If detailed information on trade union rights violations can be provided, the international trade union movement can increase its effectiveness in campaigning against rights violations.
With detailed information we can:
A key task of the network of trade union rights reporters will be to provide regular information on trade union rights violations. It is important that facts are reported clearly and accurately. To assist in this process standard reporting formats have been established and these should be completed by the trade union rights reporter whenever a national centre or union is dealing with a rights violation.
A brief, easy-to-complete reporting format has been established by the ICFTU.
This reporting format is called the ICFTU Reporting Format on Violations of Trade Union Rights.
The ICFTU's Reporting Format on Violations of Trade Union Rights is intended to assist rights reporters put together complete information on violations. Such standard reports can then be sent rapidly to other organisations by post, fax or electronic mail as well as serve as reference material in compiling a national register on rights violations. In attempting to simplify the type and format of information required, the ICFTU has not employed the codes, abbreviations and special vocabulary used by many human rights groups. These more sophisticated techniques will be introduced later when the network is fully functioning. The Reporting Format requests the minimum story about a violation needed to submit cases to the International Labour Organisation, to other rights groups and to the international trade union community.
Identification of the Sender:
Type of Event:
Date Event Began:
Date Event Ended (if different):
Location of the Event:
Description of the Event:
Type of VictimVictim(s):
a) Individual Victim
Occupation:
Union or other Affiliation:
Name:
Age:
Male/Female:
Dependents:
Name of Spouse:
b) Collective Victim, Union
or Other Group
Identification of the Person
Responsible for the violation :
Source of Information:
Follow up Response:
Local Action Taken:
Requested International Action:
Other Remarks:
Date of Report
Questions?
Consult the Notes- Report Only Facts- Use More Sheets if Needed.
Descriptions of the various sections of the Report, are provided below to assist rights reporters. Items are numbered and referenced according to their appearance on the model Report Form on page 33.
It is essential that the information be provided accurately and rapidly, especially in cases where an individual's life or well being is threatened and an international solidarity response is needed.
Who is providing the report ? The name and address of the trade union or organisation furnishing material on the rights violation.
Briefly, what happened ? This is an identification of the violation for rapid reference using just a few words such as 'physical attack on a union meeting', 'murder of a union officer', or 'legislation to weaken collective bargaining'. It could be a violation of the rights of an individual or of a trade union. A detailed inventory of possibilities is contained in Appendix 1.
When did the event happen ? When did it begin ? If it lasted for some time, when did it end?
Where did it happen ? It is essential that the place be identified in a precise and specific way. This includes the region or state, the city, town or village plus the address or exact place (a union's headquarters, school, factory, mine, plantation, house, public square, roadside, etc).
Exactly what happened ? This is the narrative or 'story' of the event. Only facts should be reported, not opinions or judgements. Events should be listed (with dates) in the order they occurred. The reporter should mention the role of the authorities, police, army or Government (if relevant), the specific charges or stated reason for the violation. The report should contain a brief history of what happened from the beginning.
Whose rights were violated ? This entry is used when one or more individuals are involved. If an event included several people it is often difficult to provide specific details on everyone but a maximum amount of detail should be provided. Individuals should be identified separately. The victim's occupation (profession such as plantation worker, miner, civil servant, teacher) and trade union, including any union office or function held, should be indicated. The full name is essential and, when possible, the victim's age, sex, number of dependents and spouse's name.
Not all victims are individuals and a collective victim such as a trade union can also have its rights violated. Legislation depriving civil servants or teachers from organising in a trade union is an example. In this case, should it be abolished by such a law, the civil servants' or teachers' trade union is the "victim". Reporters must carefully identify the union or other group when collective rights are violated.
Who did it ? This might be an employer, the police, military, etc. Attempt to identify fully the person and/or organisation responsible.
Where did the information come from ? This might be an eye witness, a newspaper article, a court decision, text of a new labour law, etc.
What has your trade union done locally about the violation ? Has the union protested to the Government, gone on strike, contacted a national human rights or other group ? Plus : What do you want the ICFTU, the International Trade Secretariats (ITS) and the international trade union community to do to assist you ?
Do you want us to contact the ILO ? Do you want us to begin a letter-writing campaign protesting about the violation to your president or to a local or international company director? If you need letters of support, who should receive them ? Provide addresses and fax numbers. Anything else ?
Is there anything else you want to report about the violation not already stated ? This is the place for any additional comments or information you feel will assist us in helping your trade union fight against the violation.
At first sight the format might appear 'technical'. However, by using it you will be providing information in a systematic and structured way, which will ensure it can be effectively used by those concerned with challenging abuses of trade union and other human rights.
On the previous pages we have looked at the information required on the Reporting Format on Violations of Trade Union Rights. We will now practice using the format.