Kuala Lumpur Time7th UNI APRO Commerce Conference
7th UNI APRO Commerce Conference (Day-1) officially commenced at the Federal Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 19th-20th October 2025, gathering trade union leaders, worker representatives, and global labor advocates under the theme “Rising Together for Justice as Essential Workers.” The two-day conference aims to strengthen solidarity, empower commerce workers, and establish a collective path for transformation in the commerce sector across the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference opened with the Malaysian national anthem Negaraku and the Labour Day Song from KESUMA.
In the Welcome Address, Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, President of UNI MLC Malaysia, warmly welcomed all distinguished guests and participants. He expressed his sincere gratitude to UNI Apro for choosing Malaysia as the host country for this significant conference. Datuk Shafie emphasized the evolving global challenges faced by workers and trade unions in the commerce sector. He highlighted the need to develop effective organizing strategies and concrete actions to address these challenges in this new era of transformation.
This was followed by the Presidential Address by Mr. Gerard Dwyer, President of the UNI Apro Commerce Sector, who emphasized the importance of unity and resilience among commerce workers amid evolving global challenges. He explained the importance of worker’s respect, social protection and fair wages for the workers in commerce sector.
Solidarity greetings were delivered by Mr. Stuart Appelbaum, President of UNI Commerce Global (via video message), Mr. Rajendra Acharya, UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Ms. Ayako Nakata, President of UNI Apro Women Committee, and Mr. Mathias Bolton, Head of UNI Global Commerce Sector.
Following the opening, the conference proceeded with the adoption of the conference agenda, standing orders, and the election of the credentials and resolutions committees.
UNI Apro Commerce Rising Together for Justice as Essential Workers Reports (2020–2025)
Ms. Alice Chang, Director of UNI Apro Commerce, introduced the report, highlighting key achievements and ongoing challenges in advancing workers’ rights and justice across the commerce sector. The session featured active discussions among delegates, culminating in the adoption of the “UNI Apro Commerce Rising Together for Justice as Essential Workers” report.
The day concluded with a spirited Solidarity Action, reaffirming participants’ shared commitment to justice and equality for all workers in Commerce Sector.
The conference opened with the Malaysian national anthem Negaraku and the Labour Day Song from KESUMA.
In the Welcome Address, Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, President of UNI MLC Malaysia, warmly welcomed all distinguished guests and participants. He expressed his sincere gratitude to UNI Apro for choosing Malaysia as the host country for this significant conference. Datuk Shafie emphasized the evolving global challenges faced by workers and trade unions in the commerce sector. He highlighted the need to develop effective organizing strategies and concrete actions to address these challenges in this new era of transformation.
This was followed by the Presidential Address by Mr. Gerard Dwyer, President of the UNI Apro Commerce Sector, who emphasized the importance of unity and resilience among commerce workers amid evolving global challenges. He explained the importance of worker’s respect, social protection and fair wages for the workers in commerce sector.
Solidarity greetings were delivered by Mr. Stuart Appelbaum, President of UNI Commerce Global (via video message), Mr. Rajendra Acharya, UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Ms. Ayako Nakata, President of UNI Apro Women Committee, and Mr. Mathias Bolton, Head of UNI Global Commerce Sector.
Following the opening, the conference proceeded with the adoption of the conference agenda, standing orders, and the election of the credentials and resolutions committees.
UNI Apro Commerce Rising Together for Justice as Essential Workers Reports (2020–2025)
Ms. Alice Chang, Director of UNI Apro Commerce, introduced the report, highlighting key achievements and ongoing challenges in advancing workers’ rights and justice across the commerce sector. The session featured active discussions among delegates, culminating in the adoption of the “UNI Apro Commerce Rising Together for Justice as Essential Workers” report.
The day concluded with a spirited Solidarity Action, reaffirming participants’ shared commitment to justice and equality for all workers in Commerce Sector.
