News and Updates

Asia-Pacific remains the second worst region in the world for the working people as the past year was marked with systematic violations of the workers’ basic, democratic rights to organise a trade union, and to strike violated, according to the 2024 ITUC Global Rights Index.

ITUC-Asia Pacific embarked on a three-day mission to Timor-Leste from 6 to 8 May 2024, marking the inaugural meeting on the crucial topic of #RatifyC190. This collaborative effort aimed to empower the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL) in crafting a robust campaign strategy for ratifying Convention 190 (C190) on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

As the world commemorates International Workers' Memorial Day on April 28th, the ITUC-Asia Pacific stands in solidarity with workers worldwide in remembrance of those who have lost their lives, been injured, or fallen ill due to their work. This year's commemoration shines a spotlight on the perilous impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety (OHS), emphasising the critical necessity of a just transition to safeguard the right to health and safe workplaces for all.

Centred on guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of initiatives, ITUC-Asia Pacific organised a pioneering Mentoring Champions Conference from 21-22 February 2024 in Manila, Philippines. This conference had the twin purpose of revisiting project milestones and reflecting on achievements while also empowering leaders to adopt the role of "Mentorship Champions."

The ITUC-Asia Pacific/DGB BW project organised a two-day training on the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique on 19-20 February 2024 in Manila to leverage the power of storytelling in amplifying the impact of the ITUC-Asia Pacific mentoring program.

Trade union representatives converged at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) held in Bangkok, Thailand from 20 to 23 February 2024 to raise workers’ key development justice demands on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals under review this year – Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and ITUC - Asia Pacific jointly facilitated a legal clinic in Nadi, Fiji from 20 to 21 February 2024 as a part of their effort to provide direct strategic support and guidance to Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) to help them better understand the labour law review process and enhance the capacity of FTUC leaders to advocate for workers’ rights in the country by utilising and maximising international labour and human rights standards.

The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Joint Farmers Front) and Central Trade Unions, Federations, and Associations have issued a nationwide call for massive mobilisation alongside the Industrial/Sectoral Strike and Grameen Bandh (Rural Shutdown) on 16th February 2024.