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Andean
Community: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and associate member,
Venezuela
|
Andean
Community formally adopts Workers' Memorial Day
On 28 April 2008 a decision taken in 2005
by the Andean Community of nations will come into force,
henceforth making 28 April a “Andean Day for Health
and Safety at Work” that will apply to its four member
countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and to their
associate member, Venezuela.
The decision will eventually bring
to nineteen the total number of countries in the world,
officially recognising 28 April. The representatives of
the Andean Community are chosen by the National Congresses
of
the respective countries.
The adoption of 28 April was taken
in 2005 at a health and safety seminar in Lima Peru (where
28 April was already recognized) coordinated by the ‘Instituto
Laboral Andino’ (ILA) and the ‘Comite Sindical
Andino de Salud Laboral y Medio Ambiente’ (CCLA),
which brought the various Parties together from the five
countries.
The Decision No. 584 suggested that
the Parties consider AIDS prevention and banning asbestos
as a focus of attention and these possible themes have yet
to be discussed by the Parties for implementation.
The ILA and CCLA have also been involved
in coordination of activities in the five countries, plus
Venezuela for this 28 April.
In Bolivia an official commemoration
ceremony involving the Labour Ministry and other related
OHS Ministries. Information on health and safety standards
will be
produced for massive distribution, along with a flag, stickers,
and special plaques.
Visual flyers will be produced for
distribution at sports events and activities will be organized
at an exhibition of industrial equipment. Radio and television
publicity
information will be broadcast and an OHS course will organized
by trade unions and employer organizations. A Web page will
further distribute information.
In Colombia the ‘Dirección
General de Riesgos Profesionales del Ministerio de la Protección
Social de Colombia’ will organise a videoconference
with trade unions, joining 32 territories. As a follow up
between next July and December, it will organise a public
information programme about the Decision 584 and a proposal
to reach over 9000 workers through occupational health and
safety seminars, organized in 32 Departments.
In Ecuador The Labour Minister will
host a 28 April commemoration ceremony and will provide
technical support to worker and employer organisations for
activities that will take place in workplaces during the
Andean week.
In Peru an exhibition of health and
safety equipment will be organized, bringing together equipment
suppliers and emergency services personnel. A national seminar
will be organised on occupational health and safety and
planning will take place to prepare for follow up to the
2005 ‘Seminario Regional Andino de Salud Laboral y
Medio Ambiente’ that was responsible for Decision
584.
Street banners announcing the day will
be erected in the capital and a wide-range of materials
will be produced for massive distribution through government
Ministries, media outlets, workplace health and safety committees,
transportation outlets and other locations.
There are additional plans to organise
workplace inspection activities throughout 2007.
In Venezuela a special committee has
organized two commemoration events. The first will bring
together representatives from five trade union centres to
discuss priorities for prevention and OHS services. The
second next 16 May will take place at a seminar for 100
selected workers to discuss OHS issues.
Contact Carlos
Ortiz Cornejo
Source: ITUC
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Angola
|
UNTA-CS
plans events in four regions
UNTA-CS: Uniao Nacional dos Trabalhadores de Angola (UNTA-CS)
has announced that it will organize Workers' Memorial Day
(WMD) events events in four provinces of Angola: Luanda,
Benguela, Cabina and Huambo. This is the first time trade
unions in Angola actually report their WMD activities yet
Secretary General Manuel Angusto Viage said they have organized
28 April events for the last two years and are now doing
so on an annual basis.
A further report of activities is expected. A response
from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
said the UNTA activities reflected that organisations deep
commitment to occupational health and safety of workers.
The accident workplace fatality rate for Angola is 21/100,000
workers (more than twice that of China) and about 5.5 per
cent of the adult population are HIV infected, placing that
country in a priority list of countries by the Global Union
AIDS Programme. Angola also imports over 1,360 tons of asbestos
per year, placing it in yet another trade union priority
list for the banning of the product.
Contact
Source: ITUC
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Argentina
|
Argentina:
Trend-Setting Workers' Memorial Day activities set the tone
for fresh worker safety perspectives
The Argentinean authority for risks at
work - Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT) - has
organised a trend-setting commemoration week of concentrated
events from 28-30 April that will promote avenues for decent,
safe and healthy work.
A full three day conference in Buenos Aires is meant to
attract several thousand participants from throughout the
country, Latin America, other continents, including international
representatives.
It will host over 60 exhibitions all for the purpose of
showing the advances by and experiences of trade unions
in the field of health and safety, and especially related
to collective bargaining, capacity building, as well as
research and the management of risks.
Speakers from every national trade union body, along with
union representatives in the aeronautics, construction,
education, food, government, health, hotel, tourism, cleaning
and rural sectors will interact with others from health
and labour ministries, employer groups, occupational health
bodies, academic & medical institutions and from a wide-variety
of social, environmental and informal organisations. The
International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Health Organisation
(WHO) and others figure prominently in the progmme and literature.
Registration is free to anyone who pre-registers. The invitation
announcement emphasizes the SRT’s “conviction
of the need to strengthen the links between the world of
work, public policy, and scientific knowledge, through analisis
and reflection of new trends and challenges for promoting
a culture of prvention”. Argentina is among the 19
countries that has formally adopted 28 April for national
observance and is among a small number of countries to have
developed its own Decent Work programme with the ILO.
Source: ITUC
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Australia
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VTHC
CIRCULAR TO: ALL AFFILIATES
CIRCULAR NO: MH - 61/08
ATTENTION: All affiliates/ OHS Officers
The Secretary,
Dear Comrade,
International Workers Memorial Day and the Zero Occupational
Cancer Campaign
The 2008 national OHS Campaign of the ACTU is focused on
Occupational Cancer, and is part of a broader global unions
campaign. In Australia approximately 1.5million workers
are exposed to occupational carcinogens.
The ACTU campaign committee has been meeting since last
year and a number of dates and events have been scheduled
as part of the campaign:
1. 3 April A Forum has been scheduled at the ACTU to ‘roll
out’ the campaign to unions and explore how the broader
campaign goals can be tailored by unions to varying membership,
industries and occupational hazards
2. 10 April A meeting of Victorian Unions is called to
discuss issues of particular interest an potential focus
for Victorian unions and workers (e.g. the absence of ‘dust’
from the definition of ‘friable asbestos’ from
Victorian Asbestos Regulations, what action unions can take
on the ground etc). Meeting 2:00 – 3:30pm, Thursday,
10 April, VTHC
3. 28 April International Workers Memorial Day.
3.1 Good Occupational Health for All Workers is the key
2008 global priority. As such, the ZOCC Campaign will be
officially launched on this day jointly with the ACTU. Our
traditional memorial event, in conjunction with IDSA and
the ACTU, will be held at ‘The Rock’ with proceedings
commencing after 10:20am ending with 1 minute’s silence
at 11:00am. Refreshments will be provided afterwards. Any
other events on the day will be advised. Could you please
advise the approximate size of any delegations from your
union before the event?
3.2 Workplaces are encouraged to conduct activities on
the day as well. Materials are in the process of being developed
for this purpose. Could unions advise of any activities
that you are being planned for workplaces? We would like
to promote them on the OHS Reps website and also ensure
they are forwarded through to the Hazards website,
which collects information about actions happening globally
and promotes them. See http://www.hazards.org/wmd/index.htm
3.3 Badges are available at $2.70 each. Orders can be placed
with me. The image was officially
adopted by the VTHC Executive in December 2004
Please put these dates in your diary, RSVP and contact
me with any queries. Look forward to seeing you.
Regards, Margot
Contact: Margot
Hoyte, OHS Campaigns Officer
Web: ACTU
announcement
Source: Hazards magazine
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|
Gippsland
Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc
Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc. are conducting
their Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony to coincide with International
Workers’ Memorial Day in memory of workers who die,
are injured or fall ill as a result of their work.
The Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place in Centenary
Rose Garden, Commercial Road, Morwell at 11.00am, on Monday
April 28th
An ecumenical service will be conducted by Father Peter
Mizera from Sacred Heart Church, Morwell.
There will be a dedication of flowers during the ceremony
to all families who have lost a loved one.
Newborough Primary School choir will be singing through
out the ceremony GARDS Scottish bag pipers will play laments
through out the ceremony
Speakers coming to highlight this day will be:
Senior Sgt Howard Jones – Victoria Police
Tony Medina – OH&S Coordinator whose life/health
has been affected by his past working conditions
Steve Dodd – Assistant Secretary Gippsland Trades
& Labour Council Vicki Hamilton Secretary of GARDS representing
sufferers & their families whom have lost their lives
to asbestos disease.
We invite all in the community to come along and be apart
of this ceremony, knowing that people from all over the
world will be remembering and supporting workers’
in their corner of the world who have died as a result of
their work. Mark the date in your calendar and come and
support your fellow workers’ and their families.
After the ceremony there will be a free BBQ lunch with
the compliments of the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council
Contact: For further information you can contact Vicki
Hamilton on 0407274173
Web: www.gards.org
Source: Hazards
magazine
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Austria
|
Downtown
Vienna Event To Highlight Austrian Workers' Memorial Day
Ceremonies
ÖGB The Austrian Trade Union Federation
is planing a central event for April 28 that will take place
in a highly-frequented public square close to its headquarters
in Vienna. ÖGB President Rudolf Hundstorfer will deliver
a speech on this occasion, providing background for International
Workers' Memorial Day, in which he will outline the international
as well as national priorities that trade unions have established
under the theme, “Good Occupational Health for All
Workers”.
