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Trade union leaders participating in a one-day seminar at IMF headquarters, in which they interacted with several IMF country teams. ( IMF Staff Photo)
The IMF and Civil Society
The Fund Engages with National Trade Unions Leaders
July 1, 2010
Several trade union leaders from Africa, Asia and Europe discussed IMF policies and operations with senior staff during a one-day seminar held in Washington D.C.
National trade union leaders on their way to the Second Global Congress of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in Vancouver, Canada, stopped over in Washington, D.C., for a day-long seminar on IMF policies and operations. On June 17, 2010, the IMF organized a seminar for 18 national trade unions leaders, representing 14 different countries from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The seminar consisted of three general policy-related sessions during which IMF senior officials:
- Discussed reforms of IMF policies and lending instruments during the global financial crisis;
- Outlined proposed changes to the IMF’s mandate aimed at ensuring that the institution remains effective in tackling the new challenges confronting its members; and
- Illustrated reforms to the IMF’s framework for interacting with low-income countries.
The sessions were followed by bilateral meetings with IMF country teams where national trade unionists delved into specific country issues. Discussions focused on the latest Article IV Consultations, and, where applicable, on the most recent Fund supported programs, especially in Eastern Europe. Trade unionists showed great interest in the procedures for approving IMF loans to countries facing financial trouble. They also discussed the steps taken by the IMF to ensure that unions are included in program discussions.
Over the past three years, the IMF has undertaken a broad effort to broaden its interaction with labor at the international and national level. IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn has met with G-20 labor leaders on the eve of every G-20 Summit since November 2008. In addition, the Managing Director attended the ITUC Congress in Vancouver, where he delivered a keynote speech and participated in a panel discussion. An IMF survey of missions two years ago showed that about 80 percent of missions meet with unions on a regular basis. More importantly, these interactions have become more substantive over time—especially in the European program countries.
18 national trade-union leaders, representing 14 different countries from 3 different regions of the world — Africa, Asia, and Europe in IMF Headquarters on June 17, 2010. (IMF Staff Photo)
Representatives from Montenegro and Sierra Leone discussing policy and operations with IMF senior staff during the one-day seminar. (IMF Staff Photo)