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labour | workers’ rights


RCEP: As deadline looms, trade unions call out dangerous clauses
Negotiators representing 16 countries have been tasked with arriving at an agreement on the controversial Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership by October 19 but trade unions say the deal has grave consequences.
Maquiladoras and the exploitation of migrants on the border
The signing of NAFTA in 1994 expanded the viability of the maquiladora industry. More importantly, it served to deepen uneven economic and political relationships between Mexico and the United States.
Indonesia trade deal faces Senate hurdles
The minister responsible for striking international trade deals is trying to ease concerns about a potential influx of Indonesian workers.
AFTINET joins Unions to rally against ratification of Hong Kong agreement
AFTINET has joined with the ACTU, APHEDA and other Union and community groups to stand in solidarity with workers and pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Post-Brexit US trade deal: Chlorinated chicken could be the tip of the iceberg, warns UK union
Chlorinated chicken, as part of a post-Brexit free trade deal with the US, is “the thin end of the wedge” that could impact public health and threaten thousands of jobs in the UK food processing industry.
EU-Vietnam trade deal shows EU will bend human rights standards if the price is right
The new EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (FTA) shows the EU will look past human rights violations to push a trade agenda. But as FTAs with ASEAN states don’t offer the EU the same economic benefits, it’s unlikely the bloc will pen more in the near future.
RCEP talks: New Zealand ready to ease work-visa rules for India
India’s demand for easier movement of workers and professionals is being considered seriously by New Zealand and could be met provided market barriers to the Country’s goods are eased
Gov’t seeks labor law revisions for parliamentary ratification of key ILO conventions
South Korean government plans to seek a revision of labor laws in a way that will strengthen workers’ right to organize as it pushes for a parliamentary ratification of key international labor standards.
S. Korea to become global test case in its trade dispute with the EU
The European Commission’s request to convene a panel of experts in its dispute with South Korea over labor issues means that South Korea is becoming a major global test case.
Ensure RCEP meets unions’ five key demands
Asia Pacific trade unions jointly urge participating governments to ensure the RCEP meets unions’ five key demands.
EU-Vietnam trade deal a bad day for workers’ rights
Behind the smiles and handshakes, the signature of the EU-Vietnam trade and investment deals - being agreed on Tuesday (25 June) and to be signed at the end of this week - have dire consequences for human well-being and our ability to prevent climate and ecological breakdown.
Labor holds off supporting Indonesian free trade agreement
ALP had pledged to renegotiate agreement if it won office but will now wait until parliament resume to decide whether to ratify it
Mexico trade official hits Dems for opposition to new NAFTA
Mexico’s top trade negotiator said he hopes congressional Democrats can “appreciate” what Mexico’s reforms mean for labor rights throughout the continent.
Mexican Senate passes labor bill, key to approving new NAFTA
The bill enshrines the right of Mexican workers to organize and gives them more control over their contracts.
US labor opposes USMCA in current form: official
The head of the largest US labor union said he opposes ratification of the new North American free trade pact, because he doubts Mexico will enforce labor reforms required by the deal.
RCEP - trade unions seek consultation by the government
Trade union representatives seek meaningful consultation by the government in the negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or RCEP.
EU warns of initiating expert panel if S. Korea fails to resolve ILO ratification
The European Commission warned that it will seek to launch an expert panel to review South Korea’s compliance with the free trade pact it signed with the European Union if it fails to ratify key international labor conventions.
Trump’s damaged NAFTA deal
USMCA bears many resemblances to NAFTA, which has been cited as a driver of low-wage corporate outsourcing.
Top House Democrat cites labor, enforcement concerns on new NAFTA
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers could not take up the replacement for NAFTA unless Mexico passes legislation protecting workers’ rights. She also cited concerns over enforcement provisions, among other issues.
The globalisation of border control and peoples’ resistance
A workshop aimed to promote a collective analysis of border control, focusing on the power and impunity of transnational corporations, militarization, the externalization of borders, and the link between free trade and migration.