Motion no: 52
Conference notes with some alarm the rise of the far right across the world. The emergence of these political forces indicates a growing disenchantment with the idea of globalisation, a democratic deficit and has resulted in declining respect for international norms, as is evidenced by the level of external interference in countries democracies, such as Venezuela in 2019. Self-interest, lack of solidarity, greed, xenophobia and racism combine to create an environment for the rise of right-wing political parties and populism, as well as a retreat into nationalism.
In this important year marking the centenary
of the ILO, Congress and affiliate trade unions need to promote the social justice objective
of this important international institution, including through its tripartite mechanisms, supervisory role and crucial work in respect of other international institutions. We need to join our colleagues worldwide in seeking to improve its functioning in the interests of working people. Priority must be given to the ILO within the global governance system in order to make full use of its potential to address the real concerns of workers and their trade unions.
Conference calls for reform of the multilateral system to ensure human rights, shared prosperity through implementation of the sustainable development goals, and an end to the orthodox conditionality of international institutions that have driven austerity with attacks on collective bargaining, minimum wages, public services and social protection – something which we are all too familiar with on this Island.
The flow of migrants is related to many structural causes including climate change, demographic trends, urbanisation, lack of decent jobs, poverty, persecution, war, social and political unrest. Many people do not
leave their homelands seeking prosperity,
but rather survival. The right to seek asylum
is a fundamental human right that must be safeguarded. For migrant workers and refugees, the xenophobia being amplified by the extremes of politics is putting at risk the lives and the livelihoods of 150 million people who just want safe haven and the right to work. Despite the contribution to their new countries, many face exploitation, discrimination and violence and lack even the most basic protections.
Conference commends the work of affiliates organising migrant workers and for supporting the campaign to get asylum seekers here the right to work and will continue to campaign against abuse and oppression of migrants. We will continue to take the fight against racism to every workplace.
The Migrant Worker Conventions C97 and C143 and the UN Convention on the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families are key instruments for the organisation and protection of migrant workers, and Conference urges Congress and affiliate trade unions to actively campaign for their ratification.
Conference also notes the significant 2018 agreement of the Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees. Their implementation includes commitments to do so in cooperation and partnership with migrants, civil society, trade unions and other relevant stakeholders.
Member States are also encouraged to develop ambitious national responses and to conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national level. Conference requests Congress and affiliate unions to ensure that such actions are taken here.
