International work
UNISON works with partner unions, global union federations and civil society to defend workers’ rights and quality public services throughout the world
What is happening
Human and workers’ rights are under attack worldwide. Austerity, deregulation and privatisation are undermining pay, conditions and public services, and contributing to growing inequality, injustice and instability. By working together internationally, trade unions are challenging the race to the bottom by governments and corporations, and demanding decent work and quality public services on behalf of workers everywhere.
The global business model is built on squeezing labour – driving down pay, exploiting workers, undermining collective bargaining, and eroding regulations that protect people and the plant.
What UNISON is doing
UNISON is calling for new regulations to ensure business and the public sector act to prevent the global race to the bottom on workers, trade union and environmental rights. We campaign against privatisation and for the right to quality public services around the world. By working together internationally, trade unions are challenging governments and corporations, and demanding decent work and quality public services on behalf of workers everywhere.
We also support activists in branches and regions to promote our international work, including our network of branch international relations officers.
From sharing experiences, campaigns and advocacy to policy making and development cooperation projects, UNISON’s international unit works with sibling unions and civil society partners around the world on issues of mutual interest and responds when trade unions, workers’ and human rights or public services are under attack. We work with international organisations, including Public Services International and the European Public Service Union to further the interests of UNISON members.
Current international priorities
The NEC’s international committee oversees the broader work of UNISON’s international unit, and determines the international priorities of the union, based on policy decided by the union’s National Delegate Conference. These currently cover:
Building strong, campaigning trade unions
Since its establishment in 2005 the UNISON International Development Fund (UIDF) has supported dozens of unions around the world. Primarily focused on the global south, the fund provides practical solidarity to help build strong campaigning trade unions that defend quality public services, equality and workers’ rights.
Business and human rights
UNISON is calling for new regulations to ensure business and the public sector act to prevent the global race to the bottom on workers, trade union and environmental rights.
Regions
As well as the countries and regions noted below, UNISON also works on a wide range of international issues including climate change, trade policy, tax justice. We also work with partner unions in Asia/Pacific, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas to defend workers’ and human rights.
Attacks continue against trade unionists and civil society in Colombia, despite the peace agreement signed in 2016. UNISON is working with trade unions and civil society in Colombia to support demands for total peace and reforms which reduce poverty and inequality and improve workers’ and trade union rights.
The economic embargo and US sanctions on Cuba are having a damaging impact on the island’s economy, leading to increased poverty. UNISON is supporting the Cuba Vive appeal for medical aid and calling for an end to US sanctions against Cuba.
Quality public services protect everyone and provide an efficient and effective way to drive down poverty and inequality. Yet, since the early 1980s corporations and governments across the Global south have cut public spending and privatised public services placing profit ahead of people and undermining public good. UNISON campaigns against privatisation and for the right to quality public services around the world.
The Global south comprises Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
Despite the fragile ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with much of the territory under military control and homes, public services and infrastructure devastated. In the West Bank, settler and military attacks, demolitions, displacement and settlement expansion are contributing to further annexation. UNISON supports trade union demands for international law, human rights and a viable Palestinian State alongside Israel.
Turkey remains one of the worst countries in the world for workers, due to the continued suppression of trade union rights and persecution of trade unionists. UNISON works with trade unions in Turkey to support their calls for democracy, peace and human and workers’ rights. We also respond when trade unionists are arrested, imprisoned or dismissed for defending workers.
UNISON resources
- Workers and human rights in Turkey A UNISON report summary
- Hope not hate Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia in the context of Israel and Palestine
- Tackling modern slavery through global supply chains A UNISON report
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