On 23 and 24 November 2022 FELATRABS organized its XVII Congress in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The first day of the congress was reserved for a discussion about violence at the workplace, different types of violence and the role of the trade union leaders and their organizations in the face of this as well as other challenge. There was a fierce debate whereby it became clear that often the very basic forms are protection are implemented. On paper there are many rules and regulations to abide by, but in practice these were not always respected. The participants agreed that part of the reasons for the slow implementation of changes is the fact that Latin America societies are very masculine and macho. And Argentina is perhaps the predominant example of this.
It was interesting to experience that women and men had quite different opinions about some of the issues raised and that this did not lead to a debate that exploded. All acknowledge that there is still a lot to be done, but that first steps are taken now. Still there is much inequality and aggression at the workplace. The issue is not easily solved.
The second day of the congress the new FELATRABS board was elected. This was all well-prepared in advance. José Jesus Trabulo de Souza from the Brazilian banking union CONTEC was reelected for another term of four year.
Arturo Quiñoa was elected Secretary General. While Miguel Duche (APJBO-Argentina) and Fernando Iraola (AEBU-Uruguay) were elected Secretary Organization and Finance and Executive Secretary respectively.
Elected as the link between the FELATRABS Board and the Heads of each of the Commissions, having to coordinate their work according to the mandates received, was Leonardo Márquez Suarez (AEBU-Uruguay). As such he is responsible for the proper functioning of all the commissions and answers directly to the Bureau.
The World Organization of Workers – WOW congratulates José Jesus Trabulo de Souza on his reelection as president of FELATRABS and wishes him as well as the full board of FELATRABS much success in furthering the interests of workers in Latin America.
