GCIV hosted a delegation of labor officials from Bangladesh, Kenya, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe September 11th-16th. While in Atlanta they had the opportunity to meet with their professional counterparts to talk about challenges and successes while advocating for worker's rights. As guests of the U.S. Department of State, the group aimed to learn about grassroots efforts and the government's role in regulating labor.

The delegation arrived the same day of a GCIV Board of Trustees meeting, and had the opportunity to attend the reception afterwards. They enjoyed the chance to meet the board and staff. On their first day of professional programming, the group went to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site to learn about Dr. King's legacy. In the afternoon they met with staff at the Georgia Poultry Alliance, where they discussed migrant worker issues.

On their second day of appointments, the delegation met with staff at the Atlanta Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry to discuss their apprenticeship programs. Afterwards they had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Richard Ray of the Georgia State AFL-CIO and Mr. Charlie Flemming of the Atlanta Labor Council. They discussed the challenges that unions face organizing in a right-to-work state. Their final professional meeting of the day was at the Georgia Department of Labor, where they had the opportunity to meet with staff who detailed the state's role in formulating and enforcing labor policies. At the end of the day they had the opportunity to have dinner at the home of GCIV hosts.

On their third and final day of professional appointments, the group started their day at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. They learned about the state government's view of international trade agreements. Afterwards, they went to Georgia State University, where they had the chance to visit the Southern Labor Archives. Their final appointment was with the North Georgia Building and Construction Trades Council, where staff discussed the efforts of unions to expand their membership.

GCIV was honored to have these distinguished visitors come to Atlanta and meet with many of our valuable professional resources. Their experiences here in gave them a first-hand view of the U.S. labor movement, and also helped to expand the knowledge of Atlanta labor leaders. We wish this delegation the best when they return to their home countries.