Machinists Herald Global Union

March 29, 2007 – The IAM announced this week the formation of a Global Union Alliance to better represent and organize workers at Boeing’s many locations around the world.

Union representatives from the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Sweden established the alliance during the first ever Boeing Workers World Conference, held this week in Portland, Oregon. The meeting was hosted by the IAM and organized by the Geneva, Switzerland-based International Metalworkers Federation.

“Just as Boeing is a global company, the unions representing its workers must act like a global union,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “No longer can Boeing workers in one nation afford to bargain or organize in isolation. Our goal is fair treatment for Boeing’s global workforce, without regard to language, borders or nationality.”

Representatives at the summit agreed to coordinate their efforts to organize Boeing’s workers worldwide, including workers at Boeing suppliers. Participants also agreed to increased communication and coordination with respect to collective bargaining.

The participants also called on Boeing and its suppliers to recognize and enforce internationally recognized labor standards in its operations throughout the world. “As one of the most successful corporations in the world, it is incumbent on Boeing to set the highest standards when it comes to fundamental human rights, which include the right to form labor unions and to engage in collective bargaining,” said Buffenbarger.

Share and Follow: