LabourStart: Where trade unionists start their day on the net. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:52:06 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2313632 en-gb © 2026 LabourStart: Where trade unionists start their day on the net. yes Support this Podcast ca7982b3-9771-5f36-9e72-41e9ff5a3b62 Eric Lee - LabourStart episodic false LabourStart is the news and campaigning website of the international trade union movement.  

Founded in 1998, we are the web's best source of trade union news, uploaded by our volunteers in dozens of languages.  Our online campaigns, offered free of charge to trade unions, often help win victories for workers around the world.  And from time to time, we hold Global Solidarity Conferences in different cities.  

Please visit our website at https://www.labourstart.org and support with a donation (if you can) here: https://www.labourstart.org/pico/?en/donate. THANK YOU!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Eric Lee - LabourStart https://storage.buzzsprout.com/zlhp0h3yy1hzq4dg4ztowuc0xeue?.jpg LabourStart: Where trade unionists start their day on the net. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2313632 Hong Kong: "There is no freedom of association" Hong Kong: "There is no freedom of association" This week we interviewed Christopher Mung about the current situation in Hong Kong following the sentencing of union leader Lee Cheuk-yan.  Christopher is the executive director of the Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor and was previously chief executive of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.  We spoke about the attempts by the state to crush the once-vibrant trade union movement in Hong Kong, the ongoing resistance by workers, and the international campaign demanding the release of Lee Cheuk-yan.

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]]> This week we interviewed Christopher Mung about the current situation in Hong Kong following the sentencing of union leader Lee Cheuk-yan.  Christopher is the executive director of the Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor and was previously chief executive of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.  We spoke about the attempts by the state to crush the once-vibrant trade union movement in Hong Kong, the ongoing resistance by workers, and the international campaign demanding the release of Lee Cheuk-yan.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19893118 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 592 full false Europe: Interview with Mark Bergfeld, Director of Property Services at UNI Europa Europe: Interview with Mark Bergfeld, Director of Property Services at UNI Europa We chatted today with Mark about the two groups of workers represented by UNI Europa's Property Services department -- security guards and cleaners.  (UNI Europa represents 7 million workers in 272 national trade unions in 50 countries.)  Mark explained some of the issues that these workers face and the challenge of organising them into unions. When asked about union density in these sectors, he threw out the astounding statistic that in Belgium, over 80% of these workers are unionised.  But in other countries, the numbers are much lower.  UNI Europa recently produced a five-part podcast series about these workers entitled "Unsung Cleaners" in which the workers speak and we get to hear their own voice and words.  It had a surprisingly large listenership.  We discussed the series and why Mark thinks it got as large an audience as it did, as well as plans for a future series on the security guards.  Learn more about the series and have a listen here.

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]]> We chatted today with Mark about the two groups of workers represented by UNI Europa's Property Services department -- security guards and cleaners.  (UNI Europa represents 7 million workers in 272 national trade unions in 50 countries.)  Mark explained some of the issues that these workers face and the challenge of organising them into unions. When asked about union density in these sectors, he threw out the astounding statistic that in Belgium, over 80% of these workers are unionised.  But in other countries, the numbers are much lower.  UNI Europa recently produced a five-part podcast series about these workers entitled "Unsung Cleaners" in which the workers speak and we get to hear their own voice and words.  It had a surprisingly large listenership.  We discussed the series and why Mark thinks it got as large an audience as it did, as well as plans for a future series on the security guards.  Learn more about the series and have a listen here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19801527 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0100 792 full false South Korea: Interview with Chanyoung Heo, Kuehne+Nagel Korea Labour Union South Korea: Interview with Chanyoung Heo, Kuehne+Nagel Korea Labour Union Chanyoung is leader of a small union in Korea that represents workers at Kuehne+Nagel, a German-owned logistics company.  For 20 years, industrial relations at the company were good.  Now they aren't.  What happened?  Why did the workers vote overwhelmingly to go on strike?

Listen to the podcast to learn more, including about the company's new manager, imported from Europe, who told the union that he did not feel bound by a collective bargaining agreement which he did not sign.  Yes, really.  He said that.


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]]> Chanyoung is leader of a small union in Korea that represents workers at Kuehne+Nagel, a German-owned logistics company.  For 20 years, industrial relations at the company were good.  Now they aren't.  What happened?  Why did the workers vote overwhelmingly to go on strike?

Listen to the podcast to learn more, including about the company's new manager, imported from Europe, who told the union that he did not feel bound by a collective bargaining agreement which he did not sign.  Yes, really.  He said that.


Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19783867 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0100 987 full false Interview with Sean Sweeney, coordinator of Trade Unions for Energy Democracy (TUED) Interview with Sean Sweeney, coordinator of Trade Unions for Energy Democracy (TUED) Sean Sweeney is the founder and coordinator of a global network of trade unionists who are trying change the way we deal with the global climate crisis.  Instead of failed neo-liberal solutions, TUED is pushing for 'public pathways' to confront the climate emergency.

In November, Sean will be in Turkey for COP 31, the People's Climate Summit and TUED's own Inter-Regional Meeting.  (He explains that these terms mean, as many of you may not know about COP 31.). LabourStart will be there as well, proud to be part of TUED's great initiative.

More information about TUED is here.

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]]> Sean Sweeney is the founder and coordinator of a global network of trade unionists who are trying change the way we deal with the global climate crisis.  Instead of failed neo-liberal solutions, TUED is pushing for 'public pathways' to confront the climate emergency.

In November, Sean will be in Turkey for COP 31, the People's Climate Summit and TUED's own Inter-Regional Meeting.  (He explains that these terms mean, as many of you may not know about COP 31.). LabourStart will be there as well, proud to be part of TUED's great initiative.

More information about TUED is here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19747279 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0100 522 full false Kenya: Interview with Joseph Ndiritu Karobia, General Secretary of the Public Transport Operators Union (PUTON) Kenya: Interview with Joseph Ndiritu Karobia, General Secretary of the Public Transport Operators Union (PUTON) Joe's union has managed to win a couple of legal battles ensuring that drivers working in Kenya's informal sector have rights. But employers are resisting and the struggle is not yet won.  Joe tells us about some of the challenges that his members face including 16 hour work days -- and regular bribes to the police.  Learn more about workers' struggles in Kenya here.

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]]> Joe's union has managed to win a couple of legal battles ensuring that drivers working in Kenya's informal sector have rights. But employers are resisting and the struggle is not yet won.  Joe tells us about some of the challenges that his members face including 16 hour work days -- and regular bribes to the police.  Learn more about workers' struggles in Kenya here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19741852 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0100 686 full false Turkey: Interview with Kivanc Eliacik Turkey: Interview with Kivanc Eliacik According to the International Trade Union Confederation, Turkey is one of the worst countries in the world for workers' rights.  Union leaders continue to be arrested and jailed.  But recently, a number have been released, thanks in part to global online campaigns on LabourStart.

In our short interview, Kivanc explained who was arrested and why, who has been released and who's still in jail, and the crucial role of LabourStart campaigns in getting our comrades released.  He put the issue in the context of a global onslaught on union rights, naming jailed union leaders around the world.

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]]> According to the International Trade Union Confederation, Turkey is one of the worst countries in the world for workers' rights.  Union leaders continue to be arrested and jailed.  But recently, a number have been released, thanks in part to global online campaigns on LabourStart.

In our short interview, Kivanc explained who was arrested and why, who has been released and who's still in jail, and the crucial role of LabourStart campaigns in getting our comrades released.  He put the issue in the context of a global onslaught on union rights, naming jailed union leaders around the world.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19645855 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 542 full false Australia: Interview with Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions Australia: Interview with Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions The lowest gender pay gap ever recorded.  Food delivery workers winning new workplace protections and a new minimum hourly rate of pay, above the minimum wage.  Workers winning a 'right to disconnect' -- meaning that their employers cannot force them to be available after working hours.  New paid leave in cases of domestic abuse.  And the union movement beginning to grow again.

