Localize the fight for global justice Special to the World The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will hold their semiannual joint meeting Sept. 26 in Prague, Czech Republic. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two of the cornerstones of the international financial system, claim to be working to eliminate poverty, but their real purpose is to force developing nations to embrace corporate globalization. The result is rampant abuse of workers' rights and the environment and the further impoverishment of the very people they are supposedly there to help. Tens of thousands will take to the streets in Prague to protest these harmful institutions and their advance into Eastern Europe. In cities across the U.S., coalitions of labor, community, student and faith-based activists will organize actions against local targets. Here are ideas for Sept. 26 actions in the United States: . Confront a union-busting employer in your community who is ignoring workers' right to organize. . Protest a local privatization plan in your city. . Target a toxic-waste dumper. . Leaflet or protest at a Kohl's or Target outlet, to support sweatshop workers in Nicaragua who are resisting union-busting at the Chentex and Mil Colores factories. . Do an action at a CitiBank branch to pressure them to stop purchasing World Bank bonds. "On the occasion of the 55th annual meetings of the governing bodies of the [IMF] and the World Bank," a statement issued by the groups endorsing the actions said, "we call for the immediate suspension of the policies and practices that have caused widespread poverty and suffering among the world's peoples and damage to the world's environment. "We oppose those policies that have encouraged the suppression of basic human rights and freedoms, especially those specific to women, workers and the poor. "We seek to create just societies, where governments are accountable first and foremost to the will of their peoples for equitable economic development. "Only when international institutions are no longer controlled by the wealthiest governments for the purpose of dictating policy to the poorer ones shall all peoples and nations be able to forge bonds - economic and otherwise - based on mutual respect and common needs. "Only when the well-being of all, including the most vulnerable people and ecosystems, is given priority over corporate profits shall we achieve genuine sustainable development and create a world of justice, equality and peace." Endorsers include the AFL-CIO, Jobs with Justice, the Teamsters, Witness for Peace, Citizens Trade Campaign and The Shalom Center, among others. To learn who in your area is organizing an event, contact the Campaign for Labor Rights at (202) 544-9355 or <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>.
