Labour law and collective mobilization rights: at the second session of “Hemispheres”, in August 2009, lectures by members of two partner associations of Frères Des Hommes gave young participants the opportunity to compare the situations in their countries to those prevailing in India and Peru.
In the 1990’s, Peru privatized and sold to foreign companies numerous industrial companies which up to then had been publicly owned: 100,000 jobs were cut within a few years. Founded in 1986, the association ADEC-ATC supports those of the unemployed who are willing to move into a new type of employment, by developing their own economic activity. The association provides technical support in the creation of micro-businesses, offers professional training and forms the workers into groups so that they can defend better their interests to the authorities.
In India, the informal sector encompasses 92% of the workers. They “are employed in the agricultural sector, or hired in small production units. These workers are often poor and have no social protection. They are not unionized and are not taken into account in negotiations with the authorities”, explained Duarte Barreto. Fedina helps them stand up for their rights, particularly by assisting with the creation of unions for these informal sector workers.
These mobilizations of Indians and Peruvians were described to Hemispheres’ participants and provided a starting point for special discussions. Participants were able to to compare the labour laws in their own countries with the situation in India and Peru, and also with other European countries. According to Piret Mets, an Estonian student, “the main difference between French and Estonian situation is that workers in Estonia are not as well represented in society as they are in Western countries. Stronger unions must be created.” From North to South, the protection of decent work standards concerns us all.
- Avelardo Vildoso (in the middle) with participants, during a work session.
If you want further information about “Hemispheres”, or if you are interested in taking part, feel free to contact us.
This project is conducted with funding from the European Union.