This is the legacy of Sally McManus, now stepping down as Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions after nine years on the job.  (Sally is the longest serving ACTU secretary in the last century.) In this short interview with LabourStart, Sally talks about what the union movement has achieved during her time in office and about what remains to be done -- and ends with a call for workers of the world to unite.  

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]]> The lowest gender pay gap ever recorded.  Food delivery workers winning new workplace protections and a new minimum hourly rate of pay, above the minimum wage.  Workers winning a 'right to disconnect' -- meaning that their employers cannot force them to be available after working hours.  New paid leave in cases of domestic abuse.  And the union movement beginning to grow again.

This is the legacy of Sally McManus, now stepping down as Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions after nine years on the job.  (Sally is the longest serving ACTU secretary in the last century.) In this short interview with LabourStart, Sally talks about what the union movement has achieved during her time in office and about what remains to be done -- and ends with a call for workers of the world to unite.  

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19645737 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0100 591 full false Taiwan: Interview with Lennon Wang, from the Taidoc Technology Labor Union (TTLU). Taiwan: Interview with Lennon Wang, from the Taidoc Technology Labor Union (TTLU). Filipino women migrant workers at TaiDoc Technology Corporation, a medical equipment company based in Taiwan, R.O.C., have faced discrimination, forced labour conditions and union busting. In response, they organised a union. 

Listen to Lennon Wang describe what happened next -- how the company engaged in a form of forced labour and union busting, and how the migrant women working there fought back.

Click here to support the online campaign!

Support the show

]]> Filipino women migrant workers at TaiDoc Technology Corporation, a medical equipment company based in Taiwan, R.O.C., have faced discrimination, forced labour conditions and union busting. In response, they organised a union. 

Listen to Lennon Wang describe what happened next -- how the company engaged in a form of forced labour and union busting, and how the migrant women working there fought back.

Click here to support the online campaign!

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19591971 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0100 515 full false "The stronger the union, the cooler the workplace." Interview with union educator Stirling Smith "The stronger the union, the cooler the workplace." Interview with union educator Stirling Smith The International Labour Organisation estimate that 70% of the world's workforce is now vulnerable to extreme heat.  How is this affecting workers?  What can unions do?  

We interviewed Stirling Smith, a trade union educator who has worked in many countries, and especially south Asia. He lived in India for four years where he worked for the ILO. He is active now in the Greater Manchester Hazards Centre. 

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]]> The International Labour Organisation estimate that 70% of the world's workforce is now vulnerable to extreme heat.  How is this affecting workers?  What can unions do?  

We interviewed Stirling Smith, a trade union educator who has worked in many countries, and especially south Asia. He lived in India for four years where he worked for the ILO. He is active now in the Greater Manchester Hazards Centre. 

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-19025805 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0100 659 full false International trade union delegations blocked from entering Palestine International trade union delegations blocked from entering Palestine In the last three weeks, two high-level delegations of trade union leaders from around the world were blocked by Israeli authorities from entering the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank).  The general secretaries of two global union federations -- Ambet Yuson from Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) and David Edwards from the Education International (EI) -- were there, leading the delegations.  BWI and EI's affiliated unions have a total of 45,000,000 members and these include affiliates in both Israel and Palestine.   This week we interviewed Ambet and David together and heard their stories -- why they were going to Palestine, who invited them, what they were going to do there, and how they faced hours of interrogation and false accusations before being sent back into Jordan.  The interview ended on a determined note from both leaders to continue to fight for the rights of all workers and to show our solidarity wherever and whenever it's needed.

Learn more about EI's experience at the Israeli/Jordanian border here.  And read about BWI's experience a week later here.  LabourStart's full coverage of Palestinian labour news can be found here.

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]]> In the last three weeks, two high-level delegations of trade union leaders from around the world were blocked by Israeli authorities from entering the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank).  The general secretaries of two global union federations -- Ambet Yuson from Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) and David Edwards from the Education International (EI) -- were there, leading the delegations.  BWI and EI's affiliated unions have a total of 45,000,000 members and these include affiliates in both Israel and Palestine.   This week we interviewed Ambet and David together and heard their stories -- why they were going to Palestine, who invited them, what they were going to do there, and how they faced hours of interrogation and false accusations before being sent back into Jordan.  The interview ended on a determined note from both leaders to continue to fight for the rights of all workers and to show our solidarity wherever and whenever it's needed.

Learn more about EI's experience at the Israeli/Jordanian border here.  And read about BWI's experience a week later here.  LabourStart's full coverage of Palestinian labour news can be found here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18674667 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000 1107 full false USA: Interview with Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation AFL-CIO USA: Interview with Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation AFL-CIO Tomorrow (23 January) will see trade unionists and other citizens of Minneapolis shutting the city down in protest at the actions of Donald Trump's ICE thugs.  People won't go to work, they won't shop, their kids won't go to school.  Chelsie will be in the thick of it and in this short interview we talked about what's happening in Minneapolis, the role of the unions and her thoughts on how people elsewhere in the world might show their solidarity.  It's an inspiring story and deserves a large listenership -- please share this widely!

Check out the website of the Minneapolis labor unions here.

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]]> Tomorrow (23 January) will see trade unionists and other citizens of Minneapolis shutting the city down in protest at the actions of Donald Trump's ICE thugs.  People won't go to work, they won't shop, their kids won't go to school.  Chelsie will be in the thick of it and in this short interview we talked about what's happening in Minneapolis, the role of the unions and her thoughts on how people elsewhere in the world might show their solidarity.  It's an inspiring story and deserves a large listenership -- please share this widely!

Check out the website of the Minneapolis labor unions here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18553125 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000 382 full false Global: Interview with Pamela Morinière - International Federation of Journalists Global: Interview with Pamela Morinière - International Federation of Journalists In this short interview, we talked with Pamela, who is the IFJ's head of communications, about the IFJ's recent report on the number of journalists killed around the world in 2025 (128 that we know about). 

We discussed why this number keeps going up, the role of ongoing wars, the problem of impunity, what the IFJ and its affiliated unions are doing and what ordinary people around the world can do. 

Here are some useful links:

Support the show

]]> In this short interview, we talked with Pamela, who is the IFJ's head of communications, about the IFJ's recent report on the number of journalists killed around the world in 2025 (128 that we know about). 

We discussed why this number keeps going up, the role of ongoing wars, the problem of impunity, what the IFJ and its affiliated unions are doing and what ordinary people around the world can do. 

Here are some useful links:

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18552316 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 612 full false 60 seconds on ... Christmas shopping 60 seconds on ... Christmas shopping With the run-up to Christmas, retail workers are preparing to face a tsunami of abuse and even violence.  Unions representing shop workers in dozens of countries where Christmas is celebrated are campaigning to protect workers from over-stressed shoppers.

Here's our take on Christmas shopping - and a very merry and kind Christmas from all of us at LabourStart!

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]]> With the run-up to Christmas, retail workers are preparing to face a tsunami of abuse and even violence.  Unions representing shop workers in dozens of countries where Christmas is celebrated are campaigning to protect workers from over-stressed shoppers.

Here's our take on Christmas shopping - and a very merry and kind Christmas from all of us at LabourStart!

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18370090 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 56 full false 60 seconds on ... Lee Cheuk-yan, jailed leader of Hong Kong's trade union movement 60 seconds on ... Lee Cheuk-yan, jailed leader of Hong Kong's trade union movement "60 seconds on ..." is a new podcast series hosted by LabourStart and aims to provide the international trade union movement with bite-size nuggets of information about important campaigns and news.  In today's episode, we focus on Lee Cheuk-yan, the jailed leader of the Hong Kong Trade Union Confederation, whose trial starts next month.  To learn more about the International Trade Union Confederation's campaign in solidarity with Lee, click here.

