The Global Solidarity Champions Course
Issued on May 13, 2009
On the 7th of April 2009 ICTU finished its first Global Solidarity Champions training course. 12 trade unionists received their certificate as "Global Solidarity Champions" from the final speaker at the course, the Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, Jaap Wienen. The overall evaluation of the 5 day course was very positive. The "Champions" felt committed to develop the international solidarity work in their own union and to take part in the future work of the global solidarity project in ICTU.
The main speakers come from the international trade union movement and progressive NGOs. At the first course we had trade unionist speakers from Colombia, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands and introductions made by representatives of Irish Aid, Concern and Trocaire.
€61,263 for reconstruction of houses, schools and hospitals in Cuba
Issued on May 13, 2009
The four hurricanes that hit Cuba in just three weeks last autumn are the worst natural disasters for this island nation since 1963. Therefore the Executive Council of Congress decided last October to start an All Ireland Trade Union Campaign to support the Cuban people's efforts to rebuild their country. We succeeded to collect €61,263. Contributions came from SIPTU €38,270, CWU €10,000, UNITE €5,143 and 12 other unions.
Half a million houses were destroyed by the hurricanes. Major factories, schools, telecommunications, hospitals, government buildings and farms were severely damaged. The agriculture sector was also severely hit, as much as 70% of last year's food production was lost.
