#Worldwide #Information #Blogger #LucSchrijvers: #Update: #Part2 #anarchist #information from all overf the #world - 12.04.2020

Today's Topics:

   1.  Slovakia, priama akcia: COVID-19: Weekly Summary of
      Struggles for Life, Health and Work (III.) [machine translation]
      (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)


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Message: 1



Third continuation of the weekly summary of texts from our FB. The third summary includes: US garbage action, medical staff protests in
Papua New Guinea, Kenya and South Africa, struggle in the informal economy in India, strikes by vendors in Belgium and the situation in
Slovakia, textile strike in Cambodia, campaign # 100 Percent for full pay for gastronomic workers in Britain, fighting in Poland, examples
of how to organize without US unions. ---- Pittsburgh garbage protest ---- Published: 29.3. ---- This week, we reported on a litter strike
in Canada, and now we have a report on a similar action in the US. On Wednesday, March 25, Pittsburgh's garbage trucks blocked their
entrances and exits from the Environmental Services Bureau's parking lot. They asked for additional staff, a risky surcharge and protective
equipment (masks, better gloves and a few extra shoes).

The protest was due to misunderstandings. The garbage dumpers came to work as usual at five in the morning. However, the city ordered the
start of the shift to six, but did not tell the garbage collector. In addition, the angry garbage collectors knew that the wife of one of
their colleagues had a positive test for COVID-19, and the management had basically not responded to it. So they decided to collect all the
technology before the office, where they expressed their dissatisfaction and requirements regarding protection and hazardous work.

The sweeping action of the garbage collectors for less than two hours led to the city sending them home and paying them for the whole day as
it admitted a communication error on its side.

"All they care about is to take away garbage. Our health is stolen from them, "one of the workers said.

Source:
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/25/Pittsburgh-sanitation-workers-refusing-to-pick-up-trash-rally-protective-gear-
coronavirus / stories / 202003250077

Working in the informal economy in India
Published: 30.3.

On Saturday, we received an opinion from our sister organization Muktivadi Ekta Morcha (MEM - Friends of MAP) from India, which she wrote
together with workers in the delivery sector, garbage trucks, people employed in the informal economy and the unemployed. As in other
countries, coronacrisis has been hit hardest by economists in the informal economy because they have the least social security.

Some companies force workers to continue working without the necessary protective equipment (such as Swiggy or the well-known Indian company
Zomato in Slovakia), others have cut workers completely from their earnings and have not paid them wages.

MEM has long helped to organize workers in delivery services and continues to support them. Here is their opinion on the situation:

The opinion and requirements regarding the consequences of the Covid-19

Coronavirus pandemic and the consequences of the emergency declared without proper and adequate planning are fatal to the working class.
Only in Delhi must he stay at home without paying hundreds of thousands of workers. In addition, after stopping public transport (trains and
interstate buses), workers return hundreds of kilometers back home to the countryside! This crisis is equally serious in Madhya Pradesh.

Medical personnel are fighting in the first line in this crisis. Due to the indifference of the government they do not have adequate
protective equipment. Workers in delivery services linked to basic services for people also face a constant threat.

Together with these workers, Muktivadi Ekta Morcha (MEM) calls on both the central government and the government in Madhya Pradesh for
special protection and care for these courageous workers who find themselves in precarious positions.

Our requirements:

1. The government and companies should provide workers in the informal economy (regardless of whether they have employee status or not) a
monthly compensation of 7000 rupees (about 85 euros).

2. Quality protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) should be given to everyone in the delivery service, cleaning staff and all essential
services.

3. During and after this epidemic, workers in cleaning and delivery services should acquire employee status and receive higher wages and
rates so that they do not have to work 12 hours a day and be able to live.

4. People who work irregularly or are unemployed should also have a minimum monthly allowance.

5. Free allowances, fuel, medicines and care should be provided immediately to the families of all workers and their dependents.

Source:
Muktivadi Ekta Morcha (MEM)

Medical staff protests in Papua New Guinea, Kenya and South Africa
Published: 31.3.

