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2010 Trade Union Youth Delegation to Nicaragua.
April 23rd to May 3rd 2010 
photo
shows members
of previous delegation
ARE YOU A YOUNG MEMBER
OF A TRADE UNION?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY?
DO YOU WANT TO BE
INSPIRED BY MEETING OTHER YOUNG MEMBERS FROM NICARAGUA?
“It
was really inspiring to see the excellent work Nicaraguan trade unions are
carrying out in extremely difficult circumstances and with very limited
resources. We met activists from a wide range of backgrounds and I’m looking
forward to maintaining solidarity links of mutual cooperation with our
Nicaraguan brothers and sisters.”
Heenal Rajani,
UNISON young delegate, 2008
Supporting Nicaraguan workers and facilitating solidarity links between
trade unions in the UK and Nicaragua has been the driving aim of NSCAG since
1978. Join the NSCAG Youth Delegation 2010 to Nicaragua for a unique
opportunity to meet and share experiences with other young trade unionists.
The visit is part of the NSCAG Linking Young Trade Unionists project, aimed
at increasing young member involvement in international solidarity work. The
visit will be taking place from April 23 to May 3 2010 and any young member
from any UK trade union can participate.
What is the
NSCAG Linking Young Trade Unionists Project?
The NSCAG in the UK and the National Workers Front (FNT) in Nicaragua
recently joined forces to establish the Linking Young Trade Unionists
Project in a bid to connect young trade union members from the two
countries. The project is focused on strengthening union activism and
involving
more young members in international trade union work,
supported by UK trade unions.
What will the programme
include?
By joining the delegation to Nicaragua, young delegates will learn more
about how unions in Nicaragua are involving young people in their work,
exchange ideas and experiences, develop ideas for solidarity projects and
make new friends. Delegates will also be able to join the International
Workers Day celebrations on May 1st and take part in cultural activities. On
their return, delegates will be encouraged and supported by NSCAG to
participate in solidarity activities. NSCAG can offer advice on developing
projects, setting up twinnings and working on joint activities.
How much will it cost?
* Ground and organisational costs: £625 including UK/Nicaragua preparation
and all costs in Nicaragua (apart from personal spending). Rooms will be
shared. Single room supplement £50.
* Flight costs: approx £800. It is advisable to book as early as possible.
The delegation will be a maximum of 10 young young members so contact us as
soon as possible to ensure your place. We can help with fundraising
suggestions.
For a colour pdf about the delegation
click here >>
To join the delegation contact Tasha Eve on 020 7561 4836 or
nscag@nicaraguasc.org.uk
For a report on the
2009 delegation >>
Background
"The strengthening of solidarity links is crucial for the empowerment of
the trade union movement at a national and international level." Gustavo Porras, General Secretary, Nicaraguan National Workers Front (FNT)
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group (NSCAG) has supported
Nicaraguan workers and facilitated solidarity links between trade unions in
the UK and Nicaragua since 1978.
The Sandinista government of 1979 brought achievements in health care, education,
land reform and the development of the trade union movement. However, in
1990 they lost the elections, largely as a result of US interference.
Subsequently, right wing governments imposed privatisation and public
sector cuts, reversing the social gains of the Sandinista period.
Today Nicaragua is the second poorest country in Latin America. Half the
population lives on less that $1 a day, low salaries only cover a fraction
of the cost of basic needs and the Central America Free Trade Agreement
(CAFTA) furthers the exploitation of workers and campesinos by foreign
capital. The trade union movement, which flourished in the 1980s, has
been weakened by economic liberalisation but remained an important force
for change. The election of another Sandinista government in 2006 has brought
hope for greater respect for labour rights.
Recently, the NSCAG's Linking Young Trade Unionists Project has focused on
strengthening union activism and involving more young members in
international trade union work, supported by UK trade unions.
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group (NSCAG)
86 Durham Road, London, N7 7DT
www.nicaraguasc.org.uk/NSCAG
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