Flyers containing information that
can be read quickly will be distributed on 28 April to passengers
using public transport. In addition, commemoration activities
will take place in a number of enterprises organised by
Works Councils. Austrian media will be informed and given
background material
Contact Walter
Sauer
Source: ITUC
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Bangladesh
|
OHSE: Labour law enforcement
to protect workers health is Bangladesh Foundation's WMD
focus
The Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment
Foundation (OSHE) will once again be organising special
events for associated national trade union centres and industrial
federations to observe 28 April 2008.
This year, they will draw attention to the failure of the
government of Bangladesh to establish and empower effective
enforcement agencies to protect workers, which is resulting
is some of the highest rates of injury, disease and death
in the world.
Activities will begin on 26 April with a meeting at Shitakunda,
Chittagong concentrating on ‘Rights to Occupational
Health Services’ as part of a larger OSHE/FNV project
to the Bangladesh ship-breaking industry [BD 005021].
This will be followed by a National ICD Press Conference
on 27 April and a multi-stakeholder workshop on 28 April
entitled "Good Occupational Health for All Workers
of Bangladesh’. Both events will take place in the
National Press Club in the capital city of Dhaka. As well,
a special publication will containing campaign messages
will be printed and widely circulated among the workers
in the days leading up to WMD-2008.
Pointing to tragedies such as the recent collapse of the
Rangs Bhaban high-rise project, Repon Chowdhury, General
Secretary and Executive Director of the Foundation said
that the failure of government to establish effective agencies,
whether for the regulating of building codes in the construction
industry, or the payment of wages in by garments manufacturers
is responsible for the death or injury of thousands of workers.
A Survey conducted by his Foundation revealed that at least
1768 workers were killed and 1782 workers were injured in
Bangladeshi workplaces in 2007, with the highest tolls occurring
in the garment, transport and construction sectors.
The ability of trade unions to protect their members was
further hampered, he said, by State Emergency laws promulgated
in January of 2007 that had the effect of severely restricting
their regular functions, as well as the tripartite dialogue
and bargaining that takes place among the employers, workers
and government.
On the other hand, the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation
Administration Board continues to provide a positive influence,
as does continuing efforts by the government to organise
tripartite dialogue on industrial unrest and to improve
compliance status in the garment industries of Bangladesh.
Chowdhury called on the government to take more initiatives
to ensure the proper application of the existing labour
laws as well as effective implementation of the ILO's core
conventions to build suitable and decent workplaces throughout
the country.
OSHE is a specialized labour foundation established in
2003 by the national trade union movement of Bangladesh
to collectively work on development issues related to the
Human Rights of Workers, Decent Work and Sustainable Development
at workplaces and at the national level.
Contact A.R.
Chowdhury REPON
Source: ITUC
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Bermuda
|
Bermudans
bring light to 28 April commemoration
Discussions are underway in the Bermuda
Industrial Union to once again commemorate April 28 as International
Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD).
As in previous years, members of the
public will be asked to turn on their vehicle lights on
the way to work in the morning. As well, they will be asked
to light a candle during the lunch period in remembrance
of the Dead and Injured workers.
The trade union backgrounder
[pdf] for 28 April 2008 said it was up to trade unions in
each country or sector to decide on the focus and scope
of their activities for this year’s IWMD. In the past,
some unions have marked the day with a simple candle or
incense-lighting ceremony, in conjunction with a brief programme
of speeches, and a moment of silence, broken by a poem or
some music. Whatever ceremonies or events are chosen, they
usually reflect the overall themes of 28 April, normally
beginning by commemorating the dead, sick and injured workers
in some fashion, and ending with a message of hope for life
and the living.
Discussion are underway to coordinate 28 April activities
with the Occupation Health and Safety Department of the
Government of Bermuda. 28 April is formally recognized by
the Bermuda Islands which are a British overseas territory
in the North Atlantic Ocean, located off the east coast
of the United States.
Although commonly referred to in the singular, the territory
consists of approximately 138 islands, with a total area
of 53.3 km² (20.6 sq. mi.).
Contact Graham
Nesbitt
Source: ITUC
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Brazil
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Brazil:
Month-Long Focus On Prevention & Workplace OHSE
Brazilian unions and the ‘Public Services for Workers´
Health’ in the São Paulo State kicked off a
wide range of activities last Wednesday 23 April that will
extend to the 28th and then spill-over to May Day and beyond,
to culminate into a "Month of Workers´Health".
São Paulo State is the most industrialised region
of the country, with 33 million inhabitants. Brazil also
harbors a high workplace accident fatality rate and is a
world player in the production and trade of asbestos.
A full twelve page summary of activities highlights a wide
diversity of cultural, educational and political events
that aim to raise awareness, provide information and encourage
discussion and public debate about occupational health and
safety.
Cultural stages, television and radio stations, amphitheatres,
educational institutions and political forums are the medium
of a very extensive public broadcasting of information that
will reach millions.
Many events involve representatives from the main trade
union and employer organisations of the country, along with
‘Fundacentro’ - the national tripartite institute
on OHSE- and the Public Centres on Workers´Health.
Brazil is one of 19 countries or territories that have adopted
28 April as a national observance day. Since 1998 trade
unions in the country have staged demonstrations, and commemoration
candle ceremonies, features that are still strong characteristics
of the 2008 programme of events.
Very extensive activities are expected in other regions
of the country and these will be reported in the final version
of the Workers' Memorial Day summary of events, indicated
below.
Contact Nilton
Freitas from the Workers´Chemical Union from ABC
Region – CUT
Source: ITUC
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Cambodia
|
Cambodian
activities
An number of activities are being held
to commemorate International Workes' Day 2008.
Cambodia Workshop and Commemorative
Ceremony organized by the ILO Sub-regional Office (SRO)
Bangkok Government officials (including directors), workers
and employers will attend the workshop and ceremony. ILO
SRO Bangkok Website .
Public Awareness Activities organized by the Ministry
of Labour and Vocational Traning (MoLVT) In celebration
of this year's World Day for Safety and Health at Work,
the MoLVT is adopting the national theme, "All Together
to Reduce Accidents at Work." It will produce several
flags printed with this theme and tie them up on tuk-tuks
and rickshaws to raise public awareness of World Day. Additionally,
the MoLVT will hang 20 banners over the main streets of
Phnom Penh to promote occupational safety and health. Lastly,
the ILO poster for World Day will be translated into Khmer
and redesigned specifically for Cambodia.
Celebration organised by the Ministry of Labour and
Vocational Training (MoLVT) The Better Factory Cambodia
(BFC) will finance the printing of over 80 posters to support
the celebration, which will take place at the Department
of Health (DOH).
Source: ITUC
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Cameroon
|
Cameroon
unions deliver 28 April AIDS message to Japanese embassy
CSAC/FSES: The ‘Confédération
des Syndicats Autonome du Cameroun’ and the ‘Fédération
des Syndicats des Employés de la Santé’
will organise a rally in the capital city Yaoundé
to deliver a letter from Cameroon trade unions to the Japanese
Embassy about the need for the G8 to establish better accountability
about their promises regarding public health and HIV/AIDS.
The Government of Japan will be hosting
the G8 Summit this July in Hokkaido-Toyako, when public
health and African development will be discussed, along
with other themes.
Contact Jean-Marie
NDI
Source: ITUC
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Canada
|
Calgary
& District Labour Council (CDLC)
On 28 April 2008, the Calgary and
District Labour Council (CDLC) will once again drawing attention
to the human cost of Alberta’s economic boom by organising
a ‘Death March’ in Calgary, the capital of the
province of Alberta. The march will begin at their Workers’
Compensation Board and end in a wreath-laying ceremony in
front of their City Hall.
According to CDLC General Secretary Gordon Christie, the
Province of Alberta continues to lead Canada in economic
growth thanks to an uncontrolled exploitation of its energy
reserves, particularly the Tar Sands deposits in the North-East
corner of the Province. Oil shale sands are a long recognised
and potent carcinogen. The governments of both Alberta and
Canada have been widely criticised by the international
community for unsustainable growth which is damaging the
northern boreal forest environment, causing huge greenhouse
gas emissions, and exacting a high cost in human lives and
welfare.
Each year, over 100 workers die from accidents at work
in Alberta alone, with hundreds more injured. Thousands
die from diseases caused by toxic substances at work. The
Calgary and District Labour Council is inviting participants
to bring banners and wreaths to the March, which will proceed
to a Workers’ Memorial in Edwards Place Park near
the City Hall.
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called
to all affiliates to organise activities leading up to and
on 28 April.
The CDLC is the first union body to report its 28 April
plans in Canada, where activities are usually quite extensive.
Canada adopted the “Day of Mourning” Bill
C-223 in 1989 Historically, Workers' Memorial Day is
rooted in the Canadian labour movement, whose actions led
to the first national recognition of 28 April by any government
as Canada adopted the “Day of Mourning” Bill
C-223 in 1989. In that same year, the AFL-CIO in the United
States also adopted 28 April as the national day for workers
in that country to observe.
