This is the sixth Issue of APWSL News 1999. It is a hard time for working class all over the world but I think through collective struggle the working class will win the fight against the forces who are denying to giving the workers rights which will be given by the labour law. We think that the collective action of the working class would be more successful. Any comments from you would be welcome.

HIVOS Contract has arrived at ACFOD. They will send it to me for signing.

APWSL Secretariat meeting will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 10-12 July 1999.

In ACFOD Office.

APWSL Japan Annual General Body Meeting will be held on 17-18th July 1999 they invited Ms. Lee, East Asian Regional Coordinator from Korea for the AGM meeting.

• To continue the discussion on the lessons (and get and knowledge, information, experience) of the exchange programs. Through exchange program they learn.

• They have experienced a series of exchanges with workers and workers groups
  from different countries. In fact, the exchange programs are one of the most Important activities of the APWSL. In order to make these programs more effectively and more fruitful.

• To discuss the Action Plans for the 1999/2002 period. Based on the
  reports and discussion at the Council Meeting last year, APWSL Japan want to discuss on the concrete plans. What should be the focus? How we can cooperate
  with other groups. What should be the priority?

• To take up concrete issues including the 4th East Asia Exchange
  Program, alternative tours, improvement of newsletters, the make "gender balance"
  within APWSL Japan.

• APWSL Japan also would like to know the situation of workers movement in Korea and the activity of APWSL Korea. They are encouraged by the continuous
  struggles of trade unions in Korea. They are also impressed by the active
  commitment of APWSL Korea in the international solidarity works.
  

Five members of the Postal Workers Union from Aotearoa/New Zealand spent 10
days in Japan at the invitation of the Zenrokyo Postal Workers Union and the
Japan Postal Workers Network in late April and early May. APWSL Aotearoa member and postal workerJohn Maynard coordinated the group. In Japan APWSL Member Yamasaki Seiichi was coordinated.
Postal workers in Japan organized this visit and were very generous in the fund-raising, they did not themselves to assist the visit. APWSL Japan network also assisted to providing a transport as well as the interpreting facility. The visit of APWSL New Zealand group consisting five postal workers follows a series of exchange visits over the last three years. Visit provide them an opportunity to share their experience in daily life, know about the working conditions as well as the culture and history of Japan.

With the assistance of the Asia Monitor Resource Center APWSL Aotearoa also visited Hong Kong and met with postal workers, the Hong Kong Council of Trade Unions (HKCIC APWSL group) in Hong Kong. Toy Workers Campaign at the Hong Kong Christian Industrial Commission, the Committee for Asian Women and the Young workers participated.

Visit to Japan demonstrated the unique character of APWSL in being able
to bring workers from different countries together to build awareness with each
other's. Build understanding, friendship, discuss the strategies for workers' action with
spirit of all genuine grass root International workers solidarity.

APWSL Pakistan / APTUF/ WWO with other trade unions federations jointly hold a picket in front of Parliament House against high price of 15% of Petrol and other essential commodities. Workers raising a slogans against the Government policies and criticize government to stop taking a dictation from IMF/World Bank. Hundreds of Women workers / male workers took part in this picket. They demanded, stop discrimination against the workers, Increase workers salaries immediately, and Stop sexual harassment on workplace against women. Abolish black laws against women. Abolish Anti Terrorist law immediately.

Action Alert letters and solidarity support letters were very useful for workers who are struggling for their rights. It is a very easy way to pressurize the owner and the government to stop injustice and discrimination in factories as well as in the society. Solidarity support gives more courage to the workers as well as trade unions to strengthen them on one Plat form.

• Disseminate and send protest letters to Australian owned company, Melbourne Metal, Operating in Sri Lanka, Send solidarity message to ITGWU Sri Lanka.

• Disseminate the Urgent appeal which I got from Indonesia about Mayora workers struggle, but the sender who send me the information he did not send the address of the company as well as the union office.

At the moment I am busy for the preparation of APWSL Secretariat meeting. And planning to visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan. Philippine to meet APWSL groups, make new contacts with trade unions, women activists to more strengthen the APWSL in Asia Pacific. I am also busy for the preparation to organize women conference with the help of APWSL National Group WWO / APTUF. Later on we will inform you the venue and the dates of the conference and Invite you to join us on this unmemorable event.

Coordinator

14 N, Industrial Area, Gulberg, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: 92-42-5759838 / 92-42-5715252

Fax: 92-42-5715252