Date of publication: December 10, 2010
Source: International Labor Rights Forum
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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that “everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests” (Article 23, Section 4).
As human rights advocates around the world celebrate International Human Rights Day, the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) has released our 2010 version of an annual report: “Working for Scrooge: Worst Companies of 2010 for the Right to Associate." The report includes a list of the five worst multinational corporations for union organizing. The US-based companies on ILRF’s list use intimidation and even violence to violate their workers’ internationally recognized right to organize.
Despite the labor rights protections in the UDHR, UN and ILO declarations and national labor laws, workers continue to see their rights trampled on a daily basis. In fact, in its most recent survey of violations of trade union rights, the International Trade Union Confederation reports at least 101 unionists were killed globally as a result of their organizing efforts in 2009, a number that is up by 30% from 2008. Additionally, as the global economic crisis spreads, many labor advocates fear that companies are using the crisis as a pretext for cracking down on unionized workers and instituting employment schemes that reduce the number of workers guaranteed union protections.
The companies on this year’s list include: the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Chiquita, Dole, Del Monte, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. To find out more, please read the full report.