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Globalisation

Globalisation

Globalisation is having a marked effect on workers worldwide. The advance of deregulation, privatisation and free trade is changing the nature of work and the lives of people everywhere. Trade unions are challenging the adverse effects of this on pay and conditions of employment, while at the same time working to achieve a high quality of life for everyone.

UNISON, working with other trade unions and campaigning groups, is at the forefront of this struggle.

Fair trade

UNISON is committed to the principles of fair trade - products which are produced and sold according to international standards which guarantee that the producers get a fair price for their output. We work closely with the Fairtrade Foundation to promote fair trade products in our workplaces, homes, UNISON offices and at UNISON events.

Look out for the fair trade mark on your shopping.

The Fairtrade Foundation

Trade Justice Movement (TJM)

We live in a world of enormous inequality. Billions of people are trapped in poverty. The rules and practices of international trade help keep them poor. Trade Justice is about changing these rules and weighting them in favour of those who currently lose out badly from international trade.

The Trade Justice Movement (TJM) is a coalition of over 50 organisations, including UNISON and the TUC, which campaigns for trade justice not free trade.

Trade Justice Movement

UNISON's GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) campaign

Ethical Trading Initiative

The Ethical Trading Initiative is an alliance of companies,trade unions and non-governmental organisations.It exists to identify and promote good practice in the implementation of codes of labour practice. Its ultimate aim is to ensure that the working conditions of employees in companies supplying the UK meet or exceed international standards. All company members of ETI are required to comply with the ETI base code, which is founded on International Labour Organisation.