She put it plainly and urgently: "Authoritarianism and corporate greed are increasingly coordinated on a global scale. We must stand together as workers of the world and say, 'no more.'" Her words reminded us that the fight for fair wages, quality healthcare, safe schools, and strong public institutions is a direct stand against a system that profits from inequality. Her address was a call to reclaim dignity for workers who keep societies running. It lifted up African worker leadership, honoured the shared history connecting workers across continents, and urged unions to build real solidarity that can confront modern forms of exploitation. 

Drawing on her own experience, she highlighted the connections that unite workers across borders in the fight against corporate power and the far right. 

"The new colonizers are not foreign governments, but multinational corporations. The very same billionaires cutting jobs in Seattle are outsourcing jobs in Nairobi. The ones profiting from healthcare in Lagos are privatizing water here in Accra. They are global. And so must we be. Because our fights are bound together."

Verrett also shared concrete examples of SEIU's partnerships strengthening worker power across Africa:

"In Tanzania, we are working alongside PSI and our union siblings in TUGHE, TUICO, and TALGHU—organizing public sector workers, expanding access to quality healthcare, and defending public services from the constant threat of privatization. In Kenya, we are united with the militant Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, whose courage and clarity in the fight for healthcare workers' rights inspires us all. These partnerships are proof that solidarity is not an idea. It is a practice. SEIU is proud to stand with PSI in this global struggle." 

Watch and read her full speech on our website, here. 

Solidarity Messages

A United Call to Defend Public Services and Worker Dignity

The solidarity messages echoed one clear message: public services are under attack, and workers must lock arms across unions and sectors to defend them. Speakers highlighted debt burdens, illicit financial flows, privatization pressures, and the creeping influence of corporate power. "We must challenge the conditionalities imposed by international bodies like the IMF, which have historically undermined our economies."—Joe Ajaero, President, Nigerian Labour Congress 

They urged affiliates to persuade, push, and pressure governments to invest in people, protect frontline workers, and resist a model that treats education, health, water, and public safety as commodities. "Let us harness our collective power—alongside the African Union, PSI, and global partners—to hold businesses accountable."—Joel Odigie, General Secretary, ITUC Africa.

Panel Discussion

Workers on the Frontlines of Conflict and Crisis Demanding Protection and Justice 

The panel laid bare the brutal realities facing workers in conflict zones: kidnappings, displacement, unsafe workplaces, collapsing health systems, and governments failing to protect those on the frontlines. Testimonies from Nigeria, Palestine, Cameroon, and others revealed lives lost, hospitals destroyed, families torn apart, and workers left without safety, equipment, or legal protection. Yet the resolve was clear: health workers, nurses, and public servants refuse to be silenced. They demanded security, investment, and global solidarity to defend the people who hold communities together in crisis.

Side Events

Empowering Education Support Personnel in Africa and MENA: Challenges and Solutions 

The session called for stronger unity between teaching and non-teaching staff, fair pay, clear professional identity, and active resistance to austerity and privatization. These discussions will guide PSI's advocacy to ensure all education workers are respected, protected, and fully included in policy decisions. 

Enhancing Social Dialogue in Waste Management

Trade unions called for formalization of employment, improved gender equity, strengthened social dialogue, and unified unions to defend both workers' rights and quality public services in the waste management sector. 

Regional Agenda on Digitalisation

The session urged unions to organize and challenge big tech's hold over digital infrastructure and procurement, drawing lessons from cases like Vietnam's experience with Microsoft. 

Public Financing of Universal Health and Social Care

Speakers emphasized the need to improve pay, safety, and staffing for health workers, integrate gender-responsive budgeting, and create real avenues for community and patient participation in decision-making. They also highlighted the importance of public alternatives, cross-regional solidarity, and better governance to ensure accountability and equitable care. 

The day closed with a press conference where delegates made a strong call to protect health workers serving in conflict zones. Delegates from Gaza, Cameroon, Nigeria, and the DRC shared firsthand accounts of working under bombardment, insecurity, and life-threatening conditions while struggling with shortages, trauma, and burnout. PSI leaders urged the international community to uphold humanitarian law, stop attacks on medical staff, and invest in strong public health systems. 

Watch the Day 2 wrap-up video here.

See All Photos here on Flickr | Watch Video Highlights on YouTube.

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