Discussões: a geopolítica e o impacto no movimento sindical

Following the official opening of the conference, a high-level panel which included PSI General Secretary, Daniel Bertossa, and TUCA General Secretary Rafael Freire, addressed the geopolitical scenario in the world and the Americas and its impacts on the trade union movement,

Freire began his speech by outlining the complexities and challenges facing trade unionism in the region, emphasising that "our region is marked by numerous struggles and acts of resistance. No one is on their knees; however, a real threat exists—a powerful right-wing movement that is actively organising, one that does not hesitate to undermine the social achievements and labor rights we have fought so hard to secure."

Freire emphasised the importance of unity among trade union organisations, stating, "We cannot afford the luxury of each fighting in isolation within their own territory. The enemy is common, the threat is global, and our challenge is to develop a strategy of collective resistance and defence." Freire argued that the recent pandemic has exposed the crisis within the neoliberal model, where privatisation policies have left millions without access to essential services and have made work even more precarious. "The struggle for public services is not limited to a few; it is the battle of the entire working class, and our region must set the example for organised resistance. We need a united front to defend the rights that neoliberalism and the far-right aim to dismantle."

Following Freire, Daniel Bertossa offered a powerful reflection on the global context, describing the current moment as a "pre-fascist stage." "We are living in times of maximum alert," Bertossa stated, underscoring that "we are witnessing how the current economic model empowers a wealthy elite while millions are marginalised and stripped of their rights." He noted that this phenomenon, far from being new, is rooted in fascist strategies, where a crisis is created and then presented as the only solution. "Fascism and authoritarianism have not disappeared; they have merely found new ways to manifest, adapting to a globalised world. It is our responsibility to recognise these threats and respond decisively."

In addition, Bertossa stressed the importance of returning to the grassroots and listening to the real needs of workers. "The populist right has skilfully capitalised on people's discontent, speaking to their frustration and anger. We need to reclaim that closeness, returning to the roots of trade unionism to build collective power."

Bertossa concluded his remarks with a powerful reflection on the role of unions in the current crisis: "We must identify a clear adversary, someone who embodies the forces attacking the working class and undermining public services. Today, those forces are the corporations and monopolies that seek to profit at the expense of people's rights. Our task is to demonstrate that public services are the backbone of a just society, where the common good takes precedence over profit."

The conference will continue until Friday, 15 November, featuring working groups and panels aimed at defining PSI's regional action plan. This event has inaugurated a space for critical reflection and renewed commitment to tackling current and future challenges in the defence of public services and workers' rights across the Americas.