Still testing .... and stressing?

One of the biggest challenges is trying to do something new and at the same time trying to do it the best way possible.

Noble intentions. But after a while, one just has to let go and get something done. It's OK to make mistakes, take careful note, correct what you can, and move on stronger and hopefully better.

Got some useful comments from friends. Have made some changes.

Have decided to take a break from testing this blog.Birthday time coming up. Aint as young as I used to be.

Actually, I feel pretty good with what's been done so far.

New global union federation

Trade unions in mining, energy and manufacturing sectors around the world have agreed to unify their membership in a new global union to be known as IndustriALL Global Union.
http://www.building-power.org/

Les syndicats dans les secteurs des mines, de l’énergie et de la fabrication du monde entier ont décidé d’unifier leurs membres au sein d’un nouveau syndicat mondial qui prend le nom de IndustriALL Global Union.
http://www.building-power.org/fr

Sindicatos de los sectores de minería, energía y manufactura de todo el mundo han convenido en unir a sus afiliados en un nuevo sindicato mundial que recibirá el nombre de Sindicato Mundial de TODAS las Industrias (IndustriALL Global Union).
http://www.building-power.org/es

It's just a mess!

Trying to understand the financial crisis, what caused it, why and who is involved just boggles the mind.

Here is a presentation prepared by Mark Langevin, PSI co-ordinator for North America . Mark is also responsible for building working relationships with the international financial institutions - especially the IMF and World Bank.

Mark delivered this presentation at the recently held regional executive meetings held in Port-au-Prince. The presentation provided the necessary background for discussions on PSI's strategic directions in the new congress period,  2013 - 2017.

In memory of those who have passed

Port-au-Prince, March 29, 2012

After a night of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, Friday March 30 opened to bright sunshine as if the weather knew the significance of the day and the event that was to take place. Over 120 union members, well-wishers and guests gathered at #313 Rue Joseph Janvier to witness and celebrate the official opening of the new CTSP offices. 

CTSP young workers - making things happen

Port-au-Prince, March 31, 2012

Quite fittingly a group of eight young CTSP young members  was the first the meet in the recently opened new offices. Tifonie Powell, IA young workers’ representative on the PSI Executive Board met with a group of young workers from member unions of the CTSP. Over the past year, Tifonie and Marie Danielle Pierre-Charles, CTSP’s young workers’ coordinator, have been exchanging ideas on ways to integrate more young workers as well as find ways to reach out to young people across Haiti.

Members of CTSP's young workers' steering committee after their inaugural meeting

Sign up to the Quality Public Services Charter

If you haven't yet signed up, then PSI invites you to join the world-wide campaigns for quality public services, the foundation of both free and equal societies, and a strong, modern economy.The common good must not be undermined by the desire of a few to increase their profits. We work to influence international organisations to put people first. And in local communities, rank and file union members deliver the same message.

QPS Charter

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck .....

Calling something by another name may sound a like idea. But in many cases, it only ends up causing confusion.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, trade unionists brought to everyone's attention the negative impacts of unbridled ideologically driven privatisation. The campaign highlighted the definition and scope of privatisation to the point where policy makers no longer wanted to use the word.

So, in true fashion, they started using words and terms like Private-public partnerships, 3Ps, PPPs, rationalisation. At thge end of the day, one has to look very carefully at the structure, scope and reasoning behind the proposed action.

A narrow definition of privatisation
– A transfer of ownership from the state to private companies or individuals

A broad definition
– Transfer of state or public sector functions and responsibilities.

And an even broader definition
– It includes a range of measures otherwise termed commercialisation aimed at introducing more market-like methods, structures and cultures into public activities