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]]> "60 seconds on ..." is a new podcast series hosted by LabourStart and aims to provide the international trade union movement with bite-size nuggets of information about important campaigns and news.  In today's episode, we focus on Lee Cheuk-yan, the jailed leader of the Hong Kong Trade Union Confederation, whose trial starts next month.  To learn more about the International Trade Union Confederation's campaign in solidarity with Lee, click here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18317372 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 59 full false USA: Professor Yiran Zhang on care work USA: Professor Yiran Zhang on care work Professor Yiran Zhang is a prominent emerging voice in the field of labor and employment law, focusing on how care work is governed at the complicated intersection of informal labor markets, the welfare state, and the household. At Cornell’s ILR School, where she is also an Associate Faculty Member at Cornell Law School, she examines the rapidly shifting terrain of U.S. care-subsidy programs and what these changes mean for workers, families, and the law.


Her scholarship, which spans top journals including Boston University Law Review, Indiana Law Journal, and Stanford Law & Policy Review, explores fundamental questions about gender, caregiving, and the very boundaries of what society counts as “work.”


In this interview, Professor Zhang discusses her current research, the rise of paid family caregiving, and the new forms of worker organizing emerging in home-care labor. She closes with powerful reflections on why care workers, often overlooked, are central to the future of the labor movement.

The interview was conducted by Joanne Lee, a LabourStart intern.

Support the show

]]> Professor Yiran Zhang is a prominent emerging voice in the field of labor and employment law, focusing on how care work is governed at the complicated intersection of informal labor markets, the welfare state, and the household. At Cornell’s ILR School, where she is also an Associate Faculty Member at Cornell Law School, she examines the rapidly shifting terrain of U.S. care-subsidy programs and what these changes mean for workers, families, and the law.


Her scholarship, which spans top journals including Boston University Law Review, Indiana Law Journal, and Stanford Law & Policy Review, explores fundamental questions about gender, caregiving, and the very boundaries of what society counts as “work.”


In this interview, Professor Zhang discusses her current research, the rise of paid family caregiving, and the new forms of worker organizing emerging in home-care labor. She closes with powerful reflections on why care workers, often overlooked, are central to the future of the labor movement.

The interview was conducted by Joanne Lee, a LabourStart intern.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18304065 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000 699 full false Netherlands: Union leader Pawel Rudzki, unfairly dismissed for his activism Netherlands: Union leader Pawel Rudzki, unfairly dismissed for his activism Pawel Rudzki has not worked for the Albert Heijn supermarket chain for some two months now. An exemplary worker, never late, with a spotless record, he was bullied and lied about, given warnings he could not reply to -- and then summarily sacked. His union, the FNV, together with UNI Global Union, has been campaigning for his reinstatement.  It's the subject of a major campaign on LabourStart - click here to learn more and show your support.  In this interview, Pawel tells his story in his own words -- and ends with a message about the importance of solidarity.

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]]> Pawel Rudzki has not worked for the Albert Heijn supermarket chain for some two months now. An exemplary worker, never late, with a spotless record, he was bullied and lied about, given warnings he could not reply to -- and then summarily sacked. His union, the FNV, together with UNI Global Union, has been campaigning for his reinstatement.  It's the subject of a major campaign on LabourStart - click here to learn more and show your support.  In this interview, Pawel tells his story in his own words -- and ends with a message about the importance of solidarity.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18269987 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000 652 full false Is this the Nobel Prize for the international trade union movement? Is this the Nobel Prize for the international trade union movement? Today we spoke with Amalie Hilde Tofte from the trade union Styrke in Norway.  They're the sponsors of the annual Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights.  (LabourStart was a recipient a few years back.). Amalie told us about the background to the prize, some of the winners in recent years, and how one applies. We even learned who Arthur Svensson was.  Details about the prize, including the nominations form, are here.

Support the show

]]> Today we spoke with Amalie Hilde Tofte from the trade union Styrke in Norway.  They're the sponsors of the annual Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights.  (LabourStart was a recipient a few years back.). Amalie told us about the background to the prize, some of the winners in recent years, and how one applies. We even learned who Arthur Svensson was.  Details about the prize, including the nominations form, are here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18222907 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 517 full false Serbia: Interview with SKL union leaders Serbia: Interview with SKL union leaders This week, we talked with two leaders of the Sindikat kontrole letenja (SKL), the union representing Serbian air traffic controllers, who have been dismissed after their security clearances were revoked based on a vague "negative opinion from the security services." Both played key roles in this year’s lawful and successful strike.  In this interview we discussed how the Serbian government launched a coordinated attack on the two union leaders and why, and how trade unionists across Europe and around the world can show their solidarity and bring pressure to bear on the Serbian government.  Learn more about what happened and sign up to support the campaign - click here.

Support the show

]]> This week, we talked with two leaders of the Sindikat kontrole letenja (SKL), the union representing Serbian air traffic controllers, who have been dismissed after their security clearances were revoked based on a vague "negative opinion from the security services." Both played key roles in this year’s lawful and successful strike.  In this interview we discussed how the Serbian government launched a coordinated attack on the two union leaders and why, and how trade unionists across Europe and around the world can show their solidarity and bring pressure to bear on the Serbian government.  Learn more about what happened and sign up to support the campaign - click here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18109960 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 598 full false Lesotho: Interview with Solong Senohe, General Secretary of UNITE Lesotho: Interview with Solong Senohe, General Secretary of UNITE Solong is the general secretary of the United Textile Employees Union in Lesotho -- a union currently involved in a major struggle for workers' rights and dignity at Quantum Apparel.  In this interview, he tells us about a whole series of abusive (and illegal) practices at the company, including forced over-time, short-term contracts and union-busting.  To learn more, and to show your support for the workers, check out the LabourStart campaign.

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]]> Solong is the general secretary of the United Textile Employees Union in Lesotho -- a union currently involved in a major struggle for workers' rights and dignity at Quantum Apparel.  In this interview, he tells us about a whole series of abusive (and illegal) practices at the company, including forced over-time, short-term contracts and union-busting.  To learn more, and to show your support for the workers, check out the LabourStart campaign.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-18061839 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0100 753 full false USA: Interview with Chris Garlock of the Labor Radio and Podcasting Network USA: Interview with Chris Garlock of the Labor Radio and Podcasting Network Chris, who's based in Washington, D.C., is the founder of the Labor Radio and Podcasting Network. 

With around 200 members, the network shows the very widespread adoption of podcasting by activists in the trade union movement.  

We asked Chris about audience size, impact, and how unions and activists can start their own shows.  

Listeners are encouraged to visit the network's website and to consider coming to one of its regular weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 13:00 (US Eastern Time).  

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]]> Chris, who's based in Washington, D.C., is the founder of the Labor Radio and Podcasting Network. 

With around 200 members, the network shows the very widespread adoption of podcasting by activists in the trade union movement.  

We asked Chris about audience size, impact, and how unions and activists can start their own shows.  

Listeners are encouraged to visit the network's website and to consider coming to one of its regular weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 13:00 (US Eastern Time).  

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-17924148 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100 832 full false Canada: Interview with Paul Finch, President of the British Columbia General Employees Union (BCGEU) Canada: Interview with Paul Finch, President of the British Columbia General Employees Union (BCGEU) This week we talked with Paul Finch at a particularly interesting moment.  His union, the largest in the Canadian province of British Columbia, is on strike.  The employer in this case, the provincial government, is a social democratic party -- the NDP.  Paul explains why the union is on strike and their strategy to win.  He even broke the news to us that just a few minutes before the interview began, the union had shut down large numbers of public liquor and cannabis stores, having held back during the first few weeks of the strike.  Things are heating up in British Columbia and LabourStart will continue to provide coverage of the struggle there.

