US EditionWorld Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
- On June 5, 2025, the Afrikaans trade union Solidarity submitted an urgent grievance to the International Labour Organisation concerning the South African government's alleged violation of a 2023 race law settlement agreement.
- Solidarity alleges the government breached a 2023 ILO-mediated race law settlement by publishing employment equity regulations and targets in April 2025.
- The settlement required a balanced approach to affirmative action, including no retrenchments and consideration of qualifications, demographics, and socio-economic factors in equity planning.
- Solidarity established a legal fund worth R7 million to support its campaign against what it describes as government racial discrimination, with deputy CEO Anton van der Bijl urging the ILO to promptly address these alleged racial injustices and accusing Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth of breaching a court-ordered agreement.
- The controversy challenges government efforts to correct apartheid-era inequalities while risking legal conflict and potential disruptions ahead of South Africa's G20 Summit hosting in November 2025.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Unions file complaint over Saudi Arabia’s migrant worker abuses
The International Trade Union Confederation and its sister African organisation filed a formal complaint on Wednesday urging the International Labour Organization to investigate Saudi Arabia's labour practices. It raised concerns about mistreatment of migrant construction and domestic workers as the 2034 soccer World Cup looms on the horizon, citing examples of workers being forced to work up to 20 hours a day, denied wages and subjected to beat…
Houston Chronicle
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
Amnesty calls for end to exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia
Responding to the announcement of a third phase of cooperation between the partnership agreement made earlier today between the Government of Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to advance decent work reforms, Iain Byrne, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice, said:“While today’s announcement recognizes the need for labour reforms for migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, it remains unclear how comprehen…
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions’ complaint to UN-backed labor body
GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom’s government. “It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international st…
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