WHEREAS:
As part of a world community effort supporting the attack on apartheid, business and industrial investment in South Africa has been blocked or sharply restricted; and
WHEREAS:
The international campaign that brought economic pressure to bear on South Africa has been a major contributor to the defeat of apartheid and the beginning of moves toward democracy in that country; and
WHEREAS:
Despite that fact that much remains to be done before all citizens of South Africa enjoy the rights of democracy, calls are already being heard for a dismantling of the boycott and for support of investment in South Africa; and
WHEREAS:
The trade union movement in South Africa and others struggling for democracy have urged that the ban on investments and other economic pressure be maintained until in their judgement conditions exist that can be described as democratic and free; and
WHEREAS:
In anticipation of the lifting of sanctions and the call for investment in South African the trade union movement, led by the Congress of South African Trade Unions, has adopted a code of conduct for investors that is designed to assure that such investments contribute to the future of a democratic South Africa.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this 30th International Convention reiterates its support for maintenance of economic sanctions against South Africa until the trade union movement and others struggling for democracy call for the lifting of such measures; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That all investments by multinational entities should follow principles designed to create jobs in companies that respect worker rights and environmental constraints, provide decent working conditions and promote affirmative action to redress the legacy of apartheid; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That such investments must observe international labor standards as promulgated by the International Labor Organization and abide by and actively implement the social and labor laws and regulations of South Africa; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That such investments should include provisions for security of employment and relevant training for all levels of employees, and must recognize the right of all workers to organize their own independent trade unions free from employer interference.
SUBMITTED BY:
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD