On April 3, 89 signatories—including the IUF— launched a petition to the International Financial Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) demanding urgent action to remedy the severe harms inflicted on workers and communities by Indorama Agro, a cotton-producing company in Uzbekistan that received $130 million financing from both institutions.
These workers have struggled for years for the right to form their own independent trade union, but all attempts were stifled by Indorama Agro management, while IFC and EBRD continuously ignored all communication on the violations of human rights violations at Indorama operations. In November 2024, the IUF filed a complaint with the International Labour Organization’s Committee on Freedom of Association to support Indorama workers.
“We demand the Uzbek government investigates cases of interventions by state officials, state unions and company management in trade union affairs,” said Kristjan Bragason, IUF Acting General Secretary. “Uzbekistan must take necessary measures to enable registration and independent functioning of trade unions starting with the union of Indorama workers.”
