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Map shows the levels of respect around the world for the fundamental Freedom of Association Conventions of the ILO.
Ottawa (21 December 2010) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of its Labour Rights are Human Rights campaign in 2011. During the past decade, we have campaigned vigorously to influence public, legal and political discourse so that labour rights are placed within the context of human rights.
We all know the importance of unions as a major force in humanizing and democratizing economies around the world. Unions have and continue to promote higher levels of economic equality. But the more that labour rights are under attack, the harder it will be to reduce income inequality and raise the standard of living for low income earners. That’s why we must continue our efforts to ensure that labour rights are strengthened, not only here in Canada, but around the world.
One of our labour rights partners at the international level is the UK-based International Centre for Trade Union Rights (ICTUR). ICTUR is dedicated to defending and improving the rights of trade unions and trade unionists throughout the world. In 1993 ICTUR was and granted accredited status with both the United Nations and the International Labour Organization.
NUPGE has worked closely with ICTUR over the years on a number of labour rights issues. One project we are proud of is our support of ICTUR’s World Map on Freedom of Association, first produced in 2006. With our help again, ICTUR updated the popular map and published a new version last month.
The map shows the levels of respect around the world for the fundamental Freedom of Association Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Primarily, it is intended to be a tool to support education programs on issues related to workers’ rights and international law. However, the map works equally well as a campaigning tool or office wall chart, setting out regional profiles and an overview of the status of respect for freedom of association principles worldwide.
The map can assist in creating greater awareness and understanding that labour rights are human rights and that unions are an integral part of our struggle for economic justice and fairness.
If you like to receive the 2010 edition of the ICTUR World Map on Freedom of Association, e-mail national@nupge.ca.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
International Centre for Trade Union Rights