,’ moderated by Rocio Sáenz, highlighted successful organizing endeavors of UNI’s affiliates worldwide. Speakers like Tony Clark and Taketoshi Matsuzaka shared their experiences of union victories, while also acknowledging the challenges faced.
UNI’s global agreements with multinational companies were underscored for their transformative role in supporting workers in challenging environments. Representatives like Cristina Gogescu and Liz Passaro discussed how these agreements had facilitated union establishment and improved conditions.
UNI’s regional organizing centers, including those in Eastern Europe, Colombia, and Western Europe, were commended for their substantial efforts in growing trade unions at the grassroots level. The strategy of building strong and resilient trade union structures throughout Europe was emphasized.
The importance of global alliances and solidarity was a focal point of the Congress. The success of UNI’s DHL Alliance in Africa and the emphasis on international collaboration were highlighted.
The role of women in the labor movement was a significant part of the discussions. The UNI World Women’s Conference motion centered on bargaining with a gender perspective to address women’s needs within agreements. Panelists shared stories of advocating for women’s rights and the impact of such efforts.
The day also delved into the issues surrounding Amazon, with discussions led by union leaders and workers. Amazon’s practices were scrutinized, with calls for accountability and the need to combat its anti-union stance.
The day ended with an energetic panel discussion on Amazon, where speakers stressed the importance of pushing back against the corporation’s practices, surveillance, and labor conditions. The Congress served as a platform to showcase successful organizing efforts and to emphasize the global power of the labor movement.