Upon arrival, migrants face ruthless exploitation by employers, often with the silent approval of governments. Restrictive measures are imposed, denying them the right to work with the full benefits accorded to local workers, fostering racism and xenophobia, and sowing the seeds for alt-right movements. Moreover, concerted efforts are made to prevent their organization into trade unions.

This issue is inherently class-based and demands a class-based approach. UITBB urges the progressive trade union movement to promote the integration of migrants into host societies, encouraging their participation in the broader class-based struggles. Expressing unwavering solidarity with all uprooted individuals, particularly migrant workers in the construction industry, UITBB calls on its members to actively support these individuals, resisting the influence of right-wing forces seeking to exploit migrants and fracture the unity of the working class.

UITBB reiterates that there is only one working class, regardless of color, religion, language, or place of origin. In light of this, we call on our members to organize specific actions to commemorate this year’s International Migrants Day, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity within the global labor movement.

Michalis Papanikolaou
UITBB General Secretary

The post UITBB Statement on International Migrants Day 2023 appeared first on Labor Today.

Of course, the main cause for all these is the ongoing occupation of Palestine by Israel and the daily crimes and blockades of Gaza perpetrated against the Palestinian people by Israel. The recent events in Palestine have once again exposed the brutality and disregard for human life that have become synonymous with the Israeli occupation. The reports of civilian casualties, the destruction of homes, and the displacement of families undermine any prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region. Unfortunately, the EU and the USA turn a blind eye to the crimes and massacres against the Palestinian people and contribute to the continuance of the occupation.

UITBB firmly believes in the principles of international law, human rights, and the right to self-determination. We affirm the rights of the Palestinian people to live in peace, security, and dignity, free from oppression and occupation, in the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It is with great distress that we witness the continuous violations of these fundamental rights in Palestine.

We will always stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. We will continue to mobilize our members and allies globally to raise awareness, exert pressure, and advocate for an end to the crimes committed against Palestine. Together, we will work tirelessly towards a future where all people in the region can live in peace and prosperity.

UITBB calls on its affiliates and friends, class-oriented and militant trade unions around the world to organise in the coming days, actions, protests and demonstrations around the world in support of the just Palestinian cause

Solidarity with Palestine!

UITBB Secretariat

The post UITBB Stands in Solidarity with the Palestinian people appeared first on Labor Today.

The construction company “MAN Enterprise” has filed a lawsuit against FENASOL and comrade Castro Abdallah, alleging incitement. This company has a history of high levels of labor rights violations, including forcing workers to sign contract terminations, withholding payment for overtime hours, and depriving them of proper healthcare in case of workplace accidents. FENASOL is fighting back with legal action, aiming at defending the rights of workers, specifically their right to unionize freely and independently and to protect their fundamental rights.

This attack on the workers is indicative of the attack the working class is under throughout the world by the capitalist order. UITBB and its members around the world will continue fighting for workers such as the ones in Lebanon whose rights are taken away, dying for the profits of the capitalists.

UITBB strongly condemns this attempt to intimidate union leaders and divert them from their responsibilities towards workers and employees. We call upon the Lebanese Ministry of Labor to assume responsibility and conduct inspections at the company’s worksites to halt these labor rights abuses.

On behalf of the millions of construction workers around the world under UITBB, we express our full solidarity with com. Castro Abdallah and call on the Lebanese authorities to protect his right to engage in union activities and to investigate the violations occurring in this company. We also call upon all our organisation-members to condemn these actions and send solidarity letters to FENASOL, as well as protest letters to the Lebanese Ministry of Labour.

Long live international solidarity!

UITBB Secretariat
UITBB Secretariat

The post UITBB Secretariat Condemns the Attack on National Federation of Workers and Employees Trade Unions in Lebanon (FENASOL) and its President, Castro Abdallah appeared first on Labor Today.