28 April is more than a ‘memorial’ day to remember
victims of the past. It also draws attention to the living
who continue to be exposed to risk of injury or death, and
thus serves to symbolically transform sentiments of mourning,
loss and suffering into positive action for dialogue and
change. For this reason, 28 April is forward-looking, a
day for action, as well as for mourning.
In this way, 28 April connects with the spirit of May Day.
Trade unions are therefore encouraged to link their activities
to May 1st themes wherever possible, as the right of all
workers to form trade unions and bargain collectively with
employers is crucial to securing safe workplaces. These
rights are under attack in many countries. 144 trade unionists
were murdered for defending workers’ rights in 2006,
while more than 800 were subjected to violent assaults and
some 5,000 arrested, according to the ITUC’s Annual
Survey of Trade Union Rights Violations. Thousands more
were sacked for trade union involvement, and almost 1,700
detained.
The theme for 2008 is “Good Occupational Health for
All Workers”, and this year’s 28 April Backgrounder
can be found in English [pdf]
Contact Gordon
Christie
Source: ITUC
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Croatia
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Croatian
Unions Make Ambitious Plans for 28 April
The Union of Autonomous Trade Unions
of Croatia (UATUC) is planning a number of activities to
prepare for and observe International Workers' Memorial
Day.
Meetings of experts for trade union
and employer organisations will take place on Wednesday
23 April in three regions of the country to discuss the
possibility of a new agreement on prevention of stress at
workplace, the state of occupational health and safety and
possible solutions. As well, during that week, the focus
will be on specific changes in construction industry, agriculture,
food and tobacco industry, chemistry and non-metal industries,
with awards to people best promoting those activities.
The UATUC will hold a press conference to announce events
for 28 April itself and the president, A. Kneevic,
will discuss the issue of “Safe and Healthy Work for
All – Employers` Responsibility” with representatives
of government, employer organizations, trade unions, the
Economic and Social Council, the National Council for Occupational
Health and Safety, and others involved in occupational health
and safety.
On Monday 28 April, beginning at 11:00 AM, official ceremonies
in the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship
will bring together some 600 representatives including presidents
of UATUC affiliated trade unions and the UATUC Occupational
Safety and Health.Committee. Following introductions by
Ante Vucic, President of the National Council for Occupational
Health and Safety and the Secretary of the Ministry of Economy,
Labour and Entrepreneurship, presentations on 28 April themes
will be made by the President of the Economic and Social
Council, employer and trade union organizations, occupational
medicine practitioners, and a Member of the National Council
for Occupational Health and Safety. A Reception will follow.
Contact Dijana
Šobota - SSSH
Source: ITUC
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Czech
Republic
|
Commemorative
Seminar Planned for Workers' Memorial Day
Czech - Moravian Confederation of
Trade Unions (CMKOS) will organise a seminar on “Healthy
and Safe Workplace for All“, along with a candle ceremony
to highlight the International Workers' Memorial Day.
The eevnts will take place in the CMKOS
headquarters with health and safety experts of affiliated
unions from all regions of the country, along with representatives
from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and with
other national institutions
The Czech Republic has ratified several key ILO OHS Conventions.
Contact Miroslav
Kosina
Further information: www.cmkos.cz
Sources: ITUC
and Hazards
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Denmark
|
Danish
Unions Adopt 28 Slogan: “Safe & Healthy Work for
All"
"Safe and healthy work for all" will be the 28
April slogan for the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions
(LO-Denmark) and the Confederation of Salaried Employees
and Civil Servants in Denmark (FTF) to organise this year’s
International Workers' Memorial Day activities.
Danish trade unions will light torches outside their offices
to honour the memory of those workers – Danish and
foreign – who are killed every year from poor health
& safety standards. Many conferences, meetings and other
activities are also planned for throughout the country.
The trade union organisations agree there is still a lot
to be done to secure a safe and healthy working environment
in Denmark but they will also focus on global development,
warning that worker rights are under pressure and that ‘solidarity
across borders’ is the only answer.
LO and FTF will focus on the following themes:
- * The high rate of industrial accidents among young
workers and newly employed;
- Stress, violence, threats and other psycho social risks
are increasing;
- Actions against accidents, psycho social risks, MSD
and noise at the workplace;
- Cancer caused by asbestos at the workplace- and
other chemical risks;
- Immigrants’ health & safety at work;
- A good working environment management for sound health
& safety standards;
- Improvements to health & safety standards and enforcement
- Global health & safety at work and Danish development
aid.
They have also decided to engage in the following for 28
April:
- Preparation of posters and a logo for the event.
- Distribution of posters, flyers and other information
material.
- Hosting of foreign guests from health & safety
projects (partly funded by the LO/FTF Council) to participate
in 28 April.
- Safe and healthy work will be a theme in connection
with the 1 May activities.
- Press releases and documentation about the negative
consequences of a poor working environment.
The Danish 28 April logo, materials, etc. are available
on the web
LO contact Mr.
Poul Schoening
FTF contact Ms.
Signe Kofoed
Source: ITUC
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Ethiopia
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Ethiopian
unions plan tripartite Workers' Memorial Day Commemoration
For the fourth consecutive year the Confederation of Ethiopian
Trade Unions (CETU) will observe 28 April by organising
a number of events at the national level in collaboration
with its tripartite social partners and the International
Labour Organisation (ILO).
This year’s ILO “World Day for Safety and Health
at Work” will be commemorated in Ethiopia under the
theme of ''My life, my work my safe work: Managing risk
in the work environment”. Tripartite events will take
place in Addis Adabba involving the Ethiopian Horticulture
Producer and Exporters Association (EHPEA), the Ministry
of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA), the the Ethiopian
Employers Federation (EEF) and the Confederation of Ethiopian
Trade Unions (CETU).
The purpose of these events will be to sensitise government,
employers, workers, civil society, non-governmental organisations,
other advocacy groups and the citizenry at large to the
need for a critical assessment of the safety situation of
the country’s workplaces and to encourage them to
work towards an improvement of the situation.
CETU is undertaking extensive promotional activities to
get desired media coverage, amongst which will be the production
and distribution of promotional materials about the Day
and the need for improved occupational health and safety
in Ethiopia.
Entertainment activities will include drama portraying
occupational health and safety themes, as well as songs
and poems composed and performed by students. As well, the
Confederation will sponsor an OHS-based question-and-answer
competition and speeches during its commemoration ceremony.
As this is a national commemoration day, a wide range of
representation will be invited and expected to attend the
event, including high-level government officials at the
rank of ministers, commissioners, directors, civil society
and representatives of the local community.
The CETU is the major national centre in Ethiopia created
by the affiliation of the nine industrial federations. It
was originally affiliated with the World Federation of Trade
Unions prior to their merger with the ICFTU in 2006 to form
the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Contact Demis
Wondaferew
Source: ITUC
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France
|
French
construction unions kick off Workers' Memorial Day campaign
to boost accident and injury reporting
The ‘Fédération Nationale des Salariérs
de la Construction CGT” in France has kicked off a
wide-sweeping Workers' Memorial Day (WMD) campaign, “Refuse
to be a Victim” and has initiated a petition for union
members to identify inadequately reported workplace injury
and illness.
A special and detailed publication has been produced and
distributed country-wide for the campaign, highlighting
the dubious efforts by employers to conceal the real picture
and appealing to workers to sign a petition and Declaration
as a testimony to the full scope of the problem in France.
A letter has been issued to all affiliates of the country
inviting them to stage a WMD event, news conference or rally
at the headquarters of employers. The communication says
the union’s undertaking for 28 April, “is a
step toward demanding at all levels that nothing be allowed
to supass the life and safety of workers, especially financial
interests”.
Contact CGT
Construction Guy Juquel
Web: http://www.construction.cgt.fr/
Source: ITUC
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Hungary
|
Hungarian
unions inaugurate monument and launch Occupational Health
and Safety Campaign
The National Confederation of Hungarian Trade Unions (MSzOSz)
will observe 28 April International Workers' Memorial Day
by organising a major conference on the subject of "Safe
and healthy work for all".
Approximately 150 employers, workers, safety representatives,
leading policy makers of MSZOSZ and affiliates, and officials
such as the Chairmen of the Hungarian Labour Inspectorate
and the National Institute of Health and Safety are expected
to attend.
A commemorative candle will be lit during the proceedings
by MSZOSZ president P. Pataky.
Participants will address a number of issues including
the:
- challenges of OHS facing the various parties involved
labour safety and protection;
- state of occupational health and the prevention of
occupational diseases;
- tasks of employers and trade unions and avenues to
cooperation for improved working conditions and quality
of workplaces;
- promotion of OHS through European channels (ETUI-REHS,
Bilbao agency, etc.); and
- strengthening of tripartite cooperation in the OHS
field.
Considerable media and public attention are expected. The
event will also serve to launch a national campaign to raise
awareness and collect funds for a Memorial Statute to the
Dead and Injured at Work which will be erected in central
Budapest.
Contact György
Károly
Source: ITUC
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|
Jamaica
|
Workers'
Memorial Day activities in Jamaica
The Jamaican Ministry of Labour and Social Security and
the University of the West Indies will both hold activities
to mark International Workers' Memorial Day.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security will commemorate
workers killed in occupational accidents through a one-page
newspaper feature.
The Voluntary Compliance Programmes (VCP) Awards Ceremony
Organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
The 22 companies enrolled in the Voluntary Compliance Programmes
(VCP) will be assessed and presented with certificate awards
for various categories of achievement. Approximately 80
people will attend the ceremony.
