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Begin New Search Topic Trade Unions Publication Year within 25 Years

11. Dossier 6: The Story of Solapur, India, Where Housing Cooperatives are Building a Workers’ City

Author:
Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research
Publication Date:
07-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research
Abstract:
The women beedi (thin cigarette) workers of Solapur, a city in the Indian State of Maharashtra, used to live in tiny shanties on rent in slums. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) organised them and led a prolonged struggle to construct houses for them. The result: the government was forced to allocate funds for the purpose and 15,000 houses have been constructed for the workers. Another 30,000 houses are being built for informal sector workers from various industries. With their united struggle and sustained movement, the workers of Solapur are building a city of their own.
Topic:
Solidarity, Community, Housing, Trade Unions, and Labor Unions
Political Geography:
India and Asia

12. A perspective on domestic work based on interviews in Lima,Peru

Author:
My Rafstedt
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
his policy brief aims to spark reflection on the conditions of domestic workers, and the importance of independent institutions like trade unions for protecting their rights. Drawing on conversations with domestic workers in Lima, Peru, it shows how particularly those who live with their employees are often subjected to maltreatment. Trade unions perform essential services by informing domestic workers of their labour rights, empowering them to demand these from their employers, and providing legal aid. Parallels are drawn to the au pair programme in Norway. Despite a comprehensive legal framework, au pairs may face similar problems associated with living in the home of the employer, with the additional insecurity of working and living in an unfamiliar country. It is vital that independent organizations for the protection of the rights of au pairs in Norway can continue their work, to limit abusive labour conditions.
Topic:
Trade, Labor Rights, Domestic Work, and Trade Unions
Political Geography:
South America and Peru

13. Discrimination and Favouritism Among Workers: Union Membership and Ethnic Identity

Author:
Chiara Ravetti, Mare Sarr, Tim Swanson, and Daniel Munene
Publication Date:
10-2017
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Environmental Studies, The Graduate Institute (IHEID)
Abstract:
This paper analyses how labour institutions and ethnic identity shape favouritism and discrimination among workers. We conduct an experiment with union and non-union South African mineworkers from various ethnicities. We examine in-group and out-group behaviour, emphasizing the relative ranking of these groups and their interaction. We find that unions create both in-group and out-group favouritism towards co-ethnic members and members of ethnic majorities. This favouritism is however undermined by unionised subcontract workers who experience precarious conditions. Furthermore, union members discriminate against non-unionised ethnic minorities. Finally, non-union members (primarily subcontract workers) discriminate against union members, particularly after negative shocks.
Topic:
Ethnicity, Discrimination, Mining, Labor Market, and Trade Unions
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa