Strengthening Labor Structures Amid Global Crisis: CSA’s Call to Action for Mexico

Introduction and Background on Rafael Freire

Rafael Freire, the General Secretary of the Confederación Sindical de las Américas (CSA), visited Mexico and urged the Unión Nacional de Trabajadores (UNT) to join efforts in fortifying labor structures amidst a global crisis and instability, largely driven by the decisions of the U.S. government.

CSA’s Agenda and the Role of Mexico

During a UNT plenary meeting, which includes organizations such as pilots, flight attendants, telephone operators, and STUNAM members, Freire outlined a robust agenda for the CSA. He emphasized that Mexico’s participation is crucial in implementing these actions.

• Defending fair employment practices and decent work conditions globally
• Organizing workers without formal contracts, such as informal sector employees

Current Global Context and Challenges

Freire described the current situation as “one of the most challenging periods” in recent history, drawing parallels to the 1930-1945 era. He highlighted the crisis of multilateralism and the rise of far-right ideologies aiming to “destroy states, rights, and unions.” Criticizing protectionist and unilateral policies negatively impacting international trade and global stability, Freire outlined four strategic priorities for Latin American and Caribbean labor movements:

1. Defending democracy and combating extremism
2. Promoting decent work and secure employment as the core of development models, ensuring formal jobs with social security and fair wages
3. Fostering Latin American and Caribbean integration through increased collaboration among regional countries to tackle common issues
4. Strengthening labor organization and representation, including informal workers and those with new contract types like platform-based work

Call to Action for Mexico

Freire emphasized his priority as CSA’s General Secretary: increased Mexican involvement in regional efforts. He praised Mexico as a “powerful country” with high-caliber political union leadership. Freire invited Mexico to participate more in regional activities, share its labor experience—especially on migration, youth, and gender from a feminist perspective—and bolster its role in international organizations like the ILO.

Key Questions and Answers

• What is the CSA? The Confederación Sindical de las Américas (CSA) is a continental organization representing trade unions across Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Why is Mexico’s participation crucial for the CSA? Mexico’s active engagement in regional efforts is vital for implementing the CSA’s agenda, which aims to strengthen labor structures and address global challenges.
• What are the four strategic priorities for Latin American and Caribbean labor movements?
  1. Defending democracy and combating extremism
  2. Promoting decent work and secure employment as the core of development models
  3. Fostering Latin American and Caribbean integration through increased collaboration among regional countries
  4. Strengthening labor organization and representation, including informal workers and those with new contract types