Newspaper Feature organized by the Ministry of Labour and
Social Security. The message of Pearnel Charles, Minister
of Labour and Social Security, will be released to the media
via general broadcast.
Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social
Security. A mounted exhibition on safety and health at work
will take place at the Head Office. The exhibition will
include relevant banners and brochures.
Exhibition The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona
Campus, will hold an exhibition on the 28th of April (10
a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at UWI Undercroft in order to raise awareness
of occupational safety and health risks and methods of risk
management. Key participants will include private sector
sponsors and students.
Symposium The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona
Campus, will hold a symposium on the 28th of April (5:30
p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)at the Chemistry Lecture Theater to discuss
contemporary occupational safety and health issues in the
local and international arena. Key participants will include:
Dr. Benjamin Alli (Technical Cooperation and Advisory Services
Co-ordinator for the ILO HIV/AIDS Global Programme), Miss.
Kofi-Ann Spence (First Graduate of the MSc OESH Programme
Co-ordinator), Mr. Norbert Campbell (Pioneering OESH Programme
Co-ordinator) and Prof. Ishenkumba Kahwa (OESH Programme
Director).
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to 28 April activities page |
India
|
Indian
trade unions mark Workers' Memorial Day
Indian trade unions will mark International Workers' Memorial
Day in number of ways including a letter writing campaign,
visits and training sessions.
In India the Tamil Maanila Kattida Thozhilalar Sangam (TCWF
- Tamil Nadu State Construction Workers' Union) has launched
a letter-writing campaign to draw the attention of the national
government and the media to the need for an asbestos ban.
On 28 April, they will visit the Cancer Institute at Chennai
with the Indian National Rural Labour Federation, Tamil
Nadu (INRLF) and will also organize worksite meetings at
seven different locations to create awareness among workers
on OHS issues locations throughout Tamil Nadu State. This
will include a candle lighting and commemoration ceremony.
(*includes seven unions from Tamil Nadu state of India).
Elsewhere in India, the Kerala Kettida Nirmana Thozhilali
Congress (KKNTC - Kerala Building Construction Workers'
Congress) will organize a one-day OHS training for workers
group leaders (Gang leaders-mukhadim). The Bandhkam Majoor
Sanghathan (BMS - Construction Workers' Union, Gujarat)
is organizing a candle-lighting protest at a prominent worksite
to involve social activists and media.
Source: ITUC
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India
|
People's
Training and Resource Centre
Report
and Pictures
Dear All,
We organised Seminar on Problems on compensation claims
for Occupational Diseases on 28 April being Intl. Workers
Memorial Day. Secretary, Labour and Employment was Chief
Guest. He was accompanied by the officers from departments
of Ind. Safety and Health from Baroda, Anand and Panchmahal
districts (areas affected by Silicosis) and Labour department.
Silicosis victims from Zalod (Stone crushing unit workers)
and Khambhat ( Agate workers), Asbestos victims and representatives
of voluntary organisations attended the program.
Officers of ESI ( Social security) and Industry rep. were
also there. Jagdish Patel, Raghunath Manvar and victims
presented the problems at various levels. Several suggestions
came up.
Secretary assured to look into the problems. ESI officers
also gave assurance. There is some hope now for compensation
for stone crushing unit workers.
In the evening victims joined protests. They demanded ratification
of ILO Resolution 155 to provide legal protection for H
& S for workers in all economic sectors a well as speedy
compensation to the victims.
Jagdish Patel
Peoples Training & Research Centre
43,Srinathdham Duplex,
Dinesh Mill -Urmi Road,
BARODA - 390007
Ph:+91-265-2345576
Cell:+91-9426486855
Contact Jagdish
Patel • PTRC
homepage
Source: Hazards
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Indonesia
|
F-KUI
In Indonesia, the Federation of Construction, Informal
and General Workers (F-KUI) will launch a Ban Asbestos Campaign
from the F-KUI Branch of Pekanbaru – Riau, Indonesia
on 28 April.
This will be followed on May 1st (May Day) by a mass rally
in Bogor-West Java that is expected to attract thousands
of F-KUI members under the banner ‘10 years Fighting
for Freedom of Association and Freedom from Asbestos in
Indonesia’. The F-KUI will create and disseminate
t-shirts, brochures and other campaign materials to raise
awareness amongst the media, FKUI members and other workers
regarding the dangers of asbestos.
Contact Fiona
Murie
Source: ITUC
and Hazards
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|
Kosovo
|
Women
trade unionist of Kosovo make OHS a priority
The Trade Union Women’s Network
of Kosovo (RRGSK, Rrjeti i Gruas Sindikaliste të Kosovës)
is organising a Press Conference in addition to a number
of other activities in observance of International Workers'
Memorial Day..
The RRGSK has adopted the international
theme, Good Occupational Health for All Workers, to guide
their call for better health protection for all the workers
and better work conditions and security at workplace. In
proclaiming the International Workers' Memorial Day, they
will pay tribute all the workplace victims, those who have
died in the workplace
The Network will ask the Kosovo Government to ratify all
the International and EU Conventions with regard to workers
rights, health and safety and working conditions, particularly
with respect to such ILO Conventions as C187, Promotional
Framework for Occupational Safety and Health.
On 25 April 2008, the RRGSK President will meet with the
leadership of the Kosovo Independent Union (BPSK) to discuss
possible activities that would provide better information
to the workers in Kosovo.
The Press conference will be held on 28th of April in the
Grand Hotel in Pristina at 13:00 Hours, at which time the
Network will formally request that the Kosovo Government
and its Ministries of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social
Welfare fulfill their promises for improving condition for
workers, including health and social security at workplace.
28 April activities will be complemented by additional
activities on May 1, as the BSPK plans to organise a large
protest on the occasion of International Workers Memorial
Day.
Contact Mejreme
Shema
Source: ITUC
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|
Latvia
|
Latvian
unions host conference on safety laws and regulations
The Free Trade Union Confederation of
Latvia (LBAS, Latvijas Brivo arodbiedribu savieniba) is
organising a special conference on 28 April to observe International
Workers' Memorial Day.
Trade union leaders and health and
safety officers from all branch organisations will join
representatives from employers’ organisations and
state institutions to highlight good health and safety practice
examples, as well as to measure the strengths and weaknesses
of occupational health standards and enforcement mechanisms
in Latvia.
Participants will call on responsible state institutions
to strengthen requirements for employers concerning application
of safety laws and regulations in companies and enterprises.
The employers will be asked to ensure safe work conditions
for employees and to implement appropriate safety standards,
to ensure workers participation in development of safety
system at the work place level.
The conference will commence with a moment of silence to
commemorate the 58 workers who died and 1530 who were injured
during 2007, as well as the 14 who have already died and
70 already injured in the first few months of 2008.
Contact Ariadna
Abeltina
Source: ITUC
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|
Lithuania
|
Lithuanian
unions deal with fears of non-compliance
Trade unionists in Lithuania are making
plans to observe 28 April International Workers‘ Memorial
Day amidst reports that the number of fatal and serious
accidents at work in their country is increasing.
The State Labour inspectorate together
with the Lithuanian Trade Union (LPS, Lietuvos Profesiné
Sajunga ‘Solidarumas’), as well as other social
partners, are organising a Conference on 28 April in order
to commemorate those who died at work, and to discuss the
problems with workplace safety that have been identified.
This follows a letter that the Head of the State Labour
Inspectorate of Lithuania recently sent to over 20 thousand
heads of enterprises in the most dangerous sectors of the
economy, drawing attention to the fact that Lithuania has
one of the highest rates of workplace deaths in Europe.
The letter concludes that heads of the enterprises and
other responsible persons are not observing the obligatory
requirements of labour safety law. In fact, the letter says,
at many enterprises there is no system to ensure that the
managers are properly addressing dangers and threats. Measures
to remove these dangers must be implemented.
Enterprise Heads are reminded that in 2007, the Inspectorate
undertook aggressive research to identify causes of workplace
accidents that were under investigation, together with a
more thorough analysis of accident statistics in all units
of these enterprises during the last five years. Preventive
measures are being assessed according to provisions of the
Administrative Code, listing the aggravating conditions
and assessing the adequacy of existing fines, which range
up to 5,000 litas.
Heads of the enterprises must confirm their commitment
to the value of a worker’s life and health, the letter
says. They must demand that their works managers and other
persons related to labour safety and health fulfill their
duties with due responsibility in order to avoid death or
trauma to workers.
Contact Kristina
Krupaviciene
Source: ITUC
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|
Malaysia
|
Malaysian
activites
A number of different activities are being
organised for International Workers' Memorial Day.
Malaysia Radio Interview organised
by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Malaysia The NIOSH Chairman will conduct an
interview with a local radio station (frequency 90.3) on
the 25th of April (11:15 a.m.) regarding World Occupational
Safety and Health Day. National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia
Occupational Safety and Health Walkathon organised
by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health,
Department of Occupational Safety and Health, PERKESO (social
security organization), and National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia. The walkathon will take
place on Sunday, the 27th of April (7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).
