The IUF Meat Division Conference developed a program for greater international action focusing on the building of union alliances within major meat companies to advance affiliates’ interests and defend rights. The IUF and its affiliates pledged to work together to fight discrimination towards vulnerable workers including migrant workers, women, ethnic minorities and LGBTI workers.
- The event was held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on October 4 & 5 in conjunction with the first conference for women workers in the meat and poultry processing sectors; the priorities for women workers were adopted by the IUF Meat division and include the active pursuit of affordable accessible quality childcare and the commitment to fight against gender-based violence and harassment
- The conference called on the Brazilian Government to maintain and strengthen the globally important NR36 regulations which guarantee OHS standards in the industry; affiliates will act in solidarity if called upon by Brazilian meat unions
- Information and research on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), including protection from disease, will be shared among affiliates, and a working group will be established to advance OHS standards; governments and employers will be reminded that the ILO declared health and safety a fundamental principle and right at work in 2022
- The climate crisis is a union issue; the IUF will assist affiliates with education for union leaders and members and with preparation for negotiation with governments and employers on Just Transition
Scot Walker, IUF Meat Division Convenor, stated, “We have a work program through which affiliates will fight discrimination and coordinate their response to transnational company attacks on safety, living standards and the environment, in order to build a better future for all meat workers, their families and communities.”
