27 February, 2025<p>In times of uncertainty, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the challenges we face. Attacks on labour rights, corporate greed, political instability and economic hardship can make the road ahead seem insurmountable. But if there’s one thing we must remind ourselves of as a movement, it is this: we win.</p>
By Atle Høie, IndustriALL Global Union general secretary.
And when we win, it changes lives.
Looking back at 2024, our affiliates all around the world have fought and won significant battles. These victories were not handed to us; they were earned through the tireless determination of workers who refused to back down. Every single one of these wins is proof that collective action works, that solidarity is our greatest strength and that even in the hardest of times, workers can and do prevail.
Wins that shaped 2024
One of the biggest and long awaited victories of the year came from Indonesia in November, where unions successfully fought against the harsh unjust Omnibus Law. For years, this law eroded workers' rights and weakened protections but thanks to the efforts of our affiliates in Indonesia, the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of labour, forcing the government to enact a new law. This is a crucial win, not just for Indonesian workers but for all of us, because when we push back against exploitation, we set a precedent for others to follow.
What is the Omnibus Law?
The Omnibus Law in Indonesia, officially called the Job Creation Law, was introduced in 2020 to attract investment by reducing regulations. However, it significantly weakened labour rights, making it easier for companies to hire and fire workers, cut severance pay and use outsourcing. It also rolled back environmental protections. Unions strongly opposed the law, leading to legal challenges and mass protests. In 2024, Indonesia’s Constitutional Court ruled in favour of unions, forcing the government to revise the law.
In Mexico, our affiliate Los Mineros proved once again that standing together delivers results. In July after two months of persistent strike action, workers at ArcelorMittal secured better conditions and wages. This was a hard-fought battle, but it showed the power of the strike as a tool to force corporations to respect their workforce.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, unions fought for and secured a long-overdue wage increase for workers, raising the minimum wage from N30 000 ($19) to N70,000 ($43). In a country where inflation is skyrocketing, this victory ensures that workers can maintain their livelihoods and fight back against economic injustice.
And it wasn’t just about wages, it was about dignity. In Turkey, our metalworker affiliates won a landmark agreement despite record inflation. In Tunisia, textile workers secured a 20% wage increase showing that unions in the Global South continue to push forward despite immense pressure.
In the auto sector, we witnessed history being made in the United States, where Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted overwhelmingly to join the UAW. This was a monumental victory in a region historically hostile to unions proving that the tide is turning for American workers who are reclaiming their right to organize.
In Italy, Enel workers fought off threats to job security, winning a crucial agreement to protect thousands of jobs. And in Sri Lanka, unions secured a long-awaited deal that reaffirmed workers’ rights in a rapidly changing economy.
The power of winning
These victories matter because they remind us of something fundamental: the fight is always worth it.
In times of struggle, it is easy to only see what is wrong, to focus on the crises, the setbacks and the corporate attacks on our rights. But every victory, no matter how big or small, is a step forward. Winning is not just about securing better wages or conditions; it is about proving that change is possible. It is about showing workers everywhere that they are not alone.
While we had many wins to be proud of in 2024, the fight is far from over. The challenges we face are growing, automation, corporate impunity, anti-union legislation, but so is our strength. As we look ahead, let’s carry these victories with us as proof of what we can achieve together.
To our affiliates, to the workers who stood firm on picket lines, to those who negotiated tirelessly at the bargaining table, thank you. Your fights inspire workers everywhere and your victories pave the way for a more just world.
I look forward to reporting back to you at our Congress in Sydney in November 2025, where we will celebrate the inspiring wins yet to come.
Let’s keep winning.