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]]> This week we talked with Paul Finch at a particularly interesting moment.  His union, the largest in the Canadian province of British Columbia, is on strike.  The employer in this case, the provincial government, is a social democratic party -- the NDP.  Paul explains why the union is on strike and their strategy to win.  He even broke the news to us that just a few minutes before the interview began, the union had shut down large numbers of public liquor and cannabis stores, having held back during the first few weeks of the strike.  Things are heating up in British Columbia and LabourStart will continue to provide coverage of the struggle there.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-17905322 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100 671 full false USA: Interview with Shawna Bader-Blau from the Solidarity Center USA: Interview with Shawna Bader-Blau from the Solidarity Center Shawna Bader-Blau heads up the Solidarity Center in Washington DC which has for many years been one of the great sources of support for workers around the world trying create and sustain independent, democratic trade unions.  But with the inauguration of Donald Trump earlier this year, all that has come under threat.  In our interview, Shawna discusses what the Solidarity Center does, the new threats it has to face, and how it intends to fight back.  Learn more about the Solidarity Center here -- and if you can, donate here.

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]]> Shawna Bader-Blau heads up the Solidarity Center in Washington DC which has for many years been one of the great sources of support for workers around the world trying create and sustain independent, democratic trade unions.  But with the inauguration of Donald Trump earlier this year, all that has come under threat.  In our interview, Shawna discusses what the Solidarity Center does, the new threats it has to face, and how it intends to fight back.  Learn more about the Solidarity Center here -- and if you can, donate here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-17395476 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100 1280 full false Canada: Interview with Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour Canada: Interview with Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour The Alberta Federation of Labour and some 25 Alberta unions, representing more than 300,000 workers, recently unveiled the Solidarity Pact, a commitment to collective defence against any attack on workers by public- or private-sector employers. The Solidarity Pact is intended to remain in force indefinitely.

"The purpose of the Solidarity Pact is to let employers know that an attack on one union will be viewed as an attack on all unions and that Alberta unions will fight together—all for one, and one for all," McGowan said in a news release announcing the launch of the pact and the Alberta Common Front, as the allied labour organizations are known collectively.

In this podcast, we talk to McGowan about the Solidarity Pact, and labour relations in the province with a "Maple MAGA" premier, who's now advocating for a separation referendum.


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]]> The Alberta Federation of Labour and some 25 Alberta unions, representing more than 300,000 workers, recently unveiled the Solidarity Pact, a commitment to collective defence against any attack on workers by public- or private-sector employers. The Solidarity Pact is intended to remain in force indefinitely.

"The purpose of the Solidarity Pact is to let employers know that an attack on one union will be viewed as an attack on all unions and that Alberta unions will fight together—all for one, and one for all," McGowan said in a news release announcing the launch of the pact and the Alberta Common Front, as the allied labour organizations are known collectively.

In this podcast, we talk to McGowan about the Solidarity Pact, and labour relations in the province with a "Maple MAGA" premier, who's now advocating for a separation referendum.


Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-17157625 Wed, 14 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100 1495 full false USA: Interview with Dr Debbie Goldman, author of Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age USA: Interview with Dr Debbie Goldman, author of Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age Dr Debbie Goldman worked for 28 years at the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and is an expert on the subject of call centre workers.  In this short interview we discussed her new book, Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age.  We talked about issues like surveillance in the workplace, how the CWA won impressive victories in defence of call centre workers' rights, and how employers export call centre jobs abroad only to run-up against international trade union solidarity.  We ended with a discussion about whether the much-touted "momentum" of unionisation in the USA in 2024 has continued under Trump -- and how the working class will never stop fighting for its rights.

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]]> Dr Debbie Goldman worked for 28 years at the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and is an expert on the subject of call centre workers.  In this short interview we discussed her new book, Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age.  We talked about issues like surveillance in the workplace, how the CWA won impressive victories in defence of call centre workers' rights, and how employers export call centre jobs abroad only to run-up against international trade union solidarity.  We ended with a discussion about whether the much-touted "momentum" of unionisation in the USA in 2024 has continued under Trump -- and how the working class will never stop fighting for its rights.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-17021452 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100 802 full false Belarus: Interview with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Belarus: Interview with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), was LabourStart's guest this week on our podcast.   The ITUC represents around 200 million workers in 169 countries and territories and has 340 national affiliates.

LabourStart's Eric Lee interviewed Luc about the vicious attacks by the Lukashenko dictatorship in Belarus against trade unionists -- and what the international trade union movement is doing to fight this.  Luc spoke about the upcoming 16 April global day of action.  "We need to fight against this regime," he said. "We will never accept this reality."

To learn more about the jailed trade union leaders in Belarus and show your solidarity, check out our online petition here.  Learn more about the 16 April 2025 global day of action here.  Learn more about the ITUC here.


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]]> Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), was LabourStart's guest this week on our podcast.   The ITUC represents around 200 million workers in 169 countries and territories and has 340 national affiliates.

LabourStart's Eric Lee interviewed Luc about the vicious attacks by the Lukashenko dictatorship in Belarus against trade unionists -- and what the international trade union movement is doing to fight this.  Luc spoke about the upcoming 16 April global day of action.  "We need to fight against this regime," he said. "We will never accept this reality."

To learn more about the jailed trade union leaders in Belarus and show your solidarity, check out our online petition here.  Learn more about the 16 April 2025 global day of action here.  Learn more about the ITUC here.


Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16944135 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100 528 full false Azerbaijan: Interview with Nilufar Mammadrzayeva Azerbaijan: Interview with Nilufar Mammadrzayeva Nilufar Mammadrzayeva is an activist in İşçi Masası (Labor Desk), an alternative Confederation of Trade Unions operating in Azerbaijan.  As she explained to us, "Right now, four of our comrades are facing dire conditions in prison due to their labor rights activism. One of them has already been sentenced to eight years, and the situation is only getting worse." In this interview, we discuss the situation faced by workers and independent trade unions in her country and what the international trade union movement can do to help.  For full coverage of labour news from Azerbaijan on LabourStart, click here.

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]]> Nilufar Mammadrzayeva is an activist in İşçi Masası (Labor Desk), an alternative Confederation of Trade Unions operating in Azerbaijan.  As she explained to us, "Right now, four of our comrades are facing dire conditions in prison due to their labor rights activism. One of them has already been sentenced to eight years, and the situation is only getting worse." In this interview, we discuss the situation faced by workers and independent trade unions in her country and what the international trade union movement can do to help.  For full coverage of labour news from Azerbaijan on LabourStart, click here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16903593 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100 653 full false Canada: Interview with Mark Hancock Canada: Interview with Mark Hancock This week, LabourStart's Pat Bulmer interviews Mark Hancock, national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees -- the largest union in the country.  Mark was asked to speak about the union's recently-adopted "Montreal Declaration" which was drafted in response to US President Donald Trump's threats against Canada.

“The declaration acknowledges the formidable contribution that the labour movement has made to building what makes us proudest to be Canadian: our public health care, public education, and so many more cherished public services. The declaration also sets out CUPE’s demands for a worker-focused response to the existential crisis posed by Donald Trump’s assault on Canadian workers,” the union explains.

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]]> This week, LabourStart's Pat Bulmer interviews Mark Hancock, national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees -- the largest union in the country.  Mark was asked to speak about the union's recently-adopted "Montreal Declaration" which was drafted in response to US President Donald Trump's threats against Canada.

“The declaration acknowledges the formidable contribution that the labour movement has made to building what makes us proudest to be Canadian: our public health care, public education, and so many more cherished public services. The declaration also sets out CUPE’s demands for a worker-focused response to the existential crisis posed by Donald Trump’s assault on Canadian workers,” the union explains.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16829108 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000 747 full false Belarus: Interview with Liza Merliak, exiled trade unionist Belarus: Interview with Liza Merliak, exiled trade unionist LabourStart's podcast this week is - unfortunately - about Belarus, which is probably the worst place in Europe to be a trade unionist.  We are now coming up on the 3rd anniversary of the mass arrests of Belarusian trade union leaders and the crushing of the country's independent and democratic unions.  Liza tells us why this happened, the role of the Ukraine war and Putin, and what we can do to help free the jailed union leaders and force the regime in Belarus to respect workers' rights -- and human rights in general.

