AIFLD/AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR FREE LABOR DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period 6/30/79-6/30/80. No methodology is specified. AIFLD activity has centered on assisting the Caribbean Congress of Labor (CCL) in expanding its regional role in promoting labor union development. The CCL is now the recognized coordinator of regional trade union education programs, with 25 affilliates in 18 countries, and with 1979 fees up 31% over the previous year. While the CCL still lacks the manpower needed to strengthen its affiliates, the supplemental budget provided to AIFLD in late 1979 should alleviate this concern. Training outputs were generally accomplished (given the large area covered by the AIFLD/Caribbean office and the political changes occuring in the region during 1979, it is not surprising that additional targets were not met). Shortfalls appear to be due to the inability of CCL affiliates to follow through on commitments to arrange seminars, and not to any incompetence on the part of CCL or AIFLD. Socioeconomic problems, such as unemployment, and the desire of area governments to solve them rapidly have increased pressures on the unions to protect their independence from governmental controls. This situation has divided union energies and reduced their efforts in solving development problems. To date, the CCL has successfully countered (except in Grenada, where the People"s Revolutionary Government was able to place the union under its control) the efforts of several governments to weaken the democratic trade unions. Because political leaders are today less dependent on organized labor for their political power, the CCL and its affiliates now operate in a more difficult climate. The project manager will review project activities quarterly so that interim reports can be provided. It is recommended that activitists assigned to island locations submit semiannual activity reports to the Labor Attache and the Regional Development Office/Caribbean, through the CCL Secretariat.