Think globally and not just locally was the message delivered by the president of the International Metalworkers’ Federation, Jyrki Raina, to 1,200 delegates at the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention at Cobo Hall in Detroit on Tuesday.

Raina said manufacturing is still the backbone of the world’s economy, despite its financial troubles, and strong measures need to be taken to prevent another worldwide economic catastrophe that hits workers the hardest.

Raina called for a 'Robin Hood' tax to curb speculation and provide funds for development and green jobs. Photo by Dan Macut, UAW Local 14.

“Now is the time to regulate the financial sector to make sure this will never happen again,” said Raina to thunderous applause from the convention floor.

Raina plans to push for several initiatives at a gathering of world industrial trade unions next week in Toronto designed to bolster manufacturing and protect workers from another financial meltdown.

“We’ll demand a global tax on financial transactions, a so-called Robin Hood tax, to curb speculation and collect funds for supporting a sustainable system of development and green jobs,” he said.

Raina stressed the importance of manufacturing economies in the 21st century.

“America needs industrial jobs. The world needs countries that make things,” he said. “Industry is the backbone for the creation of good quality jobs, with decent working conditions, proper training and skills, health and safety, and respect of trade union and workers’ rights.”

“Sustainable industry jobs contribute to social development and better standards of living for citizens,” Raina added.

Delegates reinforced Raina’s message of global unity among workers by approving a resolution supporting international labor solidarity. Speaking in support of the resolution, Bryan Bonds, financial secretary for UAW Local 212 in Sterling Heights, Mich., said workers’ rights are deeply connected to other human rights throughout the world.

“We’re looking more at human rights and civil rights throughout the world, and that’s all something we need to stand in favor of. As a young man said here yesterday, unions are all inclusive,” said Bonds. “A strong, productive workforce is a unified workforce. That will give labor a voice for safe, productive conditions throughout the world.”

Bryan Bonds, financial secretary for Local 212, says workers' rights are connected to human rights. Photo by Rebecca Cook.

During the address, Raina pointed to a button he was wearing with former UAW President Walter P. Reuther’s photo bearing the phrase, “I did it for Walter.”

He said delegate Tammy Van Riper of UAW Local 14 in Toledo, Ohio, gave him the button if he promised to wear it during his address and point it out to delegates. The crowd cheered when he showed them the button pinned prominently on his lapel.

Raina acknowledged the hard work of his labor colleague and friend, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, who this week finishes his second term.

“Ron, you have led your union through the most difficult of times.You have done it showing great leadership, responsibility and determination – determination to find in difficult situations the best possible solutions for the workers and their families,” he said. “It has not been easy, it has been painful. You have my deepest respect.”

The IMF leader ended with a nod toward the future: “A new era of global solidarity has begun.”

Joan Silvi