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]]> LabourStart's podcast this week is - unfortunately - about Belarus, which is probably the worst place in Europe to be a trade unionist.  We are now coming up on the 3rd anniversary of the mass arrests of Belarusian trade union leaders and the crushing of the country's independent and democratic unions.  Liza tells us why this happened, the role of the Ukraine war and Putin, and what we can do to help free the jailed union leaders and force the regime in Belarus to respect workers' rights -- and human rights in general.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16725277 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000 768 full false Turkey: Interview with Kıvanç Eliaçık, Director of International Relations Department for DISK Turkey: Interview with Kıvanç Eliaçık, Director of International Relations Department for DISK This week's LabourStart interview is with Kıvanç Eliaçık from DISK, one of Turkey's national trade union centres.  We talked about workers' rights in Turkey, the role played by LabourStart and global unions, what individuals can do to help -- and about the central role that workers in struggle are playing in all this.  We also discussed a new LabourStart campaign being launched this week in support of striking workers at Telus, in Izmir.  A must-listen podcast this week, in our view.

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]]> This week's LabourStart interview is with Kıvanç Eliaçık from DISK, one of Turkey's national trade union centres.  We talked about workers' rights in Turkey, the role played by LabourStart and global unions, what individuals can do to help -- and about the central role that workers in struggle are playing in all this.  We also discussed a new LabourStart campaign being launched this week in support of striking workers at Telus, in Izmir.  A must-listen podcast this week, in our view.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16601974 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 990 full false Interview with Daniel Blackburn from the International Centre for Trade Union Rights Interview with Daniel Blackburn from the International Centre for Trade Union Rights This week's LabourStart podcast is a short interview with Daniel Blackburn, who runs the International Centre for Trade Union Rights (ICTUR), based in London.  Daniel spoke with us about ICTUR's history, the journal it produces (International Union Rights), the incredible reference book they publish on trade unions of the world, and even their wall map of workers' rights around the globe.  ICTUR is not well-known enough in the trade union movement but we think that after you hear what Daniel has to say you'll want to know more -- visit the ICTUR website here.

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]]> This week's LabourStart podcast is a short interview with Daniel Blackburn, who runs the International Centre for Trade Union Rights (ICTUR), based in London.  Daniel spoke with us about ICTUR's history, the journal it produces (International Union Rights), the incredible reference book they publish on trade unions of the world, and even their wall map of workers' rights around the globe.  ICTUR is not well-known enough in the trade union movement but we think that after you hear what Daniel has to say you'll want to know more -- visit the ICTUR website here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16552484 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 713 full false Canada: Interview with Stephanie Ross & Larry Savage Canada: Interview with Stephanie Ross & Larry Savage The LabourStart Podcast this week -- our first in 2025 -- is an interview with two Canadian writers who've written an important new book about one of the country's largest trade unions.

Stephanie Ross is an associate professor in the School of Labour Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., and founding president of the Canadian Association for Work and Labour Studies. Larry Savage is a professor in the Department of Labour Studies at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont.

LabourStart’s Pat Bulmer interviewed them about their book, Shifting Gears, which examines the evolution of one of Canada’s largest unions. Today, it’s known as Unifor, but it started out as the Canadian wing of the United Auto Workers before breaking away to become the Canadian Auto Workers.

The authors particularly examine the union’s evolving - and controversial - role in Canadian politics.

Ross and Savage are also co-authors of Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada and co-editors of Public Sector Unions in the Age of Austerity, Rethinking the Politics of Labour in Canada, and Labour under Attack: Anti-Unionism in Canada.

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]]> The LabourStart Podcast this week -- our first in 2025 -- is an interview with two Canadian writers who've written an important new book about one of the country's largest trade unions.

Stephanie Ross is an associate professor in the School of Labour Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., and founding president of the Canadian Association for Work and Labour Studies. Larry Savage is a professor in the Department of Labour Studies at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont.

LabourStart’s Pat Bulmer interviewed them about their book, Shifting Gears, which examines the evolution of one of Canada’s largest unions. Today, it’s known as Unifor, but it started out as the Canadian wing of the United Auto Workers before breaking away to become the Canadian Auto Workers.

The authors particularly examine the union’s evolving - and controversial - role in Canadian politics.

Ross and Savage are also co-authors of Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada and co-editors of Public Sector Unions in the Age of Austerity, Rethinking the Politics of Labour in Canada, and Labour under Attack: Anti-Unionism in Canada.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16532565 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 1211 full false Interview with Tamar Ansiani, one of the striking workers at Evolution Gaming, Georgia Interview with Tamar Ansiani, one of the striking workers at Evolution Gaming, Georgia This week we interviewed Tamar Ansiani, who in addition to being a striker (one of over 4,000) at the Swedish-owned Evolution Gaming in Georgia, is also a vice president of LABOR, a Georgian trade union.  Tamar spoke about the reasons for the strike, the importance of international solidarity and much more in this short interview. 

To learn more about the struggle at Evolution Gaming -- and to show your solidarity with the workers -- click here.

To donate money to the strikers (via UNI Global Union), click here.

To follow all the latest labour news from Georgia, including latest developments with the Evolution strike, click here.

To help build support for the striking workers, please share this podcast widely in your union.  Thank you!

Support the show

]]> This week we interviewed Tamar Ansiani, who in addition to being a striker (one of over 4,000) at the Swedish-owned Evolution Gaming in Georgia, is also a vice president of LABOR, a Georgian trade union.  Tamar spoke about the reasons for the strike, the importance of international solidarity and much more in this short interview. 

To learn more about the struggle at Evolution Gaming -- and to show your solidarity with the workers -- click here.

To donate money to the strikers (via UNI Global Union), click here.

To follow all the latest labour news from Georgia, including latest developments with the Evolution strike, click here.

To help build support for the striking workers, please share this podcast widely in your union.  Thank you!

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-16098115 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 528 full false Interview with Sultana Hossain from the Amazon Labor Union in the USA Interview with Sultana Hossain from the Amazon Labor Union in the USA "We were dying," says Sultana Hossain, describing the conditions that led thousands of Amazon employees in New York City to begin organising into a trade union.  Initially, their union was independent and had no backing from anyone else -- and yet the workers were able to force an election in the workplace, win a majority and inspire millions of workers with their story.  Click here to learn more about that union and its amazing story.

For full coverage of workers' struggles at Amazon around the world, check out LabourStart's Amazon stories.

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]]> "We were dying," says Sultana Hossain, describing the conditions that led thousands of Amazon employees in New York City to begin organising into a trade union.  Initially, their union was independent and had no backing from anyone else -- and yet the workers were able to force an election in the workplace, win a majority and inspire millions of workers with their story.  Click here to learn more about that union and its amazing story.

For full coverage of workers' struggles at Amazon around the world, check out LabourStart's Amazon stories.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15952887 Sat, 19 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100 776 full false Interview with Carlos Ching-Hung Wang, the president of the China Steel Express Union (Taiwan) Interview with Carlos Ching-Hung Wang, the president of the China Steel Express Union (Taiwan) China Steel Express (CSE), the most profitable subsidiary of Taiwan's largest state-owned enterprise, China Steel Corporation (CSC), has long exploited Taiwanese seafarers through illegal fixed-term contracts. Recently, CSE replaced Taiwanese seafarers with Chinese crew. As a result, more than 300 seafarers lost their jobs. In July, CSE abruptly cut the insurance of over 100 seafarers to force more of the workers out of jobs. To defend their labour rights, the CSE Union held a strike vote. Out of 487 members, 371 (76%) supported the strike. This strong support shows their determination to protect their right to work and marks the first strike in Taiwan's maritime history.

We interviewed Carlos Ching-Hung Wang, the president of the CSE Union, who explained to us why the workers are on strike -- and what you can do to help.  The interview is in Chinese and English and is very short.

To support the campaign, click here.

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]]> China Steel Express (CSE), the most profitable subsidiary of Taiwan's largest state-owned enterprise, China Steel Corporation (CSC), has long exploited Taiwanese seafarers through illegal fixed-term contracts. Recently, CSE replaced Taiwanese seafarers with Chinese crew. As a result, more than 300 seafarers lost their jobs. In July, CSE abruptly cut the insurance of over 100 seafarers to force more of the workers out of jobs. To defend their labour rights, the CSE Union held a strike vote. Out of 487 members, 371 (76%) supported the strike. This strong support shows their determination to protect their right to work and marks the first strike in Taiwan's maritime history.

