New Wages For Workers

Donor dependent budget and balancing between social services and minimum wage are among major constraints that hinder government to decide on minimum surviving wage for its workers.

Minister for Labour, Employment and Youth Development, Prof Juma Kapuya told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the government wishes to pay its workers living wage recommended by various stakeholders but it needs to work out on modalities to effect such payment.

"We have a problem here, we could decide that all taxes we collect from wananchi be used to pay our workers, but what about the social services that people need from the government?" asked the minister.

He said working on the donor dependent budget; the Government has to balance between paying its worker handsomely and its ability to provide social services to Tanzanians.

The minister said that the donor dependent budget denies and threatens the Government independence on many things including setting a sound minimum wage for its workers.

The Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) recommended that the government should pay Sh318,000 as the minimum wage while the opposition parties recommended Sh210,000.

He was talking on International Labour Organisation's, (ILO) 90th anniversary to be celebrated on Monday.

He commended the organisation for various initiatives that led to the promotion of labour standards, employment creation, social protection and social dialogue.

The minister said ILO leads other United Nations (UN) organisations in implementing democracy in the country by incorporating the Government and other labour stakeholders before making decisions on any matter.

Speaking during the meeting the ILO director for East Africa and Somalia, Mr Alexio Musindo, said the organisation was dedicated to promoting social justice and decent work agenda through implementation of its four objectives.

http://thecitizen.co.tz/index.php

Canadians Holds Hands Together

Supporters of the Venezuelan revolution gathered in front of the Venezuelan consulate in Montreal on Sunday 15th of February at 11:00 am, in a demonstration called by Hands Off Venezuela/Société Bolivarienne du Québec. This was a cross-Canada event, as activists from Hands Off Venezuela Toronto, and the Mohawk community also traveled to increase the spirit of solidarity. All were united in solidarity with the revolution and the yes vote in the referendum abolishing term limits.

Morale was high despite bitter cold, and intimidation attempts by opposition supporters, who called Montreal police to have the demonstrators removed. The supporters of the oligarchy became aggressive, assaulted the demonstration to take away a megaphone, and themselves were pushed back by the police instead.

Alex Grant of HOV Toronto spoke to the demonstration and clearly pointed out the reason why the opposition supporters were so infuriated by our presence: the Venezuelan revolution is an example to the working class of the entire world, it shows that the capitalists and the oligarchs can be fought and overthrown by the mobilization of the toiling masses. Chavez has enraged the capitalists in Venezuela and internationally, as he has time and again come down on the side of the masses in their struggles against the few who previously concentrated enormous wealth and power in their hands.

The Venezuelan Revolution has become the focal point of the hopes of millions, not just in Venezuela, but in every country on earth. In all the demonstrations in the Arab world against the imperialist slaughter perpetrated by the Israeli ruling class, Chavez’s picture was held high. From the perspective of the bourgeoisie, the message is clear: the masses must not be allowed to elect Chavez again. This is why the oligarchy, and the bourgeois press across the world, mobilized to prevent the people of Venezuela from freely deciding who they want as their president without restriction. The oligarchy cannot defeat Chavez in elections, so they must prevent him from running again.

At noon, the demonstration marched to McGill University, where HOV/SBQ Montreal and visiting members of HOV Toronto held a public forum entitled “The Financial Crisis and the Bolivarian Revolution”. Joel Bergman, of HOV/SBQ Montreal, reminded the audience of the importance of the Venezuelan revolution, which has implemented massive social programs, raised living standards and nationalized whole industries. Joel emphasized the need to defend these gains against the attacks of the oligarchy.

Camilo Cahis from HOV Toronto also spoke and pointed to governorships and mayoralties where the opposition has recently taken power, only to turn around and use these institutions to launch attacks against the communal councils, the social missions and the working class. They have even used these bases of power to organize armed fascist gangs, which have been roaming the streets with impunity.

Both speakers underlined that this would pale in comparison to the bloody counter-revolution that would ensue if the opposition ever took hold of the presidency, and this is the practical reality which the masses took into account when voting yes for the referendum.

