Unknown Men Kidnap, Beat, and Threaten to Kill Mexican Rights Activist

May 18, 2012—Three days ago, four masked men kidnapped human rights defender José Enrique Morales Montaño, of the Center of Support for Workers (CAT) in Puebla, Mexico. For 16 hours, his captors physically tortured Morales, kept a gun pressed to his head for extended periods, and threatened to kill him and the other CAT members. Then they took his cell phone and backpack and left him on an abandoned highway to make his way home. ACT NOW!

Last Chance to RSVP for Today's Panel Discussion!

May 11, 2012—Despite a labor code that addresses pay, working hours, and on-the-job conditions, Bangladeshi shrimp-processing workers say they still face inadequate health and safety protections at work and receive less than the minimum wage, among other violations of their rights, according to a new report by the Solidarity Center. Join us for an expert panel discussion today, May 16, at the AFL-CIO. RSVP: kconradt@solidaritycenter.org.

Labor Delegation Meets with Union Federation in South Sudan

May 11, 2012—Representatives of the East African Trade Union Confederation, International Trade Union Confederation-Africa, Solidarity Center, and International Labor Organization visited South Sudan last week to assess worker issues and trade union developments in Africa’s newest country and to identify areas of support and collaboration.

Stop Harassing Oil Workers, Iraqi Unions Tell Government

May 11, 2012—Iraqi unions are strongly protesting the government’s continued, systematic harassment and punishment of union workers in the oil industry who are engaging in actions protected by international labor standards and conventions, and they are calling for a new labor law that ensures worker rights for all Iraqis. Iraq’s 1987 labor law, still in force, prohibits union activity in the public sector and contravenes international worker rights conventions.

Clinton Addresses Worker Rights at Dhaka Town Meeting

May 10, 2012—During a “Townterview” this week with young Bangladeshi leaders at the International School in Dhaka, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton drew applause in fielding a question about repression of worker rights and the murder of union activist Aminul Islam, a longtime friend and colleague of the Solidarity Center.

Somali Journalist Murdered on Eve of World Press Freedom Day

May 8, 2012—The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns the murder of radio journalist Farhan James Abdulle in Galkayo, a town in the Mudug region of central Somalia. Abdulle, a reporter for Radio Daljir–Galkayo branch, was shot by unidentified men with pistols at around 8:10 p.m. on May 2 as he was on his way home. He leaves a wife and two children.

May Day Greetings from Partners around the World

May 1, 2012—Today is International Labor Day, when workers worldwide commemorate their long struggle to promote respect for worker rights and dignity. The AFL-CIO, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), and the Solidarity Center celebrated working women across the globe and their efforts to find a voice, stand up, and demand a stop to exploitation and unequal working conditions.

Unions Launch Global Inquiry into Attacks on Worker Rights

May 1, 2012—The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is holding the world’s first global inquiry for workers as wages, pensions, social security rights to union representation, and collective bargaining come under new attack. New evidence in the International Labor Organization’s “World at Work Report 2012” shows how worker rights have been eroded by governments between 2008 and 2012 under the guise of the economic crisis.

Report Aims to Expose Extent of Workplace Death and Disease for Asians

April 26, 2012—Asia is facing an onslaught of work-related deaths and diseases. Of the 2.2 million people who die each year all over the world as a result of work-related accidents or illness, 1.1 million are Asian. Yet the problem of workplace health and safety and its victims remains invisible, according to a new report released today in commemoration of Workers Memorial Day by the Asia Monitor Resource Centre (AMRC), a Solidarity Center partner.

"12 by 12" Campaign: Uruguay First Country to Ratify C189

April 26, 2012—Trade union activists, as well as domestic workers, are thrilled to see a breakthrough in the "12 by 12" campaign: Uruguay made history by being the first country to ratify International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 (C189), Decent Work for Domestic Workers. Uruguay’s ratification of C189 will have a significant impact on domestic worker rights in Uruguay and worldwide: C189 comes into force once two countries have ratified it.