Two hundred years after the abolition of slavery in Britain, more than 12 million workers around the world are subjected to forced labour, and almost 2.5 million of them are victims of human trafficking.

The 1^st of May is traditionally the day when we remember our sisters and brothers around the world who are engaged in the vital struggle to defend the rights of workers. Yet only a week ago the BBC exposed the exploitation of east European migrant workers in Hull receiving only £47 for 120 hours work. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'The TUC is shocked by this exploitation of migrant workers which is tantamount to modern slavery. ‘

It is disgraceful that some employers are getting rich by exploiting migrant workers. The exposé by the BBC has echoes the experience of the Latino day labourers in the USA: http://mcworkers.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=1#

It is clear that the ‘Gang Masters Act is not protecting the rights of our sisters and brothers who have come to Britain to build a better life for themselves and their families and who in turn are making a valuable contribution to the construction of a better Britain.

This exploitation is taking place under a Labour Government, which after 10 years in power has done nothing to repeal the Anti Trades Union Laws brought in by a Conservative Government. Although some advancement have been made such as the National Minimum wage, Tony Blair boasts that, even with such reforms brought in by his government, Britain still has the most restrictive anti-union laws in the industrialized world.

In a world dominated by the globalisation of the economy there is an ever increasing need to call and train worker leaders to ensure there is a ‘grass roots' or ‘bottom up' approach to creating solutions to problems at work and to build a world based on justice. This is the raison d'être of the MCW

Clayton from the USA sends his solidarity greetings

"At a time when the globalisation of the economy is creating ever growing gaps between rich and poor, and there is an increasing spread of violent conflicts, it is vital to recall the gospel of Jesus which summons us to a universal solidarity and a commitment to justice and peace to create an alternative form of globalisation based on solidarity. This is crucial for the survival of our planet.

The 1^st May is a day we wish to celebrate with all the workers of the world, of all faiths and none, all races and colours. We have a common struggle to build a new world based on solidarity and where all women and men can make a positive contribution to a sustainable world, through decent and dignified employment"

WMCW May Day Message .>>>> Click here for full message

Paul Edwards reports from a recent visit in the USA 

I was staying in North Virginia in a place called Falls Church, probably due to all the Churches around there!!  Falls Church is just south of the District of Columbia in which is situated Washington, known locally as the ‘District’.  I was staying with a guy called Clayton and his family.  He works for a labourer’s trades union organising in the construction industry.  The membership is increasingly coming from Latino workers.

The European Confederation of Trade Unions launches a Petition to defend Public Services, and is calling on the European Commission to propose European legislation on public services designed to:

• Give priority to, and strengthen Public Services, to ensure that everyone has access to public services in order to guarantee citizens fundamental rights. 

• To guarantee more legal security for public services and defend them against ideological attacks motivated by the free market. 

 >>>>>>>  Click here to sign the Petition

The European Movements (ECWM) of the World Movement of Christian Workers has issued a white paper on social security, it argues that: “Social Security can be financed when there is a Respect for Solidarity”. The ECWM was invited to present the white paper to the Social Committee of the European Parliament, resulting in a dialogue between politicians and the movement. The ECWM also presented the white paper to COMECE, The Commission of European Bishops’ Conferences. The movement advocates dialogue between the official church and workers to achieve social justice as laid out in Church Social teachings.

“Social security in Europe is a right for everyone and can be financed as long as: - The pillars of solidarity within the social security systems are consolidated - Expenses are controlled in a fair manner - The expenses are distributed and borne in solidarity and with fairness. - We advocate quality social security through increased solidarity”. whitepaper-ecwm.pdf... You can download it here.