However, the speakers pointed out that the oil boom which made all these reforms possible for a period under capitalism is now over, and the global economic crisis will force a resolution of the struggle in Venezuela one way or the other. If the revolution falters, the Venezuelan people face the prospect of inflation, mass unemployment and widespread lockouts to remove hard-won gains for the workers. This will be fertile ground for fascist gangs, who will not hesitate to settle their score with the masses, as they did in the massacres in Chile in 1973.

There is another option. Comrades from Montreal and Toronto were united in calling for the revolution to move forward after the referendum, towards expropriating the oligarchs completely, taking away their power over the factories and the banks, and submitting them to the democratic control of the working class and the Venezuelan masses. So long as the oligarchs can still use these levers to attack the revolution, then the revolution is not irreversible.

Already, the example of the occupied factories movement in Venezuela, placing factories under the control of workers’ councils, has inspired the first factory occupation since the 1930’s in the USA. Across the world, the exploited and oppressed are facing towards the fires of revolutionary struggle that are burning in Venezuela, and across Latin America. The demonstration and this forum were yet more proof that the Venezuelan people can count on their example being paid back in solidarity the world over. We gathered together for one reason, to call out: HANDS OFF VENEZUELA!

http://www.handsoffvenezuela.org/

Chavez Absence In Summit

The much awaited arrival of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ended in disappointment for many when he failed to turn up yesterday, at the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGO’s (FITUN’s) hosting of the Fourth Summit of the People.

However, people from across the Americas and the Caribbean were present in numbers to show solidarity for the forum aimed at discussing issues affecting the hemisphere.

President Chavez, identified by his countrymen as a “president of the people,” was invited to the three-day People’s Summit, to bring solidarity to the movement.

Among the attendees, were Brazilian national Luis Bassegio and Puerto Ricans Linda Alonso Lebran and Fernando Quiles, who were reportedly detained for several hours on their arrival at the Piarco International Airport, last Wednesday.

In his address yesterday, at the University of the West Indies’ Spec Centre, Bassegio said they were greeted by Police moments after landing on the tarmac at the airport.

But while he and his entourage were dubbed by Police as “professional protestors”, Bassegio said they had gone only to discuss the crises facing the people of the region.

Interviewed afterwards, Lebran said “it was an awful experience.”

“We are just peaceful political activists,” she added.

And as she spoke, a group of Police officers who had been posted at the Centre stood watch behind.

The officers together with Army soldiers had reportedly set up camp at the Centre in anticipation of the event.

Lebran recalled that her colleague identified as “Tito” was also detained by Police, but was sent back to his homeland on the following morning.

The forum was chaired by FITUN head, David Abulah, in which labour activists from around the Caribbean spoke and identified the problems plaguing the region. Following discussions yesterday, a draft declaration is expected to be submitted to the heads attending the Fifth Summit of the Americas.

http://www.newsday.co.tt

Welsh Workers Goodwill

WELSH workers are the most flexible in the UK when it comes to accepting pay cuts to save their colleagues’ jobs.

That is the finding of a major survey of more than 2,500 people by the independent campaign Keep Britain Working.

The research found that 93% of workers in Wales would accept changes in their working conditions to help colleagues keep their jobs and 37% would accept a cut in pay.

It also found a staggering 61% would accept a reduction in hours.

All three figures are higher than any other part of Britain.

The poll is published in advance of Wednesday’s Budget statement, which Gordon Brown has acknowledged needs to be “a Budget for jobs”.

Yesterday veteran Corus blast furnace worker and former Neath Port Talbot mayor Tony Taylor said the poll’s findings came as no surprise.

He said: “We in Wales have undergone a dramatic shift from heavy industry to lighter industries and have had to accept wholesale change in a relatively short time period.

“The inward investment we have enjoyed in Wales in recent years, for instance, is partly a result of the fact employers know they have a flexible workforce in Wales, willing to change and willing to get on with the job.

“The changes in the steel industry, as just one example, have been really, really drastic in the past 10 years alone and changes over 30 to 40 years have been huge.

“But like in other industries in Wales where there have been big changes, Corus workers have got on with it.

“But we are used to changes here now, both demographically and in terms of working practice.

“And the stark truth is we have had to get on with things because the changes have been coming so thick and fast.”

Mr Taylor, of Aberavon, Port Talbot, who works at the town’s Corus steel plant, added: “I really think the attitude of the workforce here puts us at a big advantage when it comes to winning inward investment projects and new jobs.

