Communist Web Thursday 13th April 2000 9.30pm gmt World trade unions vow to fight globalization By Scott Marshall and Jarvis Tyner DURBAN, South Africa - Bill Jordan, general secretary, of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), opened its 17th World Congress April 3 declaring, "The challenge of the 21st century for the trade union movement is to assert our political and industrial strength in the era of globalization." Over 1,000 delegates representing trade union federations from around the world, with a combined membership of 124 million, gathered here to discuss and debate the struggles ahead. This was only the second time the ICFTU had met on the African continent and the first time in South Africa. Jordan and others noted the special significance of meeting in a new, democratic South Africa after the long struggle against apartheid. The theme of the 17th Congress is "Globalizing Social Justice: Trade Unionism in the 21st Century." The week-long congress emphasizes many of the burning issues confronting labor, especially multinational corporate domination of world trade policies. Other issues include the fight against privatization, the economic and social rights of nationally and racially oppressed people, women, and youth. Economic assistance to developing nations and regions, eliminating the scourge of AIDS, the fight for jobs, sustainable economies, health care, public education, the environment and the debt crisis of impoverished nations are also on the agenda. A highlight of the week was a women's march from the city center to the International Convention Center where the congress is being held. There, 1,000 women were greeted by the delegates with music and speeches. The march was in solidarity with... http://www.billkath.demon.co.uk/cw/worldtrade/worldtrade.html
