Announcement / Invitation
Workers’ rights in the global electronics sector
GoodElectronics and makeITfair Round Table. 9 + 10 May 2012, Amsterdam

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS REACHED!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE ROUND TABLE, PLEASE WRITE AN EMAIL TO p.overeem@goodelectronics.org

GoodElectronics and makeITfair organise a Round Table bringing together representatives of the electronics industry and civil society organisations, including trade unions, from around the globe. The meeting will take place on 9 + 10 May, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Participation is open for electronics companies, including OEMS, EMS, EICC and GeSI members, trade unions, labour groups, NGOs, (EU) policy makers, activists and academics, etc.

Key themes are trends and consequences in contract labour and wage issues in the global electronics industry. Freedom of association, collective bargaining, position of employment agencies, migrant labour, grievance mechanisms, workers’ training are some of the topics that will be broached.
The focus of the Round Table is on discussing the different perspectives of the various actors and on defining common ground for action towards lasting improvement of labour conditions. Trade union approaches, views of NGOs from major production countries, and policies, practices and recent initiatives by the electronics sector will be considered in a constructive atmosphere. The Round Table offers an excellent opportunity for linking, learning and networking among a diverse group of participants. The programme offers key note speakers, panel presentations, plenary discussions and plenty of time for corridor chat.

The meeting will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Media are not invited. A press moment will take place prior before the closing lunch on Thursday May 10th at 12.30pm.
In 2009, makeITfair and the GoodElectronics Network hosted a Round Table to discuss supply chain social and environmental issues. The May 2012 round table is set up as a follow-up to this session. Click here for the May 2009 round table report.

To register, please return the registration form (attached) to p.overeem@goodelectronics.org, by March 30 at the latest.

A detailed programme will be available shortly.

Contact persons
About the programme, registration:
    Pauline Overeem - international coordinator GoodElectronics
Cell phone: 31.6.41344385, p.overeem@goodelectronics.org
    Irene Schipper - international coordinator makeITfair
                Cell phone: 31.6.30390001, i.schipper@somo.nl
Administration, logistics:
    Joke Jeelof – Administration SOMO
Office 31.20.6391291. j.jeelof@somo.nl

Logistic information
Dates                    Wednesday May 9 - Thursday May 10, 2012
Location               Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Venue                  Akantes, Nieuwe Herengracht 95, 1011 RX Amsterdam (website Akantes, in Dutch)

How to reach    
Public transport
Tram 9 and 14: stop ‘Mr Visserplein’. Walk into the direction of the Plantage Middenlaan, turn left before the bridge, Nieuwe Herengracht.
All metro lines: stop ‘Waterlooplein’. Take exit ‘Hortus Plantsoen’. Above the ground, walk along the Hortus Botanicus, turn left, cross the bridge with tram rails, and turn right, Nieuwe Herengracht.

By car
Paid parking in the vicinity of Akantes.
Underground car park ‘Stadhuis/Muziektheater’at Waterlooplein 1. Open around the clock. Route from A10, direction S 100, turning ‘Centrum’, follow P signs.
Underground car park ‘Markenhoven’ at Anne Frankstraat 2. Open around the clock.
Route from A10, direction S 100, turning ‘Centrum’, follow P signs.