TGWU teams up with the US
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• The Transport and General Workers Union moved a step closer to international collective bargaining this week by making a deal with the American Teamsters union. The two unions will exchange information on companies and working conditions, and union officers will hold regular consultations.
Neither side is looking for immediate collective pay bargaining. But a TGWU spokesman says the deal will allow information sharing on a company's ability to award pay rises; new bargaining techniques; commercial positions, and operating methods.
More accurate information on the performance of divisions within multi-nationals—which is rarely included in financial reports—could strengthen the
unions' arm during wage talks.
First fruits of the deal include information sharing on the United Parcel Service: the two unions are planning a co-ordinated approach to the company.
The Teamsters is the largest union in the US with 1.5 million members. It was reformed under a democratically elected leadership following years of controversy over former leader Jimmy Hoffa's alleged links with the Mafia.