UNI Global Union stands in solidarity with more than 17 000 striking workers at Walmart in Chile
Workers at Walmart in Chile decided to go on strike last Thursday, 11 of July, after failure to reach an agreement during the 5 days mediation process. Attempts to reach an agreement were unsuccessful as the company did not meet the union’s demands for a wage increase in compensation for the increased automation.
The company implemented increased automation and multi-tasking without involving the union, which according to the workers lead to hyper flexibilization According to the Union, the expansion of multifunctionality is putting extreme pressure of workers, whose workload has significantly increased with no compensation. The involvement of union would be crucial in this respect. involving unions and taking into account workers’ say led to hyper flexibilization and precariousness.
The company has also put in place a system of unprotected dismissals which will result in a reduction of acquired rights for at least 13 thousand workers.
UNI and its affiliated unions extend their full support and solidarity with workers on strike.
Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union General Secretary said, “As automation, robotics and machine learning enter our workplaces across the world displacing and disrupting workers and jobs, it is paramount that unions get involved. We have warned several Multinational corporations like Walmart of the danger of implementing technologies that fundamentally change the nature and pace of work without protecting workers’ health. Unions must be at the negotiating table and find a solution so that new working methods actually do not deteriorate working conditions but rather increase the quality of work.”
For more information please contact: Laila.Castaldo@uniglobalunion.org
