Gay rights law goes in effect in UK

Beginning Dec. 1 gay Britons will enjoy protection for the first time against discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of their sexuality.

But, as the new law was taking effect, Britain’s trade unions were going to court to fight the law. The unions, five of the country’s biggest, say that provisions exempting faith- based organizations leaves thousands of gay and lesbian workers vulnerable to being fired.

“If gay workers are to achieve true equality with their colleagues, the government needs to scrap the offending clauses,” said Trade Union Council general secretary Brendan Barber. (365Gay.com)

Protesting teachers paralyze activities in Lagos

Business activities were paralyzed in Lagos, Nigeria for several hours on Nov. 28 when thousands of primary school teachers barricaded all entering points to the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, to protest the non-payment of their salaries, leave bonus, and other inhuman treatment of primary school teachers pensioners by the state government.

Numbering over 1,000, the protesting teachers stormed the Alausa secretariat, Ikeja at about 9am and barricaded all the entrances, thereby preventing any movement in or out of the secretariat.

According to the protesterst, the state government has refused to pay their allowances and has failed to effect the 10 percent increment agreed upon with the state government. (Vanguard)

French diplomats on global strike

French diplomats staged their first-ever strike on Dec. 3 in a protest over planned budget cuts.

Some embassasies and consulates were closed, while others offered much-reduced staffing levels and services.

Missions in Italy and Pakistan were badly hit, and Jakarta ambassador Renaud Vignal declared himself on strike while remaining at his desk.

Trades unions are protesting against moves to cut jobs and costs in the diplomatic service.

Union officials say basic requirements including maintenance and allowances are being pared, while Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin embarks on high-profile and expensive foreign trips.

The proposed budget for next year envisages a 2% reduction in foreign ministry costs, and a number of job cuts.

This is the first time that unions have called on diplomats and embassy staff around the world to strike.

France’s foreign ministry network is second in size only to that of the United States, employing 9,200 permanent staff and 13,000 local employees around the world. (BBC)

Quebec protest ends in violence

Union protesters angry over the government’s plans to contract out more work broke through a barricade before being blocked from storming the National Assembly on Nov. 26.

Thousands of construction workers and civil servants carrying union flags and signs broke through a steel barrier and bolted towards the front doors of the National Assembly. Rows of riot police block the way.

Demonstrators lobbed dozens of eggs and beer bottles, and set piles of cardboard signs on fire.

The demonstration was organized by the Quebec Federation of Labour. Union president Henri Massé said that workers will never accept the government’s plan to allow more subcontracting by changing the labor code.

Labor minister Michel Després insists that contracting out will help create jobs.

He said that groups such as Quebec manufacturers’ and exporters’ associations assure him that wages for subcontracted work will stay high, as long as companies are able to cut costs and earn big profits. (CBC)

Nestle, union end 145-day confrontation with pay hike

Nestle Korea has reached an agreement with its union to end a 145-day strike and lockout.

The two sides agreed to a 5.5 percent wage increase, a sweetened retirement package and the formation of a labor-management committee to discuss employment issues.

The union had originally demanded an 11.7-percent wage increase; Nestle had offered 5.25 percent. The new retirement package will give workers 1.5 months of pay per year of service.

The union had demanded the right to approve contracting-out and any changes in employment conditions. It backed off, however, to accept the company’s offer of a discussion committee. The two sides will also continue negotiating on the criteria and procedures for voluntary retirement programs and downsizing, should the company want to do so in the future, the two leaders said. (Joong Ang Daily)