In defence of public sector trade uninism

This is a 3-part article that is interesting reading for all. In fact, you could also say that it should be compulsory reading.



Part 1 deals with why public sector unions exist and why progressives should support them.

Part 2  gives the numbers to proves why public sector union workers aren't the goldbricking, featherbedding "thugs" they're made out to be.

Part 3 examines a new model of progressive government.

So what are your own thoughts on the articles?

Are you a progressive?

Global Union Strategy

Here's a GLC article that you may find quite interesting.

I think it is particularly useful for those involved in the trade union renewal research project.

While focussed at the global level, are there implications and some lessons or hints for the regional and sub-regional levels?

You may also wish to consider signing up to receive the GLC's blog.

Robin Hood Tax movement gaining momentum

More European governments embrace the call for a Robin Hood Tax.

At PSI’s  recent World Congress, members adopted a resolution backing the implementation of a financial transactions tax in countries around the world. Pavanelli adds, “PSI is proud of our role in promoting a financial transactions tax through targeted campaigning working with our affiliates and allies. We are committed to continuing to lobby for the introduction of such a tax across the world, to benefit the common good.”

As of January 22, 11 European countries have joined the call.

Janel Joseph, St Lucia NWU at PSI World Congress

Carolyn Romero, PSU of Belize at PSI World Congress

You are welcome to share the wonderful photos of PSI’s colourful public action: “A thousand Robin Hoods call for a tax for the common good” at the PSI World Congress in Durban, South Africa http://bit.ly/11RfMQj

New year greetings

Happy new year! Bonne année! Felis nobo aña!

Wayne Jones (JCSA), PSI Caribbean Titular

A message from the PSI Caribbean Titulars, Sis Jillian Bartlett and Bro Wayne Jones.

In solidarity

Jillian Joy Bartlett (NUGFW), PSI Caribbean Titular

Consœurs et Confrères

Happy new year! Bonne année! Felis nobo aña!
 
Un message des Titulaires de PSI dans la Caraïbe, Consoeur Jillian Bartlett et Confrère Wayne Jones.

Solidarité

Working together: publc sector trade unionism in the Caribbean

Building a new and better platform for trade unionism in the Americas is key. The challenges of this century demand that organisations develop new partners, new synergies and find new ways of doing this.

The FES-PSI project provides a number of opportunities for affiliates to do just that. In order to be able to influence decision-making at the various levels, it means that trade unions must be working together also at those same levels.

Roland Ignacio, general secretary, CGTC

In a series of presentations at the 2011 workshop (Kingston) and the 2012 workshop (Port of Spain), Bro Roland Ignacio, General Secretary of the CGTC in Curacao presented his thoughts and views. In addition to providing some historical background, Bro Ignacio raised a number of key questions.

Public Sector unionism in the Americas - background notes on the CGTC Curacao

Involvement of Caribbean Unions in Regional Platform
Public Sector Unions and Sustainable Development
Trade Union renewal: the on-going thinking, discussion, strategies and actions
The current geopolitics in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Some key questions:

1. Is the renewal of the trade union movement in the Caribbean important or necessary? Why?
2. What should be the procedure to start a process of trade union renewal in public sector unionism?
3. Who has to take the initiative?
4. Which organisations could give support in this process?

What are your own thoughts? Or, perhaps you have some more questions?

We welcome your comments.

Global capitalism and the left

Here's an interesting and thought provoking article on global capitalism from New left Project.

Some interesting points. I particularly extracted three quotes which to me, are instructive (emphasis is my own).

I'm afraid that international solidarity among capitalist classes and capitalist state leaders is much stronger than the international solidarity of the 'proletariat' or the alter-globalisation movement. This elite solidarity is a consequence of the increasing international penetration of capital and the common material base that creates.

and

First, it means we have to rid ourselves of the illusion that you can change the world without taking power. It is utterly impossible to progress towards a better world unless the balance of social forces that are in conflict in any society find expression in the transformation—in terms of organisation as well as policies—of the states in those societies.
Relatedly, it means we have to move beyond a politics of protest. While tremendously energising and creative, street protest ought to feed into the creation of political organisation, which is aimed not simply at standing outside the state and throwing tomatoes at it, or having a punch-up with police, but at building the types of organisations which can go into the state and change its make-up.

and

So we do need to start thinking about how to build new political organisations. But I understand your generation's concern to avoid reproducing the old Communist or Social Democratic parties. That's going to depend on taking the creativity of the street protests and putting it to work in building organisations which are able to transcend those—quite undemocratic—models.

What do you think? Please add your comments.

Working for the common good

Rosa Pavanelli, new PSI general secretary

 "As the 29th World Congress of Public Services International drew to a close in Durban, South Africa, delegates celebrated that they had elected a woman to lead their global union federation for the first time in its 105 year history. PSI’s new General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli said, “I’m proud and honoured to carry the fight for social justice forward for PSI, our members and our communities. 
“As public sector workers we have special responsibilities and the best opportunities to build alliances with members of civil society to deliver quality public services for the benefit of all,” she said. 

“We must find new ways to build political strength. Focusing on collective bargaining rights is no longer enough. We must develop social unionism and reach out to new allies, in order to build a better world. But we must never forget that our strength and identity starts in our workplaces.  Supporting campaigning, advocacy, networking and organising in workplace sectors is key to increasing and representing our membership.”"

 Read more .....

Thanks to technology you can share in some of the excitement, knowledge and information from World Congress in Durban, South Africa. Visit the PSI Congress 2012 website to catch up on actions, decisions, discussions. You can also use the quick links below:

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