14:30 - 16:00, No.2 Conference Room
Workshop A
Asian Network: Scope and Action
Chairs: Sugio Furuya and Tushar Kant Joshi
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Madhukar Kashinath Pandhe
Centre for Indian Trade Unions, India
ABSTRACT
"There is no such thing as safe as safe asbestos" a brochure published by ICEM.
Inspite of adoption of the ILO convention NO. 162 the progress in the direction of banning and marketing of asbestos and asbestos containing material has been slow in the world, particularly in the developing countries.
Powerful asbestos lobby operating all over the world are carrying misinformation campaign, which is creating impact even on policy makers of some countries. This is having some confusion among