We interviewed Carlos Ching-Hung Wang, the president of the CSE Union, who explained to us why the workers are on strike -- and what you can do to help.  The interview is in Chinese and English and is very short.

To support the campaign, click here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15812213 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0100 378 full false The struggle for jobs and dignity at Liberty Steel The struggle for jobs and dignity at Liberty Steel An interview with Judith Kirton-Darling, general secretary of IndustriAll Europe, about the ongoing fight of Liberty Steel workers in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland in the face of catastrophic job losses.  Judith talks about the background to the struggle, including latest developments, including a walk out this morning by Liberty Steel workers in Hungary, and the importance of solidarity messages sent through the LabourStart online campaign. 

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]]> An interview with Judith Kirton-Darling, general secretary of IndustriAll Europe, about the ongoing fight of Liberty Steel workers in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland in the face of catastrophic job losses.  Judith talks about the background to the struggle, including latest developments, including a walk out this morning by Liberty Steel workers in Hungary, and the importance of solidarity messages sent through the LabourStart online campaign. 

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15577247 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:00:00 +0100 859 full false Interview with Srđan from Radnicki Glas (Workers Voice) in Serbia Interview with Srđan from Radnicki Glas (Workers Voice) in Serbia This week we interviewed Srđan from Radnicki Glas (Workers Voice) in Serbia.  The group is very involved with the ongoing campaign at the Yura factories in Serbia -- which is the subject of a LabourStart ActNOW campaign.  (Click here to learn more.)  We talked about unions and workers in general in Serbia and the specific issues faced by workers at the South Korean-owned Yura factories, which are suppliers to major European auto companies.  Srđan explained the background to strikes that took place in June, what the union is doing now, and how listeners to the podcast can help.

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]]> This week we interviewed Srđan from Radnicki Glas (Workers Voice) in Serbia.  The group is very involved with the ongoing campaign at the Yura factories in Serbia -- which is the subject of a LabourStart ActNOW campaign.  (Click here to learn more.)  We talked about unions and workers in general in Serbia and the specific issues faced by workers at the South Korean-owned Yura factories, which are suppliers to major European auto companies.  Srđan explained the background to strikes that took place in June, what the union is doing now, and how listeners to the podcast can help.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15500129 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100 867 full false Interview with David Edwards, General Secretary of the Education International Interview with David Edwards, General Secretary of the Education International We spoke with David Edwards just three weeks before the opening of the congress of the Education International, which unites trade unions of teachers and other educational professionals.  The EI is one of the biggest global unions -- it has 383 member organisations, representing more than 32 million people in 178 countries and territories -- and faces immense challenges.  We spoke about the EI's current Go Public! campaign which has been fighting to get governments to invest in public education and hire more teachers.  But we also discussed the challenges teachers and their unions face every day in countries like Iran and Afghanistan.  We concluded with a discussion about the rise of the far Right, which is a concern for all teachers' unions.  And at the end of the interview -- this was unscripted, really -- David spoke briefly about the work the EI has done with LabourStart.

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]]> We spoke with David Edwards just three weeks before the opening of the congress of the Education International, which unites trade unions of teachers and other educational professionals.  The EI is one of the biggest global unions -- it has 383 member organisations, representing more than 32 million people in 178 countries and territories -- and faces immense challenges.  We spoke about the EI's current Go Public! campaign which has been fighting to get governments to invest in public education and hire more teachers.  But we also discussed the challenges teachers and their unions face every day in countries like Iran and Afghanistan.  We concluded with a discussion about the rise of the far Right, which is a concern for all teachers' unions.  And at the end of the interview -- this was unscripted, really -- David spoke briefly about the work the EI has done with LabourStart.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15392847 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0100 654 full false Interview with Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe Interview with Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe Less than 24 hours after the results of the first round of the French legislative elections were known, and with the threat of a far Right government for the first time since Vichy, we interviewed Judith Kirton-Darling.  Judith is General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe, which represents 7 million working men and women united within 200 national trade union affiliates in 39 European countries. We discussed a range of issues including the threat of the far Right, what Europe's unions are expecting from the newly-elected European Parliament, and IndustriAll's campaign for good industrial jobs.  Learn more about IndustriAll Europe on their website, here.

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]]> Less than 24 hours after the results of the first round of the French legislative elections were known, and with the threat of a far Right government for the first time since Vichy, we interviewed Judith Kirton-Darling.  Judith is General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe, which represents 7 million working men and women united within 200 national trade union affiliates in 39 European countries. We discussed a range of issues including the threat of the far Right, what Europe's unions are expecting from the newly-elected European Parliament, and IndustriAll's campaign for good industrial jobs.  Learn more about IndustriAll Europe on their website, here.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15350313 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0100 670 full false Interview with Macarena Grimalt Fernandes, Argentinian trade unionist Interview with Macarena Grimalt Fernandes, Argentinian trade unionist Earlier this month there were giant protests across Argentina following the attempts by the country's new president, Javier Gerardo Milei, to impose his dystopian vision on the country.  Milei's government is cracking down on workers' rights, downsizing and privatising much of the public sector, and triggering a huge increase in unemployment and poverty -- especially child poverty.  This statement by the International Trade Union Confederation paints a bleak picture of Argentina under Milei.

This week, we spoke with Macarena Grimalt Fernandes, the international secretary of APOC (La Asociación del Personal de los Organismos de Control), which is affiliated to Public Services International (PSI).  Macarena explained the proposed new legislation -- which has not yet passed -- and how unions across Argentina have united to fight it.  When asked to tell us about international solidarity, she talked about the demonstrations that took place in Latin America and elsewhere at the same time as the protests in Argentina.  

When asked if she was optimistic or pessimistic about her country's future, Macarena insisted she needed to be an optimist -- otherwise she'd never get out of bed in the morning.  That's a sentiment that we can all understand.

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]]> Earlier this month there were giant protests across Argentina following the attempts by the country's new president, Javier Gerardo Milei, to impose his dystopian vision on the country.  Milei's government is cracking down on workers' rights, downsizing and privatising much of the public sector, and triggering a huge increase in unemployment and poverty -- especially child poverty.  This statement by the International Trade Union Confederation paints a bleak picture of Argentina under Milei.

This week, we spoke with Macarena Grimalt Fernandes, the international secretary of APOC (La Asociación del Personal de los Organismos de Control), which is affiliated to Public Services International (PSI).  Macarena explained the proposed new legislation -- which has not yet passed -- and how unions across Argentina have united to fight it.  When asked to tell us about international solidarity, she talked about the demonstrations that took place in Latin America and elsewhere at the same time as the protests in Argentina.  

When asked if she was optimistic or pessimistic about her country's future, Macarena insisted she needed to be an optimist -- otherwise she'd never get out of bed in the morning.  That's a sentiment that we can all understand.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15107594 Wed, 22 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100 616 full false Interview with Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Interview with Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) This week, we spoke with Esther Lynch, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).  The ETUC represents 45 million members from 93 trade union organisations in 41 European countries, plus 10 European Trade Union Federations.

In a wide-ranging discussion, we spoke about the upcoming European elections and why they matter for unions and working people.  The European unions have come up with a joint list of 12 key commitments and they have gotten some -- but not all -- of the party groups across Europe to support them.  (You can download a copy of the ETUC's election manifesto in dozens of European languages here.)

Esther spoke about what unions want, including changing the European Union's rules to make things work better for workers.  She emphasised that working people have nothing to gain by voting for the far Right -- which is expected to do well in the June elections.

"Everywhere I go I get pushback," she said when I asked her about her recent meetings in Ukraine, and whether all European trade unionists shared the same view. While not uncritical of the Ukrainian government, she emphasised union solidarity with the trade unions in that embattled country.

