GFTU BGCM Report 2017

INTERNATIONAL WORK

1. Two of the GFTU’s affiliates, CCISU and Nautilus International are internationally constructed unions. We literally have internationalism at our centre. 2. In addition the EC agreed four years ago to take international issues on every agenda and the Trust supports the organisation of international study visits and we maintain throughout each year a steady flow of contacts with overseas trade union organisations and host several delegations. We have many years of successful partnership working with trade union organisations in Europe and have completed several projects on organising in Aerospace and looking at collective bargaining and HR Issues with other union centres. 3. ESNA – Enquentro Sindical Neustra Americas 3.1 This is the education and research and support organisation for trade unions in Latin America. We have built good relations with them primarily to support our development of new techniques in trade union education. 3.2 We were able to arrange two visits for ESNA colleagues to meet with affiliates and partners. Colleagues from Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina visit TSSA, Marjohns Univeristy, the MU, PFA, RMT, UNISON, Unite, and other affiliates to forge

bilateral relations. 3.3 In November 2016 ESNA attended our Union Building Conference and we were able to meet with FORMAC to consider funding applications for a conference on women workers in manufacturing in Central America. An application has been submitted. 3.4 Bro. Bert Schouwenberg International Officer of the GMB was also able to represent the GFTU at the International Conference of ESNA in Uruguay and produced a written report. 4.1 The EC was greatly concerned about the deteriorating situation in Greece, a situation that currently shows no sign of let up, and also greatly impressed by information it had received about the fortitude of trade unions in the country and the establishment by young workers there of new unions. It consequently agreed to support a small delegation to Greece comprising of Sarah Woolley Bakers, Dami Benbow Educational Trust Trustee, Bindu Paul, Musicians’ Union and Deanne Ferguson, GMB. Their report follows: 4. Greece

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