COVID-19 Kena

PAPUA-NEW GUINEA

After a protest of 600 nurses in the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby last Thursday, a nationwide strike is planned this week with
up to 4,000 nurses (roughly 20 percent of the total). They call for protective equipment and appropriate funding in the event of an outbreak
in the country.

The first occurrence of COVID-19 was confirmed here on 20 March and an emergency has been declared since 24 March. In addition to the ban on
curfews or restrictions on transport, freedom of expression is also restricted. Several doctors for the British Guardian have confirmed that
they are banned from talking to the media.

KENYA

In the capital of Kenya, Nairobi and at least two other cities, nurses launched a protest against the treatment of patients suspected of
COVID-19 last week. This is due to a lack of protective equipment, but also training on coronavirus. Trade unions blame the government and
warn that most of the approximately 100,000 people working in health care have not received instructions on how to protect themselves.

The nurses in Kakamege and Kilifi even escaped from patients with coronavirus manifestations. Nurses from Mbagathi County Hospital in
Nairobi protested in the form of a slowdown in work. They are afraid of infecting themselves and their families. A rescuer has described his
experience to Reuters and has not treated a suspect because he has not received any training. "We were afraid of the team, so we just didn't
go."

There were 28 cases of illness and one death in Kenya last Friday. Although the virus is spreading more slowly in Africa than in Asia or
Europe, the WHO warns that the chance of getting the infection under control is diminishing day by day.

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

In the first line are not only nurses and doctors, but also other health professionals. They also lack protective equipment and information
and training on the new coronavirus. For example, on March 23, a team of eight rescuers at Grays Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
had to refuse to treat a patient with a confirmed COVID-19. They told their supervisor that they did not know how to proceed in this
situation and had absolutely no protective means, but he ignored them. Despite the threat of job loss (currently under disciplinary action),
they have decided not to go to the patient to endanger themselves and their families. "We are afraid, but management doesn't care," one of
them said. This case is not unique in the country and rescuers are normally sent to suspect patients without protection.

The three examples are quite remarkable. The nurses in Papua New Guinea plan to strike at a time of emergency, the nurses in Kenya used a
slowdown in protest as a form of protest, and rescuers in Pietermaritzburg refused to work because of a breach of OSH. It is hard for them
to feel bad. And we would not be surprised if it were in this situation to come up with other requirements. For example, doctors and nurses
from Zimbabwe or garbage dumpers from the US Pittsburgh, which we wrote about a few days ago, also ask for risky surcharges or more staff.
The way in which improvements can be requested in this situation can be varied. Not always and everywhere you can strike, but there are
other options. They are also mentioned in our publication "Direct Actions at Workplaces. Basic species and specific examples' .

There is no doubt that medical staff and other occupations in the first line find themselves in a position to try to win improvements of
various kinds.

Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-kenya-frontline/some-kenyan-nurses-refuse-coronavirus-patients-in-protest-over-shortages-union-idUSKBN21E1FM
https: / /www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/30/papua-new-guinea-is-not-prepared-4000-nurses-to-strike-over-covid-19-readiness
https://zsp.net. pl: zsp-no-time-fear-its-time-action

Poland: Activities of the Association of the NSP - Assistance with Health Care Equipment, Organizing at the Post and Fighting Uncertain
Contracts
Published: 1.4.

COVID-19 ZSP_masky

Following reports from our sister organizations from the International Association working in France, Bangladesh, Australia and India, this
time we bring information from the Union of Syndicalists of Poland (ZSP).

In Poland, workers are intimidated if they want to stay at home and not go to work, although the Labor Code allows them to do so. Companies
are particularly threatening to lose business and have to lay off.

The PSA is mainly active in the Polish Post, which the government considers to be one of the key services, so it must also work during a
pandemic. The PSA opposed leadership steps that misleaded people saying that if someone wanted to stay at home, it would be unpaid leave, or
they had to take a vacation. However, it is difficult to determine how many people have refused to take up work, and a role is also played
by the fact that part of the staff consider working in this situation as a social responsibility.