The interview concluded with what Esther sees as the biggest challenge for European unions: building union power.  She spoke about a Trade Union Renewal Group which she set up when she first took up her current role.  She wants to improve the quality of public debate, especially for young people, and to move beyond sound bites and half sentences.

The interview ended with Esther's concerns about cyber-social risks -- including the right to disconnect, the problem with "ethical stress", and much more.

To learn more about the ETUC and its work, visit their website.

Support the show

]]> This week, we spoke with Esther Lynch, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).  The ETUC represents 45 million members from 93 trade union organisations in 41 European countries, plus 10 European Trade Union Federations.

In a wide-ranging discussion, we spoke about the upcoming European elections and why they matter for unions and working people.  The European unions have come up with a joint list of 12 key commitments and they have gotten some -- but not all -- of the party groups across Europe to support them.  (You can download a copy of the ETUC's election manifesto in dozens of European languages here.)

Esther spoke about what unions want, including changing the European Union's rules to make things work better for workers.  She emphasised that working people have nothing to gain by voting for the far Right -- which is expected to do well in the June elections.

"Everywhere I go I get pushback," she said when I asked her about her recent meetings in Ukraine, and whether all European trade unionists shared the same view. While not uncritical of the Ukrainian government, she emphasised union solidarity with the trade unions in that embattled country.

The interview concluded with what Esther sees as the biggest challenge for European unions: building union power.  She spoke about a Trade Union Renewal Group which she set up when she first took up her current role.  She wants to improve the quality of public debate, especially for young people, and to move beyond sound bites and half sentences.

The interview ended with Esther's concerns about cyber-social risks -- including the right to disconnect, the problem with "ethical stress", and much more.

To learn more about the ETUC and its work, visit their website.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15072375 Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100 1072 full false Interview with Khaing Zar, trade union leader from Myanmar Interview with Khaing Zar, trade union leader from Myanmar Khaing Zar is President of the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) and Treasurer of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM).  Forced into exile following the military coup d'etat in February 2021, she is a leading spokesperson for the embattled trade unions of her country, which have now been effectively banned and driven underground.

In this interview, we discussed what's currently happening with workers and their unions in Myanmar, the Arthur Svennsson prize for trade union rights which she was recently awarded, and what we can all do to help the workers and trade unions of Myanmar in their fight for democracy.

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]]> Khaing Zar is President of the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) and Treasurer of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM).  Forced into exile following the military coup d'etat in February 2021, she is a leading spokesperson for the embattled trade unions of her country, which have now been effectively banned and driven underground.

In this interview, we discussed what's currently happening with workers and their unions in Myanmar, the Arthur Svennsson prize for trade union rights which she was recently awarded, and what we can all do to help the workers and trade unions of Myanmar in their fight for democracy.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-15001830 Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100 824 full false Interview with Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary of the European Public Service Union (EPSU) Interview with Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary of the European Public Service Union (EPSU) This week we interviewed Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary of the European Public Service Union (EPSU).  

EPSU brings together trade unions from across Europe. It influences the policies and decisions of employers, governments and European institutions that affect public service workers, their families and communities. It mobilises for action and change and is committed to achieving another, social Europe.

EPSU represents 8 million public service workers across Europe and is the European region of the global public services federation PSI and is also a member of the European Trade Union Confederation.

In this interview we talked with Jan Willem about the fight against fascism in Europe today, solidarity with Ukraine, the struggle to support the embattled unions in Belarus, and finally the danger of a return to austerity in Europe.

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]]> This week we interviewed Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary of the European Public Service Union (EPSU).  

EPSU brings together trade unions from across Europe. It influences the policies and decisions of employers, governments and European institutions that affect public service workers, their families and communities. It mobilises for action and change and is committed to achieving another, social Europe.

EPSU represents 8 million public service workers across Europe and is the European region of the global public services federation PSI and is also a member of the European Trade Union Confederation.

In this interview we talked with Jan Willem about the fight against fascism in Europe today, solidarity with Ukraine, the struggle to support the embattled unions in Belarus, and finally the danger of a return to austerity in Europe.

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14973523 Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100 675 full false Interview with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Interview with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Luc Triangle is the new general secretary of the global labour movement's peak body, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).  The ITUC represents 191 million workers united in 340 affiliated national trade union centres around the globe.

We spoke with Luc about the ITUC's new "For Democracy" campaign, about the globally-recognised "right to strike" which is now before the International Court of Justice, and about the major challenges facing him as ITUC general secretary.

Learn more about the ITUC here.

Support the show

]]> Luc Triangle is the new general secretary of the global labour movement's peak body, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).  The ITUC represents 191 million workers united in 340 affiliated national trade union centres around the globe.

We spoke with Luc about the ITUC's new "For Democracy" campaign, about the globally-recognised "right to strike" which is now before the International Court of Justice, and about the major challenges facing him as ITUC general secretary.

Learn more about the ITUC here.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14931925 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0100 776 full false Interview with Rebecca Owens, flight attendant at Alaska Airlines and proud trade unionist Interview with Rebecca Owens, flight attendant at Alaska Airlines and proud trade unionist Rebecca Owens is a proud flight attendant and active member of AFA (Association of Flight Attendants)-CWA Council 30 in Anchorage, Alaska. She has stepped up as her union is in contract negotiations at Alaska Airlines by helping to organize informational pickets, volunteering to go on camera to share the stories of her union brothers, sisters and siblings and making sure her colleagues participated in their recent strike vote. She is also working with the Alaska State AFL-CIO to get paid sick leave on Alaska's ballot to benefit her co-workers. Rebecca also recently accepted the role of Mobilization Chair for flight attendants at the airport.

Flight attendants at Alaska and other airlines around the world are expected to spend a good portion of their job working for free. We asked Rebecca about that, the state of negotiations and other current issues at her airline and in the industry.

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]]> Rebecca Owens is a proud flight attendant and active member of AFA (Association of Flight Attendants)-CWA Council 30 in Anchorage, Alaska. She has stepped up as her union is in contract negotiations at Alaska Airlines by helping to organize informational pickets, volunteering to go on camera to share the stories of her union brothers, sisters and siblings and making sure her colleagues participated in their recent strike vote. She is also working with the Alaska State AFL-CIO to get paid sick leave on Alaska's ballot to benefit her co-workers. Rebecca also recently accepted the role of Mobilization Chair for flight attendants at the airport.

Flight attendants at Alaska and other airlines around the world are expected to spend a good portion of their job working for free. We asked Rebecca about that, the state of negotiations and other current issues at her airline and in the industry.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14917329 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100 734 full false Interview with Amanda Gearing and Darren Westwood about the strike by Amazon workers in the UK Interview with Amanda Gearing and Darren Westwood about the strike by Amazon workers in the UK Darren is an Amazon worker and Amanda is a senior organiser for the GMB union in the UK.  Together, they tell a story of low pay, union busting and an atmosphere of fear at Amazon -- but also a story of courage, solidarity and hope as workers unite and take on one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world.  Learn more about the fight of Amazon's workers in the UK on LabourStart's UK news page and also on the GMB website about the  Amazon campaign.

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]]> Darren is an Amazon worker and Amanda is a senior organiser for the GMB union in the UK.  Together, they tell a story of low pay, union busting and an atmosphere of fear at Amazon -- but also a story of courage, solidarity and hope as workers unite and take on one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world.  Learn more about the fight of Amazon's workers in the UK on LabourStart's UK news page and also on the GMB website about the  Amazon campaign.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14871988 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100 630 full false Interview with Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress Interview with Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress When Bea Bruske was a teenager she found herself walking a picket line for many months -- a strike prolonged unnecessarily because her employer had hired scabs.  Today she's the President of the Canadian Labour Congress and is leading the fight for anti-scab legislation.  A bill now making its way through the Canadian federal parliament will ban scabs in the federal sector, covering a million workers, but she's hoping for even more down the line.  LabourStart's Pat Bulmer conducted the interview.

