International Union Targets Chubb Over East Timor Conditions

The Union Network International, representing 15 million workers worldwide, has hit out at US-based security multinational Chubb over its actions in East Timor [BugMeNot]. The public condemnation of the company follows the sacking of 32 local workers who were employed in cleaning and security areas for Chubb’s client in Dili, the World Bank. The union claims that the workers were removed after they took strike action as a means of disputing a company attempt to cut wages by 30%. The union also claims that the company has sought to re-hire the workers but only if they eschew union membership and sign individual contracts accepting a significant wage cut. These measures are believed to be in contravention of East Timor law and fall short of complying with international labour laws