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Belgium: Centrale Générale FGTB (ACCG FGTB)

Belgium: Centrale Générale FGTB (ACCG FGTB)

by IDWFED published Apr 26, 2019 12:00 AM
Belgium: Centrale Générale FGTB (ACCG FGTB)
Street Address Rue Haute 26-28
Phone Number +32 2 549 05 49
Fax Number +32 2 514 16 91
Email [email protected]
Website www.accg.be
Type Trade Union
Number of Male Members 150
Number of Female Members 4,850
Members Pay Fees Check if members pay fees
Maintains Register of Fees Paid Maintains register of fees paid
Year Established 1909

Objectives

Mission:

The very first trade union mission is, of course, the defense of the collective interests but also the individual interests of the workers. These are CCTs, conflict resolution or representation in works councils and CPPTs.

But the trade union action of the Centrale Générale also implies the projection of a clearly socialist vision of society. She is positioning herself as a wrestling syndicate. Social justice, the redistribution of wealth, a well developed social security, these are the basic principles that the Centrale Générale defends. International solidarity also finds its place. In addition to campaigns and actions related to international events, the Centrale Générale supports solidarity projects with unions in developing countries.

Vision:

For the Centrale Générale - FGTB, trade union action in Europe and around the world is essential. It is for this reason that it is particularly active in European and international trade union federations and supports global solidarity projects in the four corners of the world.

Workers are stronger if they fight together, across borders, for better jobs and a better life. If everyone is on an equal footing, unfair competition will no longer have any purpose, nor jealousy or racism. We fight against oppression and exploitation.

It is in this perspective that the Centrale Générale - FGTB was at the origin and remains active in international union federations. It also participates through solidarity projects in strengthening and developing unions in countries where workers are not respected (or over-exploited) and their rights are violated.

Our values :

  • Our social project is based on social justice and passes through a better distribution of wealth via dignified working conditions, correct wages, strengthened public services, real social protection and a fairer taxation.
  • We must put an end to the dominant capitalist system, to the ideology of "all for profit". It is harmful to humanity and the environment. Another model is possible. The economy must be at the service of society and not the opposite. We must put an end to this enslavement by a reappropriation of the means of production and exchange.
  • We are also committed to a just ecological and energy transition. In connection with an ambitious industrial policy, it represents a real opportunity to create jobs and wealth. Otherwise, today and tomorrow, here and elsewhere, it is again the less fortunate who will be victims of climate change and the cost of dependence on non-renewable energies.
  • We subscribe indisputably to the principle of equality between women and men. This must guide all of our actions and decisions both in terms of society in general and the proper functioning of our organization.
  • Our functioning is governed by internal democracy. To do this, we must ensure the effective functioning of all bodies and ensure the participation of affiliates and activists in decision-making. On the other hand, the fraternal relationships must remain the rule within all the components of our organization.
  • We are committed to the emancipation of all workers. It is by giving tools and knowledge to workers, to men and women from here and elsewhere, that they will be able to participate actively in social and economic democracy.
  • International solidarity is inscribed in our DNA. In a globalized world, we must be aware that our well-being is linked to that of the whole of humanity. Here and elsewhere, we reject ideologies that aim at rejection or discrimination. There is no room for racist and fascist tendencies within the Centrale Générale - FGTB.

History

In 1909 the construction workers laid the foundation stone of what would become the Centrale Générale. Other professional unions, those of painters and woodworkers, are grouped in Central.

When all these power plants meet on January 1, 1921 to form the General Confederation of Construction Workers, Furnishings and Miscellaneous Industries, they together represent 115,000 members. In the following years, other unions or power plants are affiliated with this Centrale Générale.

In 2004 we started to organize domestic workers. Many Belgium workers have the tradition of being a trade union member. We also reach them through the "social elections" and through negotiations with the agencies which are the employers of the domestic workers.

2014, the FGTB's Centrale Générale merges with the FGTB Textile-Garment-Diamond. A merger related to the decline of the textile industry and related sectors in our country. The Centrale Générale currently has 430,000 members, from construction, chemistry and industry, but now with the service and non-market sectors.