According to a recent report published in the The Hindu, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), a trade union supported by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is facing stiff opposition from two Indian unions — the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) of the Congress and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) of the socialists — in its bid to become an affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Key points
- INTUC and HMS, besides the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)and the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of India (CFTUI), are Indian affiliates of ITUC.
- The support of ITUC is crucial for any union to be elected to the workers’ representatives in the governing body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
- The BMS, which has been opposed to enrolment with any international confederation, changed its stand recently and applied for affiliation with ITUC.
About International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
- The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is an organization, established in 2006, that promotes the trade union movement.
- The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 325 national affiliates.
- Its main areas of activity include the following: trade union and human rights; economy, society and the workplace; equality and non-discrimination; and international solidarity.
- The ITUC adheres to the principles of trade union democracy and independence. It is governed by four-yearly world congresses, a General Council and an Executive Bureau.