Ceremony Brochure and Form - [pdf]
Commemoration Ceremony organized by the National
Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Department of
Occupational Safety and Health, PERKESO (social security
organization), and National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia. The commemoration ceremony
at Putrajaya will take place on Monday, the 28th of April
(8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Walkathon Brochure and Form [pdf]
Awareness Raising Activity organised by the National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia
and Bandar Baru Bangi. The activity will take place on Monday,
the 28th of April (1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Activity Brochure
and Form. [pdf]
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page
|
Malaysia
|
Malaysian
unions pause for reflection on 28 April
The Malaysian Trade Union Congress
(MTUC) will organise a half day of ' Reflexion and Inputs',
aimed at awareness raising about workers and the daily risks
they face at work.
MTUC says that it will place more emphasis
on HIV/AIDS this year and will renew efforts to promote
decent work.
MTUC contends that the safety and health standards at most
workplaces in the country are below acceptable levels despite
its government’s efforts to improve working conditions.
It attributes this to lack of commitment and awareness on
issues of occupational safety and health.
In 2004 the Deputy Prime Minister of the country said the
common goal for employers, employees and union members should
be to achieve a zero-accident target. Malaysia is major
importer of asbestos.
Malaysia consists of thirteen states and three federal
territories in Southeast Asia The capital city is Kuala
Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government.
The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular
Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo — by the South Sea.
Contact P Buldee
Source: ITUC
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|
Malta
|
Maltese
Unions host 28 April ceremonies and educational events
As in previous years, the General Workers' Union of Malta
(GWU) will be organising a number of activities to observe
International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD). Preparations
will include visits to the Minister of Labour, the Acting
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and the Archbishop
of Malta.
Amongst other issues, they will suggest
to the Government that flags be flown at half-mast on (IWMD)
on all its ministerial buildings, and ask the Archbishop
to recommend that some form of observance take place in
all the country’s churches.
On 28 April, the GWU will hold a religious ceremony at
its headquarters in Valletta, to be followed by a seminar
for health and safety representatives under the theme of
‘Noise Risk Assessment’. This seminar will be
continued the next day for union officials, human resources
managers and representatives from the employer’s side.
Contact:
Salv
Sammut
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page
|
Moldova
|
Unions
in Moldova convene 28 April assembly
The National Trade Union Confederation
of Moldova (CNSM) is planning a candle lighting ceremony
that will take place in the CNSM headquarters to commemorate
the loss of life and illness due to accidents and unsafe
workplaces.
The event will bring together some
400 persons from all regions of the country representing
the sectoral federations within the Confederation. Joining
them will be representatives from the Labour Inspectorate.
CNSM President, Mr. Leonid Manea, will deliver a speech
on this occasion outlining the international and national
priorities established by trade unions under the 2008 theme,
“Good Occupational Health for All Workers”.
The Women’s Organisation within the Confederation
have already carried out a round table on the subject of
women’s health protection in the workplace.
CNSM is biggest branch federations, bringing together:
the trade union “Sanatatea” (health workers),
National Federation of Trade Unions of Food and Agriculture
of Moldova “Agroindsind”, Building Trade Union
Federation “SINDICONS” .
Global Union Federations, envisage meetings, round tables,
seminars on HIV/AIDS and labour accident prevention.
Contact: Nina
Zghibarta
Source: ITUC
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|
New
Zealand
|
Services
and rallies are the ingredients for New Zealand 28 April
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
(NZCTU) has already planned 28 April activities in four
communities to draw attention to the plight of hundreds
of New Zealand workers who still die every year as a result
of their work and reinvigorate the fight for rights of the
living.
A marker placed on the NZCTU website
directs members to a Workers'
Memorial Day page to keep them updated about additional
events that will be organized nationally and regionally
in New Zealand.
Like many other national centres, the NZCTU has adopted
the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) priority
for 28 April, which is "Good Occupational Health for
All Workers".
NZCTU members are reminded that the workplace can present
a hostile environment towards a worker’s health and
safety, and that there can never be enough laws and safeguards
protecting workers’ health and safety. The fight to
strengthen those laws, the bulletin says, must continue.
Some local centres have already informed the NZCTU of events
in their areas, and these are posted on the site. Other
events will be added as they are organised. Posted events
include:
Hamilton Monday 28th April
2 pm Unions Waikato will host a commemmoration for fallen
workers at the American Garden, down at the Hamilton Gardens
(off Cobham Drive) A special tribute will be made to the
memory of a RMTU member recently killed.
Tauranga/Mt Maunganui Saturday 3rd May
11am at RMTU and MUNZ will host a service commemorating
fallen workers at The Seafarers Centre, Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui
Palmerston North Monday 28 April
12:15 – 12:45pm Unions Manawatu have organised an
event on the Corner of The Square and Coleman Mall
Meet the 99 year old retired bank worker who was involved
in an armed robbery in August 1933 and hear about workers’
health and safety in the Depression years. All Union Members
and supporters are invited.
Wellington Monday 28th April
8am Rally on the waterfront near Te Papa and Circa Theatre
Speakers: Ross Wilson ACC Chair, Carol Beaumont NZCTU Secretary
Hutt Valley Monday 28th April
12 Midday RMTU will host a service commemorating fallen
workers at Hutt Valley Workshops Elizabeth St, Moera Speaker:
CTU President, Helen Kelly
Christchurch Monday 28th April
11.30 – 12.30
Science Alive Park
Behind Hoyts 9 Theatre
Moorhouse Ave
Opening Prayer: Richard Tankerlsey
MC: Karena Brown
Guest Speakers:Darien Fenton - MP,Ged O’Connell -
EPMU, Jani Yohanson - Christchurch City Councillor
Click here to download a flyer for the Christchurch event
(PDF
doc 80 kb)
Contact Renee
Habluetzel
Sources: ITUC
and Hazards
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|
Niger
|
Unions
in Niger plan seminars and public awareness for 28 April
The 'Confédération Nigérienne
du Travail’ (Nigerien Confederation of Labour, CNT)
is organising a number of activities for Workers' Memorial
Day in the Republic Niger.
The CNT is holding a workers’
assembly under the international 28 April theme for 2008,
"Good occupational health for all workers" to
discuss occupational health and safety, during which a moment
of silence will be observed
In addition, it is organizing two seminars that will focus
on health and safety issues in Niger’s informal economic
sector; one for the public and one for the country’s
private and mixed sectors. To draw attention to the 28 April
themes, messages will be broadcast on the country’s
TV and radio stations, and a special Confédération
publication will be prepared for distribution on May Day.
Contact Sako
Mamadou
Source: ITUC
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|
Pakistan
|
Pakistan
Workers’ Federation
The Pakistan Workers’ Federation is the first national
centre to report on its activities for Internatinal Workers'
Memorial Day 2008.
General Secretary Khurshid Ahmed has announced ambitious
plans that include conferences in major cities across Pakistan,
to which government and employers' representatives will
be invited, as well as ILO representatives. In addition,
he has promised to publish the 28 April 2008 Backgrounder
and reports of 28 April activities in their local language
for wider dissemination.
In his announcement, Ahmed noted that, although Pakistan
is the sixth largest country in the world in terms of its
labour force, numerous occupational health and safety problems
exist because of weak safety culture, a lack of training,
and inadequate labour inspection. In the electrical sector,
for instance, more than 200 workers die every year due to
fatal accidents and far more become disabled due to non-fatal
accidents at the workplace.
The PWF is responding with an extensive Workers Education
and Training Programme, publication of safety and health
material and posters for creating awareness on safety and
health and promotion, as well as pressing the Government
for enforcement of safety laws and more education for workers
and management. The Federation and its affiliated trade
unions are also pressing for a comprehensive labour inspection
and labour protection machinery in manufacturing industries,
services and agriculture, to include ratification of ILO
Conventions, particularly Convention No.155 on Safety and
Health.
Although Pakistan has a Social Security Scheme for prevention
of accidents and occupational diseases and provision of
medical facilities, says Ahmed, the PWF is lobbying policy
makers to allocate more resources for prevention of occupational
diseases and accidents by creating awareness on safety and
health both for management and developing adequate facilities
for welfare of the workers in case of accident.
Source: ITUC
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Palestine
|
Palestine
Unions in Palestine commemorate 28 April in every district
On 28 April the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions
(PGFTU) is planning one central activity in Nablus, which
will be duplicated in all districts of the country as numerous
commemorations to dead and injured workers.
In addition the PGFTU will produce analyses of number of
worksite accidents in the country, number of dead and injured
people, compared to similar incidents all over the world.
They will produce materials to highlight the importance
of securing health and safety measures in all worksites
and of the importance of forming a national committee; engaging
in legal activities and in organisng, training and the education
of workers.
Contact Ghada
Abu Ghalyoon
Further information: www.pgftu.org
• In
Arabic
UPDATE - Shown below is a
picture of the PGFTU General Secretary Shaher Saeed adressing
a Workers' Memorial Day meeting in Nablus on 28 April 2008.
The Nablus mayor and Government delegates were in attendance
as well as international delegates from from Belgium, Italy
and Hungary.
Source: Hazards Magazine
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to 28 April activities page |
Philippines
|
Philippines
unions press for action on asbestos and occupational health
Forums, working groups, ceremonies
and press conferences are to be held across the Philippines.
In the Philippines, the Associated Labor Unions (ALU) is
cooperating with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
(TUCP) to organise a joint candle lighting ceremony and
forum on Asbestos. They will issue a Declaration in support
of a Senate Bill to ban asbestos and will form a Technical
Working Group to oversee progress on this issue.
