PSI Regional Secretary, V. Lakshmi sent a clear message to the new ADB Chief about the ongoing dialogue between the Global Unions and the Bank on the number of issues related to ILO Core Labour Standards in the ADB’s lending operations. “It is our responsibility to brief you on these issues and to inform you about the gaps in the project implementations and their effects, and their impact on the workers’ lives,” said Lakshmi. The trade unions raised the issues of recognition, social protection strategy of ADB and precarious work.

JICHIRO International Secretary, Mr. Katsuhiko Sato, presented a traditional handmade fan to the ADB Chief to remind him of the ongoing privatisation of the power sector in the Asia Pacific region. The unions are concerned that electricity will no longer be available for the poor and they will be forced to use a traditional fan to keep cool. It is also symbolic of the labour movement's struggle for a better life for the workers of the world.

Global Unions have published a communiqué, see below.

Click here for photos of the meeting.