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Union formed for call centre workers' rights in Suriname

Union formed for call centre workers' rights in Suriname
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Colin Medland Head of Events & Infrastructure | UNI Global Union

Call centre workers in Suriname have established a new union named Vakbond Voor Alle Werkers (B.V.A.W.) to advocate for the rights of customer service employees. This marks the first such union in the South American country, which is known for its Dutch-speaking population and serves both domestic and international clients.

The newly formed union aims to affiliate with Suriname’s national federation, Unie van Assertieve Vakbonden (U.v.A.V.). The initiative is supported by FNV Callcenters, a UNI Global Union affiliate, which is assisting B.V.A.W. in creating a robust and democratic union structure.

“Call centre workers are the backbone of customer service. Yet too often, they work under difficult conditions, with unclear contracts and inadequate facilities. We are now changing that, together with our Surinamese colleagues,” stated Elly Heemskerk from FNV Callcentres.

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B.V.A.W.'s primary goals include negotiating better pay and benefits, ensuring safer workplaces, providing proper equipment like headsets, and offering opportunities for professional development. The union also seeks to begin collective bargaining with employers to secure fair pay and decent working conditions through a collective bargaining agreement.

Jerrel Mac Intosh, founding president of B.V.A.W., emphasized collaboration over conflict: “The founding of this union is not an attack on employers but an invitation to collaborate. Healthy, valued employees perform better. By organizing ourselves, we are building a future with more respect, security and influence.”

Benjamin Parton, Head of UNI’s ICTS sector commented on the significance of this development: “This is a big step forward in the fight to raise standards in the contact centre industry. We’re proud to stand with B.V.A.W. and support their efforts to win dignity, better working conditions and real improvements for call centre workers in Suriname.”

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