Privatisation and ‘‘structural adjustment’’ will be a common phenomenon in two of the largest economies in Asia, China, and India. Presently these two countries are undergoing ambitious economic reforms based on creating a dynamic market economy. Often there is insufficient or callous attention to workers’ interests when the planners of these policies implement the so-called “‘reforms’’. In this and future issues, ALU will look at the problems of privatisation and economic reform as the economic development of these two nations will have an enormous impact on the region as a whole.
This issue of ALU carries a feature on the continuing problem of sexual harassment in the workplace; we are pleased to note that that this topic is receiving attention from more unions and labour groups in Asia. This issue also has an overview of organised Women’s activities throughout the region on March 8, International Women’s Day.
Clearly a lot of work still has to be done by women themselves in raising issues of inequality, marginalisation, and sexual harassment and victimisation. In the labour movement however, the concerns of women workers have not received their deserved attention. Among unions, even in industries staffed mostly by women, regrettably the union leadership has been male-dominant. Women often find it difficult to push for their demands, and difficult to achieve the same leadership status as men. There is much to be done to improve gender equality in the labour movement.
Contents
Cover Story
Main Feature
News
Women
Regional Round-up
Union Profile
Health & Safety
Resources Update