2nd International Automotive Workers Conference 2020
Ford to stop car production in India
On September 9, 2021, news of the planned closure of Ford's Sanand plant in western India by December 31 hit the approximately 1,200 employees like a bombshell. Ford also plans to close its Chennai plants in southern India by mid-2022. 2,600 workers will lose their livelihood, and the entire region would be affected. Correspondence from Ingolstadt rf-news.de 30 December 2021
We mourn the loss of Sonti Dlamini
25 December 2021: Our friend Sonti Dlamini died of cancer much too early on Christmas Eve. She was 32 years old and leaves behind Khanysile, her 12 year old daughter. We met Sonti while preparing for the 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference in Vereeniging, South Africa. In the Multinational Assistance Staff Sonti was co-responsible for the catering and thus had a great share in the success of the conference. Sonti was a reliable, gentle and kind co-worker and friend. We will cherish her memory. We wish her daughter and her friends much strength to cope with the heavy loss.
Solidarity greetings for the general strike of the grassroots unions in Italy on October 11, 2021
Gear Colleagues, Your courageous call for a general strike is justifiably directed "against the policies of the Draghi government and the European Union, which, with the unblocking of layoffs, the further liberalization of subcontracting and the use of PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) funds, represent a gigantic social slaughter at the expense of workers, temporary workers and the unemployed. This exclusively benefits the ruling classes and international speculators, who are primarily responsible for the economic crisis and the health and social catastrophe we have witnessed in this year and a half of pandemic.
Solidarity with the workers in struggle in GM São Caetano do Sul (Brasil)
GM metalworkers in São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, have been on strike for an undetermined period since last Friday (October 1st). The strike was called because of GM's attempt to postpone the wage readjustment of 10.42% (referring to inflation over the period) and reduce the rights of workers.
Complete success for Stefan Engel and the MLPD 'Potential danger' classification struck down
3 August 2021 The proceedings in the lawsuit of Stefan Engel against the Free State of Thuringia ended today before the Second Chamber of Meiningen Administrative Court with a complete success. The court ruled that the “potential danger” letter of 15 May 2018 against Stefan Engel was unlawful. The Free State of Thuringia must pay the full court costs. “This verdict is at the same time a major success for the movement 'Don't give anticommunism a chance!'” says Gabi Fechtner, MLPD Chairwoman.
General Motors I. pvt. Ltd. Talegon,Pune, Maharastra,India.
General Motors I pvt. Ltd. processed for sell to Great Wall Motors, China. But due to geopolitical issue the agreement is pending. And process is not completed. Company management continually pressurised the union workers for VSS (Voluntarily Separation Scheme). All the employees in this company are young and they have needed to do job. Due to housing loan and child education they are in financial crises. Union and workers demanded company to continue their job even with Great Wall Motors or any other company who taken the plant. But company cannot understand the real problem. And pressurized to accept VSS.
Feedback from Bophelo from South Africa
Charter of Solidarity for Workers of GM PSA / FCA
(Started at the 5th international Automotive Workers' Counsel 2007, enlarged 2012 and 2020) We, the delegates and unions at plants of GM, PSA and FCA, we declare: We fight against the violation of workers' rights, destruction of jobs and against working conditions that damage our health and livelihood. The lack of rights is carried to extremes by contract work worldwide. We do not agree with „any job“ and we won't sell our working places. Our youth needs for their future working places with decent conditions. Young and old together are responsable for the future of the youth. Therefore we fight for every job!
Working Class Solidarity is Growing – Frank Hammer
Frank Hammer, delegate of 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference, interviewed by Paul Jay on June 25, 2020 video and podcast available on theAnalysis.news
The international coordination of automotive workers has a great future for which we are all working
Brief evaluation of 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference: The 2nd International Automotive Workers' Conference in Vereeniging in South Africa was very successful. A total of 280 participants with 43 delegates from 19 countries (Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, USA) and another five "external" delegates from four countries (Argentina, Mexico, Portugal, Venezuela) represented significant workforces with experience in struggle. The demonstration on 21 February with over 300 participants was very militant with songs, dances and slogans of the South African colleagues and short militant speeches in between.
Picture Gallery of the 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference 2020 in South Africa
Resolutions of 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM OF STRUGGLE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
(adopted at the 2nd International Automotive Workers' Conference in Vereeniging, South Africa on 22 February 2020)
Video: The floor is trembling - Cultural Party at the IAC
Successful conclusion of the 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference in South Africa!
Press Information Vereeniging, February 23/2020 - From February 19 to 23/2020 the 2nd International Automotive Workers' Conference took place in Vereeniging. A car summit of a different kind!
Vereeniging has never experienced anything like this - colourful, loud and combative. Automotive workers from 19 countries demonstrated through the city
4th day of the 2nd IAC South Africa 2020 - Yesterday, Friday, the Group Forums were concluded with a firm commitment to binding cooperation, joint actions and the election of Group spokespersons.
Video: Report from the rally on Friday
3rd conference day Feb. 21 2020: Joint consultation - demonstration in the city - press reports
The 2nd day of the IAC on Thursday ended in time after the conclusion of the thematic forums. Like the overall atmosphere of the conference, the style of cohesion and collegiality characterizes the entire course of the event. And more and more new participants are joining in. Participants from East London/South Africa were welcomed with great joy, the South African colleagues proudly dressed in colourful clothes.
Video: Documentation of Statements from Thursday
Video: Cultural Programm from Wednesday
Laughing and dancing South African children on stage inspire the delegates
The 2nd day of the 2nd International Automobile Workers' Conference, Feb. 20/2020
Video: Pictures from the first day of the conference
A special kind of automotive summit - Automotive workers' conference 2020 has begun
Automobile workers come together in South Africa. The 2nd International Automotive Workers' Conference was opened with a festive ceremony today, February 19, 2020, at City-Hall in Vereeniging, South Africa.
Interview with Sherr Rinn from Indonesia
Hi, Sherr Rinn, you're from Indonesia coming to the International Automotive Workers' Conference. What can you report us from Indonesia?
Video: Last preparations before the start
Proposal to ICOG for motion for participation of "external" delegates
14 February 2020 - Automotive worker or activists of the automotive worker's movement can be accredited as "external delegates".
Information Letter No. 12 - Last minutes to 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference
Dear friends! It is still possible to participate! Don't let the comprehensive program, exchange of experience and new experiences pass! Enjoy cordial fraternization!
Information Letter No 11: In a few days 2nd International Automotive Workers Conference begins
Dear friends! The count down is running and there is (mostly) very good news: Well over 200 participants from 18 countries have registered for the conference in Vereeniging, not counting the participants from South Africa.
Message of solidarity to the employees of Scaw Metals
Dear colleagues, we have learned that all 196 employees at Scaw Metals in Vereeniging were laid off on 24 January. We protest against this and are in solidarity with you in the struggle to keep your jobs. You have justifiably refused a 13% cut on wages.
Information letter GM / PSA - January 26th 2020
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to report on two current developments shortly before the International Automobile Workers' Conference as part of the international group cooperation GM-PSA:
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