And what about the boys?

Many are preparing for the UNCSW in March.

"

CTSP women at May Day May day rally

 And especially as this time, women's empowerment is a hot topic.

There are still many debates on how to make the changes in order to achieve what I like to call gender justice. This encompasses, gender equality as well as equity.

In this article, the writer states,

"The session made me realize that the empowerment of girls is vitally important. This way, fathers hear the message from daughters they love and it is felt at a much deeper level than hearing the same message from anyone else. Being part of this conversation will impact the work I do on these issues in the future."

What strategies do you use in your organisation and country?

The tax justice campaign

The discussion and campaigns on tax justice continue.

The War on Want, a UK based organisation leads a campaign on tax justice.

This FAQ page is a useful resource for more information on the debate.

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.