UNISON International Development Fund (UIDF)

'Helping unions abroad protect workers and fight poverty'

© Credit China Labour Bulletin

UNISON believes that trade unions have a key role to play in reducing poverty and protecting human rights around the world. Not only do unions help workers out of poverty by demanding decent wages; they also enable workers to share their expertise on difficult issues such as the treatment of HIV/AIDS and campaign against common threats such as racism, human rights abuses and privatisation.

The UNISON International Development Fund (UIDF) was set up in 2005 in response to this belief. The aim of the fund is to promote growth of trade unions in developing countries and support trade unions facing difficulties as a result of wars, natural disasters or severe threats to workers rights. The UIDF often gives priority to projects that seek to increase the participation in trade unions of marginalized groups including women and young people. Grants will normally be made for between £1,000 and £20,000 and projects should last no more than one year.

If you would like to apply for funding please carefully read the “Guidance for Applicants” (bottom right) and then submit a completed “Expression of Interest Form” (bottom right)

UIDF News

Latest UNISON development fund projects

(26/09/2008) UNISON's international development fund supports projects in Africa, Latin America and Asia more..

Acheivements of UIDF projects March 07

Acheivements of trade unions in developing countries supported by the UNISON International Development Fund up to March 2007.
UIDF acheivements

Project Report: Opposing water privatisation in Sri Lanka

(26/02/2007) The National Supply and Drainage Trade Union has completed a UIDF project  to educate workers and consumers about the threat of water privatisation. The campaign has contributed to the government giving assurances that it would not sell its water resources. It has also raised awareness about the effects of water privatisation among water employees and unions and increased membership of the union.
Download Report as PDF document

Unions fighting AIDS: Southern Africa Update

(13/01/2007) The UIDF has supported projects on HIV/AIDS in six southern African countries with grants amounting to £150,000. Seven projects are being implemented in Zambia, Malawi and South Africa, and were the subject of last year’s monitoring and evaluation visit. A UIDF monitoring team had the opportunity to evaluate these projects and to monitor how well the projects’ objectives were being achieved. more..