IMPACT is supporting an international campaign to stop the United Nations derecognising its trade unions. The union is asking its members to support a petition calling for a reversal of the policy.

The International Trade Union Congress (ITUC) has written to secretary general Ban Ki-Moon to oppose the plans, which would deny 65,000 employees the UN-endorsed human right to trade union membership and recognition.

ITUC general secretary Sharon Burrow expressed shock at the UN decision to deny its staff “the rights enshrined in the conventions of the UN’s own specialised agency, the International Labour Organisation (ILO).” She accused the UN of seeking to unilaterally replace existing negotiation rights with a much weaker system of consultation.

Ms Burrow said the move would marginalise staff representatives and their unions. She said it contradicted recent advice from the UN’s Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), which advocated the full and effective promotion of collective bargaining with UN staff.

“While this would be troubling behaviour by any employer, it is especially disconcerting given that the UN is meant to set a positive example for the world’s governments, based on respect for fundamental human rights. The UN system cannot treat its staff and their representatives in this way. We urge you to re-establish constructive labour management dialogue in line with international labour standards,” she wrote.

The online trade union news and campaign service LabourStart has launched a petition campaign opposing the UN’s anti-union measures.  LabourStart explained: “The people who work for the UN often risk their lives to do so.  In the last decade, 555 UN staff have been attacked and 200 killed. They often work in dangerous and hostile locations. Ban Ki-Moon will no longer negotiate with unions over issues like safety and security, welfare and conditions of service.”

UN staff unions are calling for support from trade unionists everywhere and IMPACT members are urged to support the campaign and spread the word. The full text of the ITUC letter is available HERE.