In addition, the National Union of Building and Construction
Workers (NUBCW) is planning activities (including all NUBCW
chapters) that will begin with a press conference in Subic
on 27 April to publicise the Hanjin campaign for good occupational
health & safety. This will be followed by a dialogue
with legislators in Subic, and a mass mobilisation proceeding
from the Quezon City Hall to the OHS Center in the Quezon
City Chapter Chapter assembly to raise public awareness
and support for victims of works accidents in Hanjin Shipyard
building sites in Subic.
Contact Fiona
Murie
Source: ITUC
and Hazards
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|
Philippines
|
Unions
in Philippines kick off asbestos campaign
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) will
join the Associated Labour Unions (ALU-TUCP), and the Building
Woodworkers International (BWI) to observe International
Workers'Memorial Day.
The Commemoration in front of the Labour Centre in Manila
will begin with the unveiling of a huge mural depicting
the “Ban Asbestos Now!” Campaign, followed by
speeches providing the rationale for the campaign and the
ICD itself, as well as messages from the TUCP, ALU and BWI.
Hundreds of trade union and OSH activists will then light
candles and offer a minute of prayerful silence, after which
they will display their commitment to the Campaign by placing
palm marks on the Ban Asbestos mural
The occasion will launch a country-wide campaign to Ban
Asbestos that will focus on policy advocacy to urge legislators
to adopt a policy that would put a stop to the import and
use of asbestos in the Philippines. Advocacy will be undertaken
at various levels; at the plant level, the Bureau of Working
Conditions of the Department of Labour and Employment (BWC-DOLE),
the House of Representative and Senate, and the Executive
Branch of government.
It will be supported by OHS education and training for
workers using the Participation-Oriented Safety Improvements
by Trade Union Initiative (POSITIVE) Approach for improving
working conditions and full compliance to OSH and other
labour standards. As well, the media will be engaged to
publicise the need for insurance coverage for asbestos-related
illnesses and deaths and to support collective bargaining
for the elimination of asbestos at the workplace and compensation
for victims.
The Commemoration will be followed by a 3-hour policy forum
to discuss pending bills, particularly Senate Bill 741 “An
Act Banning the Importation, Manufacture, and Processing
or Distribution in Commerce of Asbestos Containing Products”
that will be presented to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago,
who will be one of the the main resource speakers.
Parallel discussions will focus on a Labour Standards Enforcement
Framework (LSEF) and HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control
at the Workplace. There will also be a focus group discussion
on banning asbestos with participants from government, academia
and other trade union federations not affiliated with the
TUCP and BWI.
Contact Fiona
Murie
Source: ITUC
and Hazards
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to 28 April activities page |
Rwanda
|
Rwanda
unions target workplace OHS for Workers' Memorial Day
For 28 April, ‘La Centrale des
Syndicats des Travailleurs du Rwanda (CESTRAR), along with
a national trade union counterpart from Belgium, ‘La
Fédération du Travail de Belgique (FGTB)’
and others, will host a national conference, «Safe
and Healthy Workplaces».
The conference will provide a general
overview of the laws and practice regarding the environmental
and OHS situation in the Rwanda, with a special emphasis
on available data about possible control measures.
A candle lighting ceremony will take place to commemorate
the loss of life and illness due to accidents and unsafe
workplaces.
The occupational health risks in the construction and tea
production sectors will be reviewed with a focus on lessons
learnt by trade unions in Belgium.
Conference participants will also discuss how to reduce
workplace accidents and HIV/AIDS.
Rwanda has a workplace accident rate, more than twice
that of China – making it one of the highest in the
world and 8.9 per cent of the adult population are HIV infected.
Trade unions from the private and public sectors throughout
the country will participate, as will representatives from
regional and international trade union bodies. Joining them
will be reprentatives from the Minister of Labour and the
Minister of Health, along with others from national institutions
and the ILO, WHO and non-governmental organisations, as
well as inspection authorities.
Contact Yolanda
Lamas or cestrar@rwanda1.com
Source: ITUC
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|
San
Marino
|
San
Marino unions join 28 April efforts The General Secretaries
of the ‘Confederazione Samarinese del Lavoro (CSdL)’
and ‘Confederazione Democratica Lavoratori Sammarinnesi
(CDLS)’ have announced that their union organisations
will be prioritising public awareness when they prepare
for 28 April International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD).
According to its CSDdL General Secretary Giovanni Ghiotti
and CDSL General Secretary Marco Beccari, they are preparing
public presentations intended to make citizens of San Marino
more aware of the serious problem of accidents and deaths
in working places, and of the need to ensure that workplaces
provide the highest standards of security and respect for
health.
Contact Lucy
Santolini
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page |
Senegal
|
Day-long
tripartite meeting organised in Sénégal for
28 April
A day-long tripartite meeting will be hosted by a body
that unites all the national trade union centres of Senegal,
the Intersyndicale Santé Sécurité et
Environnement au Sénégal, along with the country’s
social security authority, la Caisse de Sécurité
Sociale and the organisaton of employers.
Senegal is among the group of countries with the highest
workplace accident fatality rates in the world.
The meeting will take place in the Capital Dakar under
the theme, ‘Good Occupational Health For all Workers.
It will also focus on industrial risks and prevention.
the Republic of Senegal, is a country south of the Sénégal
River in western Africa. Senegal is bounded by the Atlantic
Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the
east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south.
Contact Elimane
DIOUF
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page |
Serbia
|
Serbian
unions intensify focus on occupational health and safety
and prevention
Serbian trade union members will observe 28 April International
Workers' Memorial Day in the Republic of Serbia by holding
a ceremony in which they will renew their commitment to
better health and safety for all the country’s workers.
Branislav Canak, President of TUC “Nezavisnost”
will deliver a tatement entitled “Safe & Healthy
Working Conditions for All Workers – Our Strategy
& our Goal” at a ceremony held in the capital
city, Novi Beograd, at a construction site where a worker
lost his life in March 2008.
In paying respect to the deceased worker, he will draw
attention to the poor level of occupational safety and health
in the country, and dedicate the union to working with government
agencies and organisations, as well as employers’
organisations, to provide for safe and healthy working conditions
in the Republic.
The statement says that TUC “Nezavisnost” will
respond to the rising number of fatal injuries by intensifying
efforts to protect workers’ life and health. Amongst
other measures, it will insist that work on the National
Strategy for Safety and Health at Work be completed
as soon as possible, that preventive measures are intensified
and rendered more strict, and that the Law on Safety and
Health at Work, as well as the National Policy that was
prepared with participation of all social partners be fully
implemented.
Following 28 April, TUC “Nezavisnost” will
pursue measures that include: shifting the focus in occupational
safety and health to preventive action; clearly identifying
rights, obligations and responsibilities of employees and
their representatives, employers and government authorities
at all levels; incorporating basic measures and standards
into the national safety and health policy and into concrete
instruments for practical implementation; promoting the
development of a safety and health culture at the workplace;
and providing protection to employees by minimsing hazards
and risks.
Contact Branislav
Canak
Source: ITUC
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South
Africa
|
South
African unions focus on safe work and managing risks
International Workers' Memorial Day events in South Africa
will take place nationally on 9 May under the auspices of
the Government’s Department of Labour and will involve
all economic sectors in Port Elizabeth and Eastern Cape,
the home of the motor manufacturing industry.
The theme of the event will be: ‘Managing Risk in
the Work Environment’ accompanied by: ‘My Life,
My Work, My Safe Work’ as a slogan.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is
expected to mobilize its constituency for the event and
speak on behalf of organised workers.
The construction, mining and manufacturing sectors are
bedevilled by frequent incidences of occupational fatalities
and injuries. The estimated fatalities due to occupational
accidents in South Africa are among the highest in the world
at 19 workers per 100 thousand. In addition about 20 per
cent of the adult population are HIV infected.
In a speech delivered last December Mr. Bheki Ntshalintshali,
the COSATU Deputy General Secretary said “we must
never forget those who lost their lives, both those struggling
for democracy and freedom and those who died, and continue
to die, in fatal accidents”. He said that almost daily,
families hear the news that a husband, a father, a brother
- a breadwinner - has been suddenly taken from them, as
a result of accidents, most of which could and should have
been prevented.
An average of 200 workers are killed every year. 199 died
in 2006, 202 in 2005, and in just the first seven months
of 2007, 122 workers had already been killed. “The
deaths are continuing almost daily, swelling the number
of families left destitute by the loss of their breadwinners
and loved ones”.
He said the position is even worse in the construction
sector, where Department of labour officials repeatedly
uncover breaches of the Health and Safety laws, when they
make their all too few inspections of building sites. The
result is a totally unacceptable level of accidents, many
of them fatal. “This carnage in the mines and on the
sites has to stop, and stop now!”
Contact Pelelo
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page |
South
Korea
|
South
Korean unions organising for International Workers' memorial
Day
Rallies are to held across South
Korea.
The Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions
(KFCITU) is organising a series of campaign events, including
a national OSH Tour and a National Workers’ Rally
on 28th April, International Workers' Memorial Day. Their
goal is to publicize unsafe and indecent working conditions
facing workers, to raise the awareness in the general public,
and to advocate for legislations and policies ensuring safe
and healthy working conditions for workers.
