UNI joins antifascist trade union network

UNI Europa and UNI Global Union have signed the Manifesto of the International Network of Antifascist Trade Unions. The manifesto commits to promoting social justice, defending human rights, and strengthening democracy through collective action.

In recent years, there has been a worrying rise of dangerous authoritarian regimes around the world, with leaders who seek to consolidate power, suppress opposition, and undermine democratic institutions. The threat of far-right and fascist organizations in Europe has also been on the rise, with some groups using violence and hate speech to promote their extremist agendas.

The network was initiated by the CGIL on the year anniversary of the fascist attacks on its headquarters in Rome. It is committed to defending democracy, promoting human rights, and combating racism, sexism, and discrimination in all its forms. Member organisations emphasize the need for a coordinated response to the spread of far-right ideologies and the protection of democratic values.

“Trade unions are strongholds of democracy. That is the reason that fascists dislike the union movement. Those who preach exclusion and attempt to blame the most vulnerable sow division amongst working people are indeed no friend of ours. They distract attention away from those truly responsible for exclusion and inequality. Our answer will always be to uphold and strengthen democracy. Democracy at work and democracy in society are the two sides of the same coin. Collective bargaining is the antidote to populism,” said Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary of UNI Europa, who was in Rome at the launch of the network.

UNI Europa held its Upholding and Strengthening Democracy conference last year. Unions from across Europe came together to exchange on how they are working towards this goal at the workplace and beyond.

Further information:

• Italy, Europe: Listen to labour – the call from Rome
• In defence of democracy – from the streets of Rome, across Europe ? #MaiPiùFascismi