International Conference of Labour Unions in the Garment Industry

Feb. 21st – 22nd, 2020 (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

In October 2019 a tour with Inter-Factory Workers’ Federation (FBLP, Jakarta) and Dabindu Collective (Sri Lanka) consisting of events in 14 cities in Germany, France and Spain was hosted and organized by the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) as well as CNT-F (France) and CNT-E (Spain). Both, FBLP and Dabindu Collective, are feminist organizations for workers in garment factories to educate and empower themselves.

To foster and extend the network Dabindu Collective and FAU agreed to call an International Conference of Labour Unions in the Garment Industry, to be held in Colombo on Feb. 21st – 22nd, 2020. Sections in the International Confederation of Labour (ICL) support its organisation and will take part in the conference, together with many unions from the region, active in this sector.

The event has basically two main objectives: On the one hand bringing together progressive, revolutionary and grassroot oriented labour unions in the garment industry on the international level; and on the other hand bringing together labour unions within the value added chain of production to empower workers in their struggle. That is, connecting unions of workers in the garment manufactures with others that are present and active in countries where most of the production is sold. The aim is to provide workers across the globe a tool to confront a global production and consumption system in a sector that is hugely relevant on a planetary scale.

Delegates will participate in the conference in person and over video link, due to travel and logistical issues. We’ll endeavour to take this initiative to all regions of the world.

Please check out the conference agenda below for more details.

In Solidarity,

Agenda
International Conference of Labour Unions in the Garment Industry

21st – 22nd February 2020
Sri Lanka

21st February (Friday)

12.00 – 2.00 pm: Arrival and common lunch
2.00 – 4.00 pm: Presentation of each labour union and organisation
4.00 – 4.30 pm: Evening tea break
4.30 – 6.00 pm: Value- added chain of production
(Putting together the value – added chain in the garment industry and exchanging
experiences in transnational networking and cooperation)
6.00 – 7.00 pm: Dinner
7.00 – open end: Workshops
(e.g. Exploring ways of how workers can get organized and empower themselves)
Every participating organization is invited to shape this slot and submit workshop suggestions.

22nd February (Saturday)

10.00 – 11.00 am: Presenting and putting together results of workshops
11.00 – 11.30 am: Morning tea break
11.30 am – 1.00 pm: Workers empowerment through transnational cooperation
(Theory and practical next steps; e.g. Feminist Strike March 8th, Global May Day) – Part 1
1.00 – 2.00 pm: Lunch break
2.00 – 3.30 pm: Workers empowerment through transnational cooperation
(Theory and practical next steps; e.g. Feminist Strike March 8th, Global May Day) – Part 2
3.30 – 4.00 pm: Evening tea break
4.00 – 5.30 pm: Agreeing on next steps and summarizing results
5.30 – 6.30 pm: Open Space / End of conference