Another of the activities of the association is to deliver food to those who find themselves in isolation or sew a veil for others.

The Warsaw Local Group of the Union is preparing to mobilize workers with insecure contracts and hopes for early public action (if the
measures allow it). Its aim will be to confront a government that, according to the union, has not done enough to fight insecure treaties.
In Poland, millions of people do not have classical employment contracts, so the Labor Code does not protect them at all.

The ZSP called on the Warsaw City Hall to suspend the obligation to pay rent to residents affected by the crisis. At first, the Town Hall
angry with people by promising to help the property owners, but did not help the tenants. The government has promised some help, but it is
not covered by many people. People who have already lost their jobs as a result of precarious employment contracts may be affected for months.

The latest activity of the NSP was donating special masks to friends in Cracow Hospital working in the COVID-19 team.

Sources:
https://zsp.net.pl/zsp-no-time-fear-its-time-action
https://www.facebook.com/iwa.ait/photos/a.10151409229631883/10156691918541883/

Textile Strike in Phnom Penh due to late wages
Published: 2.4.

COVID-19 Cambodia

Less than a thousand textile workers in the capital of Cambodia entered a strike on Wednesday, March 25, in order to pay out their payroll
wages over the last two weeks. Canteran Apparel (Cambodia) Co. Ltd. it claims that due to the pandemic it is not paid by its suppliers, and
the owner refused to sign a written promise to pay the salaries. According to the workers, it is only a rumor, and the problems with paying
wages have lasted for four months.
Trade unions point out that this is a violation of the law and ask the Ministry of Labor for an immediate solution. Workers will have a
problem with their daily survival - payments for rent, basic public services such as water or gas, school fees or loans are at risk.

As the trade union president said, "We cannot allow employers to argue that wages will be paid later because workers have debts and cannot
be accommodated to pay their costs later."

In Cambodia, 96 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by Thursday.

Source:
https://vodenglish.news/garment-workers-strike-over-unpaid-wages-amid-virus-pandemic

Gastronomic workers in the UK do not accept 80% of wages and have launched campaign # 100Percent
Published: 3.4.

COVID-19 100percent

Although, according to UK government measures, workers will receive 80% of their normal wages, BFAWUs working at Wetherspoons have already
succeeded in claiming a 100% payout last week. Workers will receive the money from the employer now, so they do not have to wait for the end
of the month when the government will pay support to companies. This success has contributed to the mobilization of other workers who have
launched Campaign # 100Percent. Currently it concerns Burger King, KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell and Wetherspoons.

Workers made a video about their situation and how they had to consider paying rent, bills or food at 80% of their income. One McDonald's in
London said: "Our employer has a moral responsibility to ensure our survival. Thanks to us, where it is, and it's time to start paying #
100Percent. "(You can find more expressions in this video )

Gastro is characterized by low wages and it is a big problem to save so much that one can survive longer and not get into debt. This is not
only the case for Britain, but also for Slovakia, which we have found during our disputes ( three of them were recently reviewed in the text
"Lessons from disputes we had in restaurant services" ).

However, the situation in Britain may be even worse as most of the workers in the gastre have zero-hour contracts or minimum-hour contracts.
In the first case, there is no guarantee of the number of working hours (basically one waits if and when the employer calls it). In the
latter case, only a small number of hours is guaranteed. This is all the more impressive the # 100Percent mobilization.

Sources:
https://www.union-news.co.uk/fast-food-and-hospitality-workers-launch-campaign-for-100percent-pay
https://www.union-news.co.uk/win -wetherspoons-performs-at-turn-and-agrees-to-pay-staff
https://t.co/YU9GQR4huW?amp=1

How to organize without unions
Published: 4.4.

COVID-19 Without trade unions

Several groups, including our union, are increasingly using online tools to discuss organizing during coronary crisis. At the end of March,
the Labornotes.org blog in the US hosted a webinar attended by nearly 200 people.

