Labor & Employment Law

Georgia Education Union Growing Stronger Despite Threats

By admin

Tim Ryan of the Solidarity Center sends this report on the trade unions in the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

Among the countries of the former Soviet Union, only in Georgia has the once government dominated union federation reformed and become a truly free trade union federation  However, its work to promote workers? rights and democracy has apparently rubbed the Georgian government the wrong way.

Since 2008, the Georgian government has waged a wholesale and vicious attack against the Georgian Trade Union Confederation (GTUC) and many of its affiliates, including the largest union, the Educators and Sciences Free Trade Union of Georgia (ESFTUG). In the public sector (e.g., railways, hospitals and schools), the government has blocked dues deductions from union members to the unions, starving the organizations of funds. The government also has installed police watchdogs in schools and intimidated union representatives and teachers, all while promoting a fake, government-controlled union and encouraging or threatening members of the legitimate union to disaffiliate.

The country?s labor laws were gutted in 2006.  Meant to attract investment, the new code leaves workers and trade unionists with few rights on the job in law or in practice. 

As a result of Georgia’s anti-worker actions, the AFL-CIO has filed a petition with the U.S. Trade Representative to remove trade benefits for Georgia. Earlier this month Jeff Vogt of the AFL-CIO International Department and Shannon Lederer of AFT were in Georgia and saw the intimidation and repression firsthand.

Here is part of their report: 

The Education Ministry is escalating its threats against the democratically elected ESFTUG president, Maia Kobakhidze. She recently rejected a government offer of a cushy job if she gave up leadership of the union. She also has received a threatening phone call she believed was instigated by the government. The government is even challenging her election in court. A decision is expected on March 17.

 In spite of the threats and intimidation Kobakhidze and the members continue to work to develop strategies to strengthen the reformed portions of the union, regain the confidence of members, and re-establish a revenue flow.

 These are amazing people who work for this union, and they remain committed in the face of daunting challenges. They are quite an inspiration.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on March 17, 2011 (boomark / email).