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]]> When Bea Bruske was a teenager she found herself walking a picket line for many months -- a strike prolonged unnecessarily because her employer had hired scabs.  Today she's the President of the Canadian Labour Congress and is leading the fight for anti-scab legislation.  A bill now making its way through the Canadian federal parliament will ban scabs in the federal sector, covering a million workers, but she's hoping for even more down the line.  LabourStart's Pat Bulmer conducted the interview.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14826220 Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0100 783 full false Interview with Ahmad Badawy, Egyptian trade union activist Interview with Ahmad Badawy, Egyptian trade union activist The textile workers at Egypt's state-owned Mahalla factory have a history they can be proud of -- their strikes helped to bring down the Mubarak dictatorship.  In March 2024, when the Egyptian government decided to exclude them from a minimum wage equal to US $120 (per month - before taxes), they rose up in protest, led by women workers.  Having won some of their demands, they returned to work -- but two of the activists remain in the hands of the state security services.  At the request of the Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS) LabourStart launched a campaign in support of these workers -- you can sign up here.  This week we talked with Ahmad Badawy, an Egyptian trade union activist, who explained what happened -- and who tells us the kind of support the courageous women workers of Mahalla need today from the international labour movement.

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]]> The textile workers at Egypt's state-owned Mahalla factory have a history they can be proud of -- their strikes helped to bring down the Mubarak dictatorship.  In March 2024, when the Egyptian government decided to exclude them from a minimum wage equal to US $120 (per month - before taxes), they rose up in protest, led by women workers.  Having won some of their demands, they returned to work -- but two of the activists remain in the hands of the state security services.  At the request of the Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS) LabourStart launched a campaign in support of these workers -- you can sign up here.  This week we talked with Ahmad Badawy, an Egyptian trade union activist, who explained what happened -- and who tells us the kind of support the courageous women workers of Mahalla need today from the international labour movement.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14812238 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 02:00:00 +0100 706 full false Interview with Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Interview with Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Australia under its new Labor government is seeing a huge revival of the trade union movement with new "closing loopholes" laws that strengthen workers' rights.  At the centre of the struggle is Sally McManus and the Australian trade union movement.  Sally is a fighter and is often quoted saying: "I believe in the rule of law where the law is fair and the law is right, but when it’s unjust I don’t think there’s a problem with breaking it." Fighting words from a genuine trade union militant.  Listen to our short interview with her.

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]]> Australia under its new Labor government is seeing a huge revival of the trade union movement with new "closing loopholes" laws that strengthen workers' rights.  At the centre of the struggle is Sally McManus and the Australian trade union movement.  Sally is a fighter and is often quoted saying: "I believe in the rule of law where the law is fair and the law is right, but when it’s unjust I don’t think there’s a problem with breaking it." Fighting words from a genuine trade union militant.  Listen to our short interview with her.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14743664 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000 504 full false Interview with Nick MacWilliam from Justice for Colombia Interview with Nick MacWilliam from Justice for Colombia Colombia used to be described as the most dangerous place on earth to be a trade unionist.  Sadly, that is still the case.  But as Nick MacWilliam from the UK-based, trade union-backed Justice for Colombia explains, things are getting better.  Colombia now has a progressive president, supported by the unions, and Nick -- who has just returned form Colombia  -- brings us a message of hope.  For much more news and information about workers and their unions in Colombia, check out LabourStart's Colombia news page.

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]]> Colombia used to be described as the most dangerous place on earth to be a trade unionist.  Sadly, that is still the case.  But as Nick MacWilliam from the UK-based, trade union-backed Justice for Colombia explains, things are getting better.  Colombia now has a progressive president, supported by the unions, and Nick -- who has just returned form Colombia  -- brings us a message of hope.  For much more news and information about workers and their unions in Colombia, check out LabourStart's Colombia news page.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14695449 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000 860 full false Interview with Kazem Nik-Khah - about workers in Iran Interview with Kazem Nik-Khah - about workers in Iran Kazem is in charge of international relations at Free Them Now, which was set up in 2005 to build international support for jailed workers in Iran.  News from Free Them Now can be found on LabourStart's Iran page.

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]]> Kazem is in charge of international relations at Free Them Now, which was set up in 2005 to build international support for jailed workers in Iran.  News from Free Them Now can be found on LabourStart's Iran page.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14674764 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000 685 full false Interview with Marc Belanger - Radio Labour Interview with Marc Belanger - Radio Labour Marc Belanger was doing labour education and union organising online back in the 1980s.  That's NOT a typo -- he established SoliNet (Solidarity Network) for Canada's largest union, CUPE, nearly 40 years ago.  He went on to run the International Labour Organisation's training centre in Turin, Italy and now is back in Canada, where he founded and runs Radio Labour.  In this interview with LabourStart's Eric Lee, Marc talks about what he calls "activist podcasting" and gives us a preview of his next challenge - helping trade unionists around the world acquire a working knowledge of English.

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]]> Marc Belanger was doing labour education and union organising online back in the 1980s.  That's NOT a typo -- he established SoliNet (Solidarity Network) for Canada's largest union, CUPE, nearly 40 years ago.  He went on to run the International Labour Organisation's training centre in Turin, Italy and now is back in Canada, where he founded and runs Radio Labour.  In this interview with LabourStart's Eric Lee, Marc talks about what he calls "activist podcasting" and gives us a preview of his next challenge - helping trade unionists around the world acquire a working knowledge of English.

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14630397 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000 1043 full false Interview with Carolina Dantas – Project Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean Building and Wood Worker’s International (BWI) Interview with Carolina Dantas – Project Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean Building and Wood Worker’s International (BWI) We spoke with Carolina about the situation in Panama where the government has been attacking the construction workers' union, accusing the union leaders of 'terrorism' and closing off their bank accounts.  The union and BWI have mobilised global support, including a LabourStart campaign -- and the government is feeling the pressure.  For details, visit https://www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaign.cgi?c=5376

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]]> We spoke with Carolina about the situation in Panama where the government has been attacking the construction workers' union, accusing the union leaders of 'terrorism' and closing off their bank accounts.  The union and BWI have mobilised global support, including a LabourStart campaign -- and the government is feeling the pressure.  For details, visit https://www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaign.cgi?c=5376

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]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14592614 Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000 512 full false Interview with Olesia Briazgunova, International Officer of KVPU in Ukraine Interview with Olesia Briazgunova, International Officer of KVPU in Ukraine We interviewed Olesia about the situation of Ukraine's workers and their unions.  While she was speaking to us in Kyiv, she reported that a Russian missile attack was taking place at the same time.  Olesia's message to the workers and trade unions of the world is essential listening - please share this widely!

To learn more about the situation of workers and their unions in Ukraine, check out https://www.labourstart.org/news/country.php?country=Ukraine&langcode=en

To support this podcast, please donate if you can: https://www.labourstart.org/pico/?en/donate

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]]> We interviewed Olesia about the situation of Ukraine's workers and their unions.  While she was speaking to us in Kyiv, she reported that a Russian missile attack was taking place at the same time.  Olesia's message to the workers and trade unions of the world is essential listening - please share this widely!

To learn more about the situation of workers and their unions in Ukraine, check out https://www.labourstart.org/news/country.php?country=Ukraine&langcode=en

To support this podcast, please donate if you can: https://www.labourstart.org/pico/?en/donate

Support the show

]]> Eric Lee - LabourStart Buzzsprout-14540636 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000 568 full false Interview with Assaf Adiv from Maan - about West Bank Palestinian workers Interview with Assaf Adiv from Maan - about West Bank Palestinian workers Support the show

]]> Support the show

]]> Eric Buzzsprout-14501147 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 699 full false Interview with Belarusian trade unionist Lizaveta Merliak Interview with Belarusian trade unionist Lizaveta Merliak In this conversation with LabourStart's Eric Lee, Liza talks about the past, present and future of the trade unions in Belarus.

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]]> In this conversation with LabourStart's Eric Lee, Liza talks about the past, present and future of the trade unions in Belarus.

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]]> Eric Buzzsprout-14457503 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000 922 full false