[CTC] Strong statement from UNI Global on the letter!

[Deborah James]

Thought folks here might be interested in this strong statement from UNI Global Union on the letter on the WTO..

 

http://www.thefutureworldofwork.org/stories/uni-global/wto-stop-digital-trade-discussions/

 
WTO: Stop digital trade discussions
UNI joins 314 organisations opposing WTO plans to rewrite the rules of the global economy in favour of Big Tech. Read Christy Hoffman's powerful comments below!

01 April 2019 
By Christina Colclough 
UNI joins civil society in raising the alarm of new digital trade rules in the WTO
UNI Global Union has joined civil society organisations and trade unions in expressing opposition to WTO plans to rewrite the rules of the global economy in favour of tech giants. Read the letter endorsed by 315 organisations from over 90 countries here.

“We need to think along radically different paths. We should push for widening the access to all of the data that is mined on us as citizens and workers. Governments should be thinking about models for open data, data trusts and/or data commons. They should not pave the way to an ever-growing concentration of power into private hands.”

Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union

The proposed rules would enable Big Tech to consolidate its exploitative business model, including gaining rights to access markets globally; extracting and controlling personal, social, and business data around the world; locking-in deregulation and evading future regulation; accessing an unlimited supply of labor stripped of its rights; expanding its power through monopolies; and evading the payment of taxes. It would also give giant tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon new rights and leeway to profit – while limiting public interest and benefits for society.

UNI stands in solidarity with people from around the world who are warning that these new trade rules will increase inequality and have widespread negative impacts on the future world of work.

The new rules represent a grave threat to development, human rights, labour and shared prosperity around the world
Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union cautions:
“The proponents of these new e-commerce rules are persistent in their demands. But it’s precisely that persistency that should raise concerns. We absolutely do not need more of the same. We urgently need to address the problems caused by the current monopolization of power, and the global imbalance of  access to new technologies. Let’s not forget that 50% of the world’s population still have no access to the internet.” 

“We need to think along radically different paths. Rather than supporting this notion of the free flow of data, we should push for widening the access to all of the data that is mined on us as citizens and workers. Governments should be thinking about models for open data, data trusts and/or data commons. They should not pave the way to an ever-growing concentration of power into private hands.”

“This is particularly pertinent for the developing countries, who will be the biggest losers if these e-commerce rules get into the WTO in their current form. It’s time to bridge digital divides, rather than exploit differences.”

 

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