The lessons were summarized as follows: Non-trade workers have tremendous power when acting collectively. It's good to talk to colleagues
about workplace issues, connect with people online or by phone, agree on requirements, and focus on who can meet them. And then it is the
escalation of pressure: online petition, group confrontation of boss and protest leaving the workplace, but also community involvement. It
is also important to share information about the fight on social networks and in the media.

It is important to be clear all the time - health and safety of all. And the key is joint action.

During a group online call, several workers shared their experiences. For example, workers at a Western Massachusetts organic farm left
protest last week. They demanded gloves, masks, and keeping social distance. Interestingly, they were informed about the dangers of
coronavirus and the rights they had (even if they were in a country without documents) by the pack manager, who also advised them as a boss.
People joined, went to the boss and told him about their demands. They are currently working on a petition to the community.

Publix, a food saleswoman, talked about how she decided to ask for masks. She was afraid of retaliation, but she overcame and spoke about
the situation on national radio. She is currently organizing with colleagues and is planning to confront her boss about the risk premium and
protective equipment.

During the call there was also the experience of trade unionists. At Kroger, for example, they achieved an increase in hourly wages by two
dollars, extra paid holidays, improved cleaning and hygiene rules, and reduced opening hours.

Airline workers also shared their experience, who, thanks to a petition, have achieved protective means, paid leave and the rule that people
in the workplace must be at least two meters apart.

If you know about similar cases in Slovakia or the problems you encounter at work and that need to be addressed, we would be glad if you
write to us.

Source:
https://labornotes.org/blogs/2020/04/organizing-without-union-during-coronavirus

Saleswoman Strikes
Published: 5.4.

COVID-19 Counters and vendors

On Wednesday, April 1, some Delhaize supermarkets were struck in Belgium and six Carrefour sites were closed on Friday, April 3. According
to the CSC, shopkeepers and shopkeepers in Carrefour deserve more respect, as they are in the front line during a pandemic. They should also
get higher wages and more protection. "Supermarkets now have huge profits. I think it is not so difficult to give some of this money to men
and women in high-risk shops, "she added. It did not rule out the possibility of further strikes.

Trade unions in neighboring France are also calling for strikes in retail for better protection of workers.

Sales in Slovakia are also record-breaking. Some chains have announced the payment of special rewards and are talking about around € 1
million. However, these media outcomes look quite tragicomic. Let's look at Lidla's opinion on his FB: "Our colleagues in stores and
logistics centers are doing everything in their power to allow you to buy everything that is needed in today's difficult situation. Only
thanks to them we are still able to supply Slovakia with food. They are our HEROES! We have therefore decided to reward them with a total
amount of almost € 1,000,000. They will receive the reward along with the March wage. THANK YOU for their daily commitment in these
challenging moments! "

According to a management e-mail published by one contributor in a discussion on FB Lidla, this is a reward of an unbelievable € 150 for
working at least 170.5 hours in March. We do not expect the situation to be fundamentally different in other chains. Tesco and Kaufland also
talk about heroism and commitment. When a man feels that the leadership itself takes the position of rewarding heroes ...

This is how Kaufland is working on his FB: "THANK YOU THAT YOU ARE HERE FOR US."

In such a glorious speech, we would expect companies to raise not variable items but basic wages that would make much more sense for
workers. But who knows, maybe that's exactly what the strings now plan. And if not, it would be appropriate to hold discussions on this
subject in this direction.

Sources:
https://www.politico.eu/article/workers-strike-at-belgian-supermarkets-amid-coronavirus-crisis
fb.com/photo.php?fbid=2722745931184840&set=p.2722745931184840&type=3
fb.com/ KauflandSlovenskaRepublika / photos / a.542362969131493 / 3189414984426265 /? type = 1 & theater

https://www.priamaakcia.sk/COVID-19-Tyzdenny-suhrn-bojov-za-zivot-zdravie-a-pracu-III-.html

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