Contact Fiona
Murie
Source: ITUC
and Hazards
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to 28 April activities page |
Sweden
|
Swedish tradeunions plan nine Workers'Memorial Day Conferences
The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO Sweden) and its
affiliates have announced plans for a series of health and
safety conferences focused on the theme of risk analysis
in solitary work and workload to lead up to 28 April 2008
International Workers' Memorial Day..
According to Christina Järnstedt, trade union official,
health and safety for LO Sweden, the aim of these conferences
will be to increase knowledge among principal safety representatives
and regional safety representatives concerning risk analyses
for solitary work. The first of nine regional health and
safety conferences is scheduled for 11 April with the last
taking place on 28 April 2008.
Conferences will include presentations by the Swedish Work
Environment Authority, which on methods, legislation and
regulations it employs for risk analysis and solitary work.
These will be followed, in each conference, by sessions
in which the Social Democratic members of the Riksdag in
various counties will join safety representatives to give
their view of work environment policy and contribute their
experiences concerning what is needed for a sustainable
work environment policy.
There will also be a follow-up on fatal accidents that
have taken place in 2008, with discussions of what can be
done to further increase knowledge and risk assessment in
preventive health and safety work. In addition, the LO will
participate in the Swedish ILO Committee’s health
and safety conference which will focus on preventive health
and safety work in schools.
Contact Christina
Järnstedt
Source: ITUC
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New
Zealand
|
Services
and rallies are the ingredients for New Zealand 28 April
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
(NZCTU) has already planned 28 April activities in four
communities to draw attention to the plight of hundreds
of New Zealand workers who still die every year as a result
of their work and reinvigorate the fight for rights of the
living.
A marker placed on the NZCTU website
directs members to a Workers'
Memorial Day page to keep them updated about additional
events that will be organized nationally and regionally
in New Zealand.
Like many other national centres, the NZCTU has adopted
the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) priority
for 28 April, which is "Good Occupational Health for
All Workers".
NZCTU members are reminded that the workplace can present
a hostile environment towards a worker’s health and
safety, and that there can never be enough laws and safeguards
protecting workers’ health and safety. The fight to
strengthen those laws, the bulletin says, must continue.
Some local centres have already informed the NZCTU of events
in their areas, and these are posted on the site. Other
events will be added as they are organized. Posted events
include:
Christchurch Monday 28 April
11.30 AM at the Science Alive Park
Tauranga/Mt Maunganui Monday 5 May
11:00 AM at the Seafarers Centre, Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui
Wellington Monday 28 April
8:00 AM Rally on waterfront by Te Papa followed by event
at Circa Theatre.
Hutt Valley Monday 28th April
12:00 Noon Service at Hutt Valley & workshops at Elizabeth
St, Moera
Contact Renee
Habluetzel
Source: ITUC
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Ukraine
|
Ukranian
unions participate in safe and decent labour conditions
forum
FPU: The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) will
take part in a Forum on April 22 targeting Safe and Decent
Labour Conditions in Kiev within the framework of the joint
ILO/Federation of Employers of Ukraine project “ILO
Programme on Safety and Health at Work in Coalmining Industry
of Ukraine”.
The forum will be attended by President of the Ukraine
Viktor Yuschenko, Prime-Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Secretary-General
of the International Organisation of Employers Antonio Peñalosa,
FPU President Oleksandr Yurkin, as well as numerous representatives
of the ILO, employers’ and workers’ organisations.
The Ukraine is among the countries to have an ILO Decent
Work Programme (DWCP).
The event follows a January 2008 meeting between trade
union leaders and the Ukrainian President which looked at
effective social dialogue to enable trade unions to be more
active in the development of the state's social and economic
policy, including occupational health and safety. A disaster
last November in the Donetsk region of the Ukraine resulted
in the death of 88 miners with at least 12 more missing.
It followed mine disasters in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
The FPU, formed after the Ukraine achieved independence
in 1990, is the largest trade union confederation in the
country with more than 10 million members.
The Forum will be held on April 22 from 10.00 till 16.00
in the Hyatt Regency Kiev hotel: 5a Tarasova Street, Kiev.
Contact
Oleksandr Yurkin
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page
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United
States
|
U.S.
Unions Primed For 28 April
The U.S. trade union movement has once
again kicked off preparations for the observance of 28 April
in centers across the United States, where activities are
usually quite extensive.
The U.S. trade union movement has once again kicked off
preparations for the observance of 28 April in centers across
the United States, where activities are usually quite extensive.
In its latest Safety & Health Update, the American
Federation of Labor/Congress of Industrial Organizations
(AFL/CIO) provides a website
in which it tells its affiliates to begin preparing for
Workers Memorial Day.
The bulletin reminds that while decades of struggle by
workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements,
the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains
high.
Not only do millions of workers have no protection from
the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration
(OSHA); penalties for violation are weak, with criminal
penalties limited only to ‘willful violation’.
There have been no new Workplace Safety and Health rules
by OSHA, with employer voluntary programs, partnerships
and alliances favored over enforcement and largely excluding
unions. Employer-friendly officials now dominate both OSHA
and the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA),
and workplace injuries are underreported with workers discouraged
from reporting.
This years 28 April Workers Memorial Day is particularly
important for these reasons, and gives meaning to activities
that commemorate the thousands of workers killed and the
millions more injured or diseased because of their jobs.
The AFL/CIO call reminds member unions that its first Workers
Memorial Day was observed in 1989, to coincide with the
birth of OSHA, in addition to the fact that it had also
been chosen as the commemoration date in Canada.
The website directs member trade unions to a wide range
of Workers Memorial Day 2008 materials provided by the AFL/CIO.
These include a Workers Memorial Day flier; posters, a Workers
Memorial Day clip art in English and Spanish, a Workers
Memorial Day events and materials order form, and a Proclamation.
A download of ‘Death on the Job’, a report of
the workplace toll in the U.S., will be made available later
this April, and all updates of activities across the country
will be posted regularly.
Contact [oshmail@aflcio.org]
Source: ITUC
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to 28 April activities page
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United
Kingdom
|
TUC
Workers' Memorial Day - 28th April 2008
The purpose behind Workers' Memorial Day has always been
to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and
unions are asked to focus on both areas, by considering
memorials to all those killed through work but at the same
time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. That
can best be done by building trade union organisation, and
campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties
for breaches of health and safety laws.
What can you do?
- Get your employer to allow some form of recognition
of the day, such as one minute's silence to remember anyone
who has died at your workplace;
- Ask your local council, or any other public body to
fly official flags at half-mast on the day; and/or
Write a letter to the local press;
- Organising a local meeting on health and safety and
the need for more corporate accountability. You could
focus on a particular issue of concern where you work,
such as violence or lone working;
- Arranging an event such as planting a memorial tree
in a public place, putting up a plaque, dedicating a sculpture,
a piece of art, or a bench, to remember workers who have
been killed at the workplace or in the community;
- Asking local religious centres to include Workers' Memorial
Day in their worship during the Week;
Distribute purple 'forget-me-not' ribbons, the symbol
of Workers Memorial Day;
- Finding out what other unions, your local Hazards group,
or regional TUC or Trades Council are planning and taking
part or organising a joint event;
- If you are organising an event for Workers Memorial
Day and would like it displayed on the TUC pages, then
please email through the details to healthandsafety@tuc.org.uk
Links
For resources on Workers Memorial day including ribbons
car stickers and posters contact the Greater Manchester
Hazards centre http://www.gmhazards.org.uk
or
e-mail mail@gmhazards.org.uk
Source: Hazards
magazine
Back
to 28 April activities page
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Zimbabwe
|
Zimbabwe
trade unions courageously engage in International Workers'
Memorial Day activities
Despite the current political turmoil
in the country, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
will be asking member trade unions to observe International
Workers' Memorial Day by gathering in their workplaces to
discuss safety and health strategies and the effect of putting
in place sound occupational safety and health management
systems.
Preparations are being made in cooperation
with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), a public
institution dedicated to the social protection to Zimbabwean
workers and their families, including the Accident Prevention
and Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund (WCIF).
At the same time, the ZCTU is asking its 400,000 members
to link 28 April activities to events on 6 June, at which
time they will commemorate the 427 miners who were killed
in 1972 in the Kamandama Number Two Mine at Wankie Colliery
in Hwange. This was one the world’s worst mine disasters,
causing major changes in the mining process throughout southern
Africa. Officials are hopeful that this year’s commemoration
will not be cancelled for political reasons, as it was in
previous years.
Trade Union Country Profiles (at left) show that Zimbabwe
has a very high occupational accident fatality rate, at
21 deaths per 100,000 workers, and furthermore, that 1/3
of all adults are estimated to be infected by the HIV/AIDS,
one of the highest rates in the world. As well, Zimbabwe
continues to produce and export asbestos, and the international
trade union movement is campaigning for a total ban on the
production and use of this substance.
Contact Nathan
Banda
Source: ITUC
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Global
|
ILO
My life, my work, my safe work: Managing risk in the work
environment
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has initiated
its 28 April website for this year, which now includes materials
it has produced for its selected themes: “My life,
my work, my safe work - Managing risk in the work environment:
Managing Risk in the Work Environment”.
A special report on the subject is now available, as well
as a poster, bookmark and postcard, produced in English,
French and Spanish
International Workers' Memorial Dayk has become an international
campaign to promote safe, healthy, and decent work. This
year, as in previous years, tripartite events will be taking
place world wide. The website invites its government, employer
and trade union constituencies to join in and promote this
important day.