“It’s still sad of course to see heavy industries steadily declining but that is something we have to come to terms with.”

The survey also found that, across the UK, 31% would agree to lose certain benefits to keep their jobs, 6% would accept a three-month unpaid sabbatical, and 19% would accept a sabbatical on 30% pay.

Three out of five would take on extra responsibilities, while 48% would change their role entirely if it kept their colleagues in work.

However, the survey found such measures needed to “feel fair” to retain support.

If employers asked for sacrifices without making any themselves, 49% of those polled in the UK said they would challenge their managers, while more than one in 10 would take more direct action.

And 3% would go slow at work, 4% would walk off the job or seek redundancy, and a further 3% would consider strike action.

Also, in a separate poll on the Keep Britain Working campaign’s website (www.keepbritainworking.com) more than two in five (46%) said they would consider following the recent Belfast example and occupy a factory rather than accept wholesale redundancies.

James Reed, founder of Keep Britain Working, said: “There seems to be a new altruism at work. If people believe that being flexible about their own employment conditions will help stem job losses, they will take on change and make personal sacrifices – especially if bosses do their bit.

“Indeed people are full of innovative and effective ways to help employers cope with the downturn other than by simply cutting jobs.”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/authors/robin-turner/

Chicago New Fashion

When the United Electrical union workers at Chicago’s Republic Windows and Doors occupied their factory in the cold, early days of December last year, they were not alone. Hundreds of activists and community members turned out in solidarity, standing out front with picket signs and providing food for the workers inside. Many of these supporters were organized by a local group called Arise Chicago (formerly Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues), an example of a labor organizing model that is growing in cities across the country.

Beyond the coordinated organizing of local religious leaders and their communities, Arise’s pro-labor efforts include an arm dedicated to providing legal support and training to low-wage workers, particularly immigrant workers. This initiative is one among well over 200 functional “Worker Centers” that serve under-representad laborers in the United States. Arise Chicago’s director, Adam Kader, explains, “we’re a community resource … a place for workers to get educated about rights to learn about strategies for improving their workplace.”

The Arise Worker Center, like other organizations of its kind, began as a multi-faith religious advocacy group in 1991. The original members - among them Monsignor Jack Egan, Rabbi Robert Marx, and United Methodist Bishop Jesse De Witt - organized their varied religious communities to support labor initiatives on the north side of Chicago. When they published a comprehensive Workers Rights Manual in 2001, the group received a wide response as individual workers began calling with questions about their rights in the workplace. In 2002 the group added a Worker Center initiative specifically to respond to worker concerns about their workplace rights. Kader describes the early years of the Worker Center as a “rapid response” model, where workers’ calls were responded to as they came in - something the organization has tried to structure differently in recent years. Today, the Arise Worker Center is a member organization that somewhat resembles an actual union. Constituents are encouraged to “commit to other members” by contributing monthly dues (in any amount), attending and teaching workshops, and leading advocacy campaigns. With 215 members - primarily immigrants from Latin America and Eastern Europe, working in several industries - Arise’s Worker Center members have been able to take advantage of the broader network of Worker Centers to share stories and strategies.

In a 2006 Economic Policy Institute study of Worker Centers, Janice Fine described these organizations as “suggestive of earlier U.S. civic institutions” such as “fraternal organizations, political parties, settlement houses, and urban churches…” These early groups were places where immigrants found support and modern unions saw their beginnings. However, the organized unions that formed as a result - which provided job stability and secure wages to families in the 50s and 60s (when 1 in 3 workers was a member of a union) - have seen a steady decline over the past 50 years. The globalization of labor forces in manufacturing, and the nationwide expansion of unprotected job sectors (service industries such as food and janitorial services), has led to a modern economy in which few professions are protected against labor market competition.

http://isgreaterthan.net/

Fascist Assault On Mitsubishi Workers In Barcelona

In the afternoon of Thursday, February 12, a car in which three workers of the Mitsubishi (MMC) factory in Barcelona, Anzoategui State, were travelling was shot at with live ammunition. The workers were Luís López, Luís Guaregua and Alexander Rojas. The car received seven gunshots when it was on its way from Bolivar Street towards the "March 29" neighbourhood in central Barcelona. None of the workers were injured.

