Trade unions join world record attempt

ICFTU Online... 155/161006

Stand up against poverty: trade unions join world record attempt

Brussels, 16 October 2006 (ICFTU Online): As part of the Global Month of Action of GCAP, on 15-16 October workers world wide joined the global attempt to set an official Guinness World Record for the biggest number of people ever to Stand Up Against Poverty.

Trade unions are involved in this campaign, and in the world record attempt, to draw attention to the trade union values - economic and social justice - that underpin the call for more and better aid, trade justice and cancelling debt.

The Stand Up world record attempt was held in a 24-hour period from 11am on Sunday 15 October to 11am on Monday 16 October. Some people took part from their workplaces whilst others joined activities planned in their local area.

Last year union members around the world wore white wrist bands, wrote letters to key decisions makers and took part in three White Band Days as part of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty campaign. World leaders listened and promised to increase aid to the world's poorest countries and cut some government debt, although less progress was made to make international trade fairer. Since then, we have seen some promises kept, but much more needs to be done.

According to ICFTU General Secretary Guy Ryder, "Ditching the debt of the world's poorest countries, increasing aid and making the trade system fairer is crucial to ending world poverty. In order for these changes to make a lasting difference, people across the world must be able to get decent, well-paid and safe work to get themselves out of poverty."

"Today's 'Stand Up' events illustrate that workers alongside other citizens will keep up the pressure on world leaders to make sure they stick to their word and deliver more," he continued.

Monitored by the Guinness Book of Records, the official number of people participating in Stand Up events will be announced on World Poverty Day, 17 October. For a full overview of all Stand Up events go to www.whiteband.org.

The ICFTU represents 155 million workers in 241 affiliated organizations in 156 countries and territories: http://www.icftu.org ICFTU is also a member of Global Unions: http://www.global-unions.org

ends

© Scoop Media