Authoritarianism is rising worldwide through war, political repression, and far-right populism, posing serious threats to global labour movements. In early December, the Global Labour Institute held a three-day learning camp in France, bringing together over 100 trade unionists from 35 countries to share strategies for confronting this trend.
Chrsitopher Mung, Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor Executive Director, attended alongside Myanmar exiled labour activist Khaing Zar, co-leading a workshop on the experiences and strategies of exiled labour movements. Mung highlighted that China continues to violate domestic union rights, detain Hong Kong union leaders, and operate forced labour camps in Xinjiang, while paradoxically holding key positions in the UN and International Labour Organization, undermining global labour standards.
Participants stressed that trade unions must reach beyond their own boundary, build alliances, and promote progressive narratives to resist authoritarianism. Practical examples of international solidarity, such as strikes refusing support for aggressor states, were also shared.
Attendees showed support for political prisoners by holding banners calling for the release of Hong Kong unionists Lee Cheuk Yan and Chow Hang Tung.
The camp concluded with a joint statement affirming:
- Solidarity with people suffering from war and oppression worldwide.
- Calling for economic boycotts against regimes committing war crimes, genocide, or collaborating with corporations.
- Advocacy for the release of political prisoners globally.
- Opposition to all forms of violence, including sexual violence, attacks targeting civilians, exploitation of children in production