The ILO says that all managers and workers need to think
about how to control and reduce risks in their own workplaces,
to prevent injury and protect their own safety and health
and it dentifies contributory causes and sectors that need
to be addressed. “Managing risks in the work environment
reduces both the human and the economic burdens of work-related
accidents and ill health”.
Its 28 April report says that risk management techniques
can help identify, anticipate and assess hazards and risks
and positive action to control and reduce them can be taken:
- eliminate or minimize risks at source
- Reduce risks through engineering controls or other physical
safeguards
- Provide safe working procedures to reduce risks further.
- Provide,wear and maintain personal protective equipment
A major focus of the report is for everyone to assume their
role in making workplaces as safe and healthy as possible,
including Government, employers and workers. The ILO Occupational
Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) is highlighted
as an essential instrument for states to ratify and for
providing workers with training about protective measures,
information, on a regular basis about specific dangers at
their jobs and about general hazards at their workplaces
The 28 April summary of activities, cited below now provides
for each country the status of ratification for most ILO
OHS Conventions, including Convention 155
Source: ITUC
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BWI:
Ban asbestos appointment for trade union delegation on 28
April 2008 A BWI affiliate in India, has sent
a letter (below)to the Canadian Embassy that is typical
of appeals sent by the global union federation’s affiliates
to embassies of the Canadian, Russian and Zimbabwean governments.
The initiative forms part of BWI’s extensive activities
for 28 April, Workers’ Memorial Day.
To.
Hon.ble High Commissioner
High Commission
Govt. of Canada
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110 021
RE.BAN ASBESTOS
Greetings on behalf of DANMU!
Respected Sir,
We the affiliate of the Building
and Wood Workers International appeal to the Canada
Government to review its policy in promoting the usage of
asbestos, especially in the developing countries. At least
one death is reported every 5 minutes, and it will not be
wrong to say that some jobs are effectively a death sentence.
There is no safe and acceptable level of exposure. This
is the preventable industrial health calamity of the modern
era.
Canada Government is one of the largest exporters of asbestos
and we - the trade unions are concerned about your government's
apathy for the occupational and public health of citizens
and workers throughout the world. Further the massive advertising
campaigns in developing countries to make people believe
that asbestos is safe, while the facts state the contrary
is unethical.
Whilst forty industrialised countries have banned asbestos,
and are using alternative materials, we urge that the Canada
Government to also follow suit.
Please allocate time for our union delegation to meet you
on 28th April 2008 so as to explain our position on this
sensitive issue concerning health and safety of workers.
Yours sincerely,
Sd./ (AMJAD HASSAN)
General Secretary
Cc.For Information
Sis. Anita Normark Gen. Secretary BWI (Geneva)
Sis. Fiona Murie Director-OHS –BWI (Geneva)
Bro. Ambet Yuson Regional Representative A/P-BWI (Malaysia)
Bro. Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Project Director-S.A.O. BWI, New
Delhi
Bro. M. A. Gaffar Education Director-S.A.O. -BWI, New Delhi
Bro.Anup Srivastava Project Coordinator-SAO-BWI, New Delhi
AMJAD HASSAN
(General Secretary)
DANMU
Delhi Asangathit Nirman Mazdoor Union
Affiliated With INTUC/BWI
H.Office:1996/5,Pilanji,Kotlamubarkpur
New Delhi-110003
India
Tel: 01120261007 or 9868366532
Email:damu.org@gmail.com
Source: Hazards
magazine
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IUF
Workers Memorial Day 2008 – ban Endosulfan and save
lives
Every year thousands of agricultural workers and small
farmers are killed by pesticides; millions more are made
ill. To commemorate Workers Memorial Day, April 28, 2008,
IUF is joining forces with Pesticides Action Network (PAN)
and the Environmental Justice Foundation to target endosulfan.
Endosulfan is primarily used to kill insects and mites
on crops including tea, coffee, cotton, fruits, vegetables,
soya, rice and grains. It is one of the most widely-used
cotton pesticides, and is applied to cotton grown in 28
countries. In India, home to the world’s largest cotton
farming community, over 3,000 tonnes is applied to crops
annually.
Why is it a problem?
Many cases of poisoning, including fatalities, have been
reported - in Benin, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala,
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Turkey, and USA. It is one of the main causative
agents of acute poisoning in Central America, in southern
India and other areas.
Endosulfan has caused congenital birth defects, reproductive
health problems, cancers, loss of immunity, neurological
and neurobehavioural problems amongst villagers in Kerala
(India) who were exposed to 26 years of aerial endosulfan
spraying on neighbouring cashew nut plantations.
Endosulfan may be the most important source of fatal poisoning
among West Africa’s cotton farmers. In Benin’s
cotton industry, endosulfan caused 400 accidental poisonings,
including 53 deaths, between 2000 and 2003 - 69% of all
pesticide poisonings. In a single province in Benin, at
least 37 people died from endosulfan poisoning in just one
season.
Endosulfan is acutely toxic and is readily absorbed by
the stomach and lungs and through the skin. Symptoms of
acute exposure include central nervous system disorders
such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties,
convulsions, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases,
death can result. Long term exposure has been linked to
kidney and liver damage and to damage to the developing
foetus.
In 2007, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned
that “Occupational assessment for endosulfan indicates
short- and intermediate-term risks for mixers, loaders,
and applicators for the majority of uses, even with maximum
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and engineering controls.”
According to PAN International "Effects in survivors
include congenital deformities, delayed male sexual maturity,
female hormonal disorders, congenital mental retardation,
cerebral palsy, psychiatric disturbances, epilepsy, cancers,
skin, eye, ear, nose and throat problems, impaired memory,
and chronic malaise".
Action plan
2008 year presents two key opportunities to engage the
international community in placing greater restrictions
on the sale, distribution and use of endosulfan.
From October 13-17, 2008 the POPs Review Committee will
be meeting in Geneva to assess the potential to include
endosulfan under the Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
An affirmative response from the Review Committee would
trigger consideration at the political level leading to
the potential global elimination of endosulfan in 2009.
Following this, from October 27-31, 2008 the Conference
of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (PIC CoP4) will
convene in Rome to decide on the inclusion of endosulfan
in Annex III. This represents an unprecedented opportunity
to press the international community to impose greater safeguards
on the sale and distribution of endosulfan.
The IUF is calling on affiliates to:
lobby their government ministers to support adopting endosulfan
into the Conventions;
help compiling evidence to assist in the campaign by sending
any available documentary evidence on the negative health
and environmental impacts of endosulfan for submission to
the POPs Review Committee before 1 June 2008.
Source: Hazards
magazine
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United
Kingdom
|
Workers
Memorial Day, London, April 28th 2008
Families, friends, unions and campaigners will
gather to remember those killed, injured and made
unwell by their work and call for action to stop
the damage being done. Representatives from all
groups will be available for interview, filming, photographs
etc.
Workers Memorial Day is a global even held
annually. The motto for the day is: "Remember the
dead and fight for the living."
Events
Protest march from Tate Modern to City Hall via
the headquarters of the UK's safety police, the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Gather 10.30am, Holland St, SE1 beside Tate Modern.
March to HSE for rally calling for more resources
for HSE and stronger enforcement of the UK's safety laws.
March on to the Scoop beside City Hall for a rally 12.30
- 2.00pm (approx).
Speakers will include
- Matt Wrack - Fire Brigades Union.
- Family of Michael Alexa from the Battersea Crane Disaster
Action Group.
- Bob Crow - RMT (subject to availability on the day).
- Mike Hutin, father of Andrew Hutin, who died in
the furnace explosion at Corus in Neath Port
Talbot in 2001 and representing Families Against Corporate
Killers (FACK).
- Ann Elvin on the twentieth anniversary of the
death of her son Paul at Euston station.
- Eileen Beadle - East London Mesothelioma Support.
- Susan Murray - TUC Gender and Occupational Safety and
Health Working Party.
- Anne Jones on the tenth anniversary of the death of
her son Simon.
- Tony OBrien - Construction Safety Campaign.
- Speakers representing PCS and Prospect members at HSE.
- Jim Boumelha - IFJ (subject to availability on the day).
- Jimmy Parish - GMB Heat and Frost Branch.
- Jeremy Corbyn MP.
Speakers will talk about the devastating effect of losing
a loved one at work; what is happening in their industry
(eg. deaths in fire fighting); the continuing problems of
asbestos and compensating the sick; how work damages women
and men in different ways and the need for those gender
differences to be taken into account; government underestimation
and inaction on the numbers of cancers caused by work; how
journalists globally face death and the criminal safety
record of the construction industry. But most importantly
speakers will call for government's to act to stop this
and for workers to be given rights to protect themselves
against dangerous employers.
The Construction Safety Campaign and construction
union UCATT are holding an event at the statue to
the unknown building worker at Tower Hill at 9.15am before
joining these events. Other events are being organized around
the UK and globally.
For more information contact
Battersea Crane Disaster Action Group - 07490 578 219.
Tony O'Brien. Construction Safety Campaign - 077 477 95954.
Families Against Corporate Killers - 0161 636 7557.
Union speakers can also be contacted through their union
offices.
Source: Hazards
magazine
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to 28 April activities page |
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