Kenya Union Launches Organizing Manual for Domestic Workers

January 27, 2012—With support from the Solidarity Center, the Kenyan domestic workers union KUDHEIHA recently developed an organizing manual specifically for domestic workers. Organizing Domestic Workers: A Success Story and a Call to Action is “a guide, an encouragement, and a statement of solidarity with all domestic workers, organizers, and other champions of domestic workers’ rights.”

Journalists under Constant Threat in Honduras

January 27, 2012—Gilda Silvestrucci, member of the Journalists for Life and Freedom of Expression group, received death threats by phone on January 24. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) firmly condemns threats against journalists who dare to exercise their profession. "Freedom of expression is an essential prerequisite for a democracy based on the rule of law and that respects its citizens’ fundamental rights," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

Solidarity Center Condemns the Killing of Another Nigerian Journalist

January 26, 2012—The Solidarity Center is joining unions and human rights organizations from around world in mourning the death of Enenche Akogwu, a reporter with Nigeria’s Channels Television, and condemning the increasing violence against the media in Nigeria. Akogwu was killed this week in Kano as he was covering an attack by the Boko Haram sect. He is the third journalist in three months to lose his life.

Nominations for Norwegian Trade Union Rights Prize Close Soon

January 20, 2012—Nominations for the third Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights will close on January 31, 2012. Union representatives and employees from around the world are encouraged to send in the names of individuals or organizations that have predominantly promoted union rights and/or strengthened union organizations. The award, worth 500,000 Norwegian Krone (about $80,000), is given by the Norwegian national union IndustriEnergi (IE).

Report: Somalia the Most Dangerous Country in Africa for Journalists

January 19, 2012—Attacks against and intimidation of journalists in Somalia are reaching a troubling level, says a new report by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), a Solidarity Center partner. The report, “Lives and Rights of Journalists under Threat,” chronicles physical threats to journalists, extrajudicial killings, legal pressure, and attacks on media workers’ rights, which combine to make Somalia the most dangerous country for journalists in Africa.

Nigerian Unions Claim Victory in Fuel Subsidy Battle

January 17, 2012—Nigerian unions have called off a general strike that, with broad support from the public, crippled the country for more than a week after the government partially restored a crucial fuel subsidy. With the subsidy abandoned, the price of gas and other essentials more than tripled. While the protests were largely peaceful, at least 10 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the course of the strike, which began January 9.

Solidarity Center Launches Pakistani Labor News Web Portal

January 18, 2011—The Solidarity Center has launched its latest online venture, a web portal aimed at disseminating news about issues that affect Pakistani workers to a global audience. “We hope that LabourWatch Pakistan will spark discussion, dialogue, advocacy, and action to strengthen the rights and improve the conditions of working men and women in Pakistan,” said Greg Shulze, Solidarity Center country program director in Pakistan.

Haitians Mark Quake Anniversary with Few Decent Jobs or a Living Wage

January 11, 2012—Two years after a massive earthquake destroyed much of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding towns, the Haitian people are still struggling to recover from the disaster and the entrenched poverty that it has exacerbated. The solution, say Haitian workers, is a Haitian-driven reconstruction effort that focuses on sustainable, equitable development aimed at improving the lives all citizens—not just a few.

Please Support Mexican Electrical Workers

January 12, 2012—After more than two years of struggle, the Mexican Electrical Workers Union (SME) is resuming stalled negotiations with the government over reinstating nearly 17,000 members who were fired when the state-owned Luz y Fuerza del Centro (Central Power and Light) was closed via late-night presidential decree in 2009. Send a message to President Felipe Calderón requesting a just and dignified resolution.

Debate in Kyrgyzstan: To Join or not to Join a Common Customs Border?

January 11, 2012—Would Kyrgyzstan’s membership in a regional economic bloc with Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan aid or undermine jobs, wages, and living standards for Kyrgyz workers? The Solidarity Center brought together some 70 government experts, union leaders, employers, researchers, and representatives of international organizations in Bishkek to discuss key concerns.