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Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom's government. 'It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities,' said ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. A different view was suggested by trade unions in 36 countries — including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — who filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking for a 'Commission of Inquiry.' It alleged evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse and systemic racism targeting African workers, and continued Saudi use of the kafala system tying them to employers especially in construction and domestic work. 'Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,' said Joel Odigie, general secretary of the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 'The ILO must act.' A previous complaint filed by the Building and Wood Workers' International union one year ago is being investigated by the ILO, which unites governments, workers and employers to set labor standards and promote decent work. Vision for Saudi Arabia's future Saudi Arabia has started a massive construction program as part of the Vision 2030 plan directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize its society and economy beyond dependence on oil. Sport is key to the program and the biggest Saudi win has been getting picked by FIFA to host the men's World Cup in 2034. Most of the 15 planned stadiums must be built or renovated for the 104-game tournament, and some have extravagant designs. Concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers echo the intense scrutiny on neighboring Qatar before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. That decision in 2010 led to the current FIFA leadership insisting on human rights assessments of future World Cup bidders. Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. A Saudi promise to FIFA last year included 'equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.' The Saudi bid accepted then only to work with the ILO and seemed to rule out partnerships with international unions, NGOs and independent rights advisors. Union frustration Saudi Arabia 'has shown no real intention to address the situation,' the ITUC said Wednesday, despite its top official engaging with the kingdom's government. 'This (kafala) system strips workers of their freedom and dignity, silences complaints and grants employers near-total control over their lives,' the ITUC added. Still, the ILO's Houngbo said the updated Saudi working accord would 'expand protections for vulnerable workers.' 'Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labor market,' government minister Ahmed Al Rajhi said after signing the deal in Geneva. It also includes sending young Saudi professionals on international development work through the ILO and posting three government officials to the labor body's headquarters in the Swiss city. Speaking with reporters last week, Houngbo said the ILO also is working to create an occupational health and safety center in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 'I am not too much worried on (Saudi issues) in 2025,' the ILO leader said in Geneva last week, noting 2030 was the deadline for much of what the kingdom wants to achieve. ___ AP soccer:
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Grindr's Abrupt Return to Office Was 'Union Busting,' NLRB Lawyer Tells Judge
Grindr Inc. changed its remote-work policy 'out of the blue,' demanding employees return to the office in retaliation for a union drive after previously telling them they could keep teleworking, US labor board prosecutors told an agency judge. 'Grindr told its employees many, many times in spring and summer 2023, that the remote work benefits were secure,' Joseph Meeker, an attorney for the US National Labor Relations Board, said at a May 13 hearing, according to a transcript obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. 'Then employees announced they were unionizing, and only two weeks later, Grindr changed its mind.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chiquita Panama to fire banana workers after strike
PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -Chiquita Panama said on Thursday it will fire daily workers in the western province of Bocas del Toro after what it called an "unjustified abandonment of work" at its banana farms that began late April. "The company has proceeded with the termination of all our daily workers," it said in a statement, adding that it estimated losses from 24 days of strike at least $75 million. The layoff should amount to some 5,000 workers of a total of 6,500 employed nationwide, a source close to the company told Reuters. Thousands of banana strike as Panamanians across the country have protested against several issues including reforms to social securities which they say will affect their future pensions. Chiquita Panama said workers affected by the layoffs must report to its offices the following day to collect their severance payments.
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
EU Prepares New Trade Proposal in Bid to Reach Deal With US
The European Union was expected to share a revised trade proposal with the US, as it aims to inject momentum in talks with President Donald Trump's administration amid lingering skepticism that a transatlantic deal can be reached. The new paper includes proposals that take into account US interests, including international labor rights, environmental standards, economic security and gradually reducing tariffs to zero on both sides for non-sensitive agricultural products as well as industrial goods, according to people familiar with the matter.
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
EU Prepares Trade Proposal for US to Steer Momentum Into Talks
The European Union was expected to share a revised trade proposal with the US, as it aims to inject momentum in talks with President Donald Trump's administration amid lingering skepticism that a transatlantic deal can be reached. The new paper includes proposals that take into account US interests, including international labor rights, environmental standards, economic security and gradually reducing tariffs to zero on both sides for non-sensitive agricultural products as well as industrial goods, according to people familiar with the matter.
