A report published by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has accused some of the world’s largest companies, including Amazon, Tesla, Meta, ExxonMobil, Blackstone, Vanguard, and Glencore, of undermining democracy by backing far-right political movements, exacerbating the climate crisis, and violating trade union and human rights.
The report highlights Amazon’s union busting, low wages, carbon emissions, tax evasion, and lobbying efforts. Tesla is criticized for its anti-union stance and human rights violations. Meta is cited for enabling far-right propaganda on its platforms. Glencore is accused of financing campaigns against Indigenous communities, while Blackstone is said to fund far-right political movements and deforestation projects. Vanguard is implicated in financing anti-democratic corporations, and ExxonMobil is mentioned for funding anti-climate science research.
Todd Brogan, director of campaigns and organizing at the ITUC, emphasized the need for workers and citizens to organize and demand responsive governments to counter corporate power. The federation is advocating for an international treaty to hold transnational corporations accountable under international human rights laws.
With 4 billion people set to participate in elections in 2024, the ITUC is calling for international and multi-sectoral strategies to address the influence of powerful multinational corporations that lack democratic accountability. The federation includes labor group affiliates from 169 nations representing 191 million workers, including prominent unions in the US and UK.
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