Trade unions

Join the Nicaragua Soldarity Campaign (NSC) in London this Saturday, 20 October - we'll be participating in the TUC March for 'A future that works' with our gigantona (giant woman) and a message of solidarity from Nicaragua trade unions. If you would like to join us, email nscag@nicaraguasc.org.uk  and we'll give you the details of where we'll be meeting up.
 
Come to the Cooperatives United event in Manchester. On 1 and 2 November we will be organising four workshops on Nicaragua, co-operatives and fair trade. For details  http://www.nicaraguasc.org.uk/events/index.htm

The autumn issue of CAR focuses on the achievement of cooperatives in Central America, in the International Year of Cooperatives.

We also report on how Guatemalan and US trade unions have joined forces to fight for better conditions in export-processing factories, what Honduran charter cities mean for the Garifuna people, dancing the maypole the Nicaraguan way, and the ongoing mining dispute between Pacific Rim and the El Salvador. Plus all the usual solidarity news....

Download by clicking on the 'attachment' link below.

Review of the work of NSC and NSCAG

Many thanks to the 87 members who completed the online or paper survey or agreed to be interviewed for our review of the political focus, structure and functioning of both organisations.  In addition to the survey, Rachael also interviewed 25 staff, EC members, Wales NSC and twin towns, partner organisations in Nicaragua and the UK and others who have lived and worked in Nicaragua. We very much appreciate your feedback and commitment to our work. The ECs of both organisations met on 19 May to discuss Rachael’s findings and recommendations so that they can take decisions on the recommendations at a meeting on 21 July.

NSC appeal

The Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group is seeking a temporary trade union worker for June/July 2012 (self employed)

15 days work from mid June - end July

Purpose of the post: To undertake final preparations for the visit of two trade unionists from the Nicaraguan public service union (UNE), to accompany them on their UK tour (this will include interpreting) and to follow up the visit.

The two trade unionists will be attending a UNISON conference and meetings with other UK trade unions from 17 - 29 June.

Deadline for application - Monday, May 14, see NSC website for details and application form:

http://www.nicaraguasc.org.uk/recruit%20NSCAG/Temp_TU_job_description201...

Environment study tour to Nicaragua, 31 May - 13 June

Three places left! The group will spend one week visiting environmental projects in southern Nicaragua and participating in the National Fair for the Earth http://www.ferianacionaldelatierra.org.ni. During the second week, participants will live in the community of Guadalupe Abajo and participate in a community gardening project. http://www.mcnicaraguense.org
For details:  http://www.nicaraguasc.org.uk

NSCAG trade union delegation to Nicaragua July 2012 (10 days, dates still to be fixed)

This delegation is part of NSCAG’s ongoing work facilitating solidarity links between UK and British trade unions.
Details: http://www.nscag.org

An opportunity to put the struggles of Guatemalan trade unionists in the spotlight? The text below is from a press release issued by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which is organising an international conference on the role of trade union organisations in the fight against impunity in Guatemala City from Jan. 29-31.
Brussels, 14 January 2008 (ITUC OnLine):

Alvaro Colom began his term of office as president of Guatemala on Monday 14 January. In a letter sent to the new president the same morning, the ITUC underlined the need for strong leadership if he is to win the fight for social inclusion and against corruption, narcotrafficking and discrimination.
Guatemala is a country plagued by violence and impunity.