This new act of aggression shows how the war declared against the MMC workers by the right wing and its hired assassins and corrupt police is continuing. The enormous support for the cause of the workers shown by the Communal Councils in the area of Barcelona, from the trade unions and the working class have made the MMC workers a point of reference in the revolutionary struggle in Anzoategui State and in the whole auto industry of Venezuela.

This new attack also shows that the people behind the assassinations are still running free and are conspiring against the workers. The arrest of corrupt police elements who took part in the massacre is only the tip of the iceberg of a much wider drama, which involves directors of the MMC, judges, policemen and the opposition. We demand therefore the arrest of both the intellectual and material authors of these crimes and fascist acts of aggression.

The regional government of Anzoátegui quickly spoke out against these attacks. Rafael Vega, general secretary of the regional government of Anzoátegui, condemned these attacks, saying that: "The regional government of Anzoátegui condemns these acts of hostility and aggression against the workers and we side with the labouring masses." He continued: "We will not permit any violent attacks that intimidate the struggle of the 135 workers who were unjustly sacked through a cowardly action that the company made against the labour rights of these workers."

We welcome this change of attitude on the part of Rafael Vega. After the assassination of two MMC workers on Thursday, January 29, by the Anzoategui police, the same Rafael Vega made declarations on the TVO-TV station, trying to put the responsibility for these killings on the MMC workers themselves, thus echoing the version promoted by the multinational. It was therefore the workers of MMC that demanded his resignation.

All these fascist attacks show that the national and international campaign must be stepped up. Support the workers of MMC, Vivex and the other factories in struggle! First and foremost, we must address the rank and file of the PSUV who must organize against these right-wing attacks against the people and the workers. We must collect signatures against these attacks and organize solidarity meetings.

We appeal to all our readers and supporters throughout the world to step up the campaign. Please keep sending protest messages, spreading the word about these attacks and rally the maximum support for the cause of the MMC workers.

This attack is part of the violent attacks of the right wing against the revolution. The purpose is ultimately to get rid of president Chavez and destroy the organizations of the working class who are fighting for Socialism and for the YES-vote on February 15. The people and the workers must stay alert in order to mobilize in case this Fascist campaign of terror continues.

We ask all trade union, youth and solidarity activists around the world to:

1) Send messages of support to the workers at:
Freteco: frentecontrolobrero@gmail.com
Sindicato Nueva Generación, MMC: sindicatonuevageneracion@gmail.com

2) Send messages the Anzoategui governor demanding an immediate stop of all violence against workers and that those responsible for the killing of the two workers and the latest shotings be brought to justice immediately, email the following addresses: despacho@tarekrindecuentas.com
rima.saab@tarekrindecuentas.com vega@tarekrindecuentas.com despacho@gobernaciondeanzoategui.com info@gobernaciondeanzoategui.com and those who can speak Spanish to call Dalia Vega, head of the governor's office on
+ 58 281 2701405-2701406

3) Send messages to the Venezuelan Bolivarian government, embassies and consulates asking for an immediate and full investigation of these events, the nationalisation of Vivex and the satisfaction of the demands of the MMC workers (contact the Office of the President at dggcomunicacional@presidencia.gob.

Ukranian Miners On A Plain

Seventy-four mine workers at Kommunarskaya Coal mine No22 in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, took the decision to stay underground after having finished their first shift today in protest over wage debts, the Ukrainian information agency UNIAN reports.

A Donetsk department for the Central state paramilitary rescue sevice headquaters say workers from two units refused to go up to the surface and remained at K3 diagonal pit shaft. “All the miners are feeling well at present, with on-site physicians watching over their health condition,” the mine-rescue workers report.

With their wages still unpaid and their financial tense situation remaining unresolved, workers from of two other mines in the region have resorted to similar industrial action recently, Ukrainian informantion agencies report. On 12 April miners at the Makeevka mine plant refused to leave the pits and stayed underground after the second shift and on 17 April, over 60 miners from the Donetsks mine construction public corporation protested against their unpaid wages by staying underground after their second shift on 17 April, Ura-Inform Donetsk news agency reports.

http://www.mosnews.com/