Helen Clark Opens International Trade Union Conference

Over 500 women are in Melbourne this week for the 8th World Women’s Conference of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU).

They bring together the issues facing 63 million women in trade unions from 148 countries across the globe.

The NZ delegation is headed by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions vice-president Darien Fenton.

Today, Darien Fenton and the other eight women attending from NZ are joined by the NZ Prime Minister who gives the keynote address at the conference opening.

“Over the next 4 days, women will be sharing examples of how trade unions internationally are helping to build a better world for working women, their families and communities,” said Ross Wilson, CTU president.

The conference focuses on concrete strategies to address challenges shared by women across the world.

“Globalisation has meant inequity, discrimination and poverty for many women workers,” said Ross Wilson.

“This conference is about making sure women workers have pay equity, work/life balance, and a safe and healthy workplace.

“ It is a diverse trade union movement saying that indigenous women, new migrants, casual workers, and young women all have a right to dignity, respect and decent conditions at work.

“At a time of international tension, this conference is also looking at the role trade unions can play in peace building and conflict resolution” said Ross Wilson.

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