IMF needs to provide concessions to Sri Lanka - Atle Hoie | Sunday Observer

IMF needs to provide concessions to Sri Lanka - Atle Hoie

19 February, 2023
Pic: Sudath malaweera
Pic: Sudath malaweera

IndustriALL is the world’s single largest union packing a membership of some 50 million workers in 140 countries including Sri Lanka.

This week the General Secretary of the Union Atle Hoie was on a brief two-day visit to Sri Lanka and he took time off for an interview with the Sunday Observer.

Following are excerpts of the interview.

Q: Could you describe the activities, aims and achievements of the union which you head?

A. The IndustriaLL represents 50 million workers in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors and is a force in global solidarity taking up the fight for better working conditions and trade union rights around the world.

IndustriALL challenges the power of multinational companies and negotiates with them on a global level. IndustriALL fights for another model of globalisation and a new economic and social model that puts people first, based on democracy and social justice.

Founded on June 19, 2012, the organisation brings together affiliates of the former global union federations. The International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM) and International Textiles Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF).

IndustriALL represents workers in a wide range of sectors such as extraction of oil and gas, mining, diamonds and gems, generation and distribution of electric power, base metals, shipbuilding and ship-breaking, automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering, ICT, electrical and electronics, chemicals, rubber, pulp and paper, building materials, textiles, garments, leather and footwear.

We also challenge the power of multinational companies and negotiate with them on a global level.

In addition to that IndustriALL strives to build stronger unions, organise and increase union membership, fight for trade union rights, fight against precarious work, build union power to confront global capital. promote industrial policy and sustainability, promote social justice and globalisation, ensure equal rights and women’s participation, create safe workplaces and improve democracy and inclusiveness.

Q: Your prompt and brief visit to Sri Lanka, and why?

A. I needed to have a ground assessment on worker conditions during these difficult times this country is facing at present. I also needed to meet our affiliates and other local trade unions to seek their personal opinions on the latest developments. I am told that with the increase of taxes several multi-national factories and other establishments could face closure and that would mean retrenchment of workers in large numbers. Sadly this should never be the case, but it is happening. IndustriaLL is also looking at ways of helping our affiliates as well as the Government to come out of this crisis.

Q: Apart from meeting your affiliates and workers’ representatives did you reach out to other areas?

A. Yes, I had a one hour meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene where several issues were discussed and he was very cooperative and open to suggestions on the local trade union and worker sectors. It was a very useful meeting.

Q: I am told that IndustriaLL along with several other global trade unions are to address Sri Lanka’s loan request from the IMF at a meeting in Washington later this month. Is this correct?

A. Yes this is correct. Not only that, we intend to canvass strongly in favour of Sri Lanka so that the loan would be released at the very earliest so that it will bring some relief to the people of this country. I must say that the Sri Lankan factor is right on top of our agenda.

Q: The IMF we are told has laid down some harsh conditions to the Government to qualify for the cash bailout. If that is the case, what would be your position?

A. This has been the case in several other countries as well that deal with the IMF on such an issue. Sri Lanka is not alone. However opinion is that this should not be the case. The IMF needs to provide concessions to the Government so that it would not harm the people particularly the workers. We will take this matter up strongly with the IMF and other global lenders when we meet in Washington later this month.

Q: Should a democratically elected Government be accommodative of trade unions or otherwise?

A. A democratically elected Government should always remain accommodative of trade unions because they are the bridge between the officialdom and the workers.

On the other hand it is a fundamental right to set up a trade union in a democratic set up. There should be freedom of bargaining and collective agreements between all stakeholders that includes the workers, employers and the State.

Comments