Challenging global outsourcing and the race to the bottom
The union AMWU which represents the workers at the GM Holden factories in Australia published a leaflet concerning fighting for jobs, security, decent conditions and respect in the automotive industry
A global union strategy. The International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) is coordinating the fightback by manufacturing unions against the corporate strategies of multinational car companies to reduce costs by outsourcing well-paid jobs to low cost countries who deny workers access to basic human and trade union rights. The AMWU has been working with other international unions to counter the car companies strategy to force concessions by threatening to off-shore jobs. The multinational strategy can only be defeated by closing the gap in wages and conditions in different countries. International Framework Agreements are the best way to do this. Recently the AMWU joined with other autoworkers' unions to form the General Motors Network from around the world are seeking an International Framework Agreement with GM. AMWU President Julius Roe has played a key role in the Asia Pacific region by participating in the development of the GM European Employee Forum (EEF) and the International Metalworkers' Federation. The leaflet of the AMWU outlines the GM globalisation/cost reduction strategy which is consistent with the approach of other multi-national car companies. The leaflet outlines the key issues for achieving effective international agreements as distinct from a continued narrow focus on enterprise bargaining. As big business adopts a global outlook then unions must ensure global coordination, support and action. Other unions and the EEF represented at GM worldwide will adopt the content of this leaflet and will distribute it in a IMF coordinated effort to inform the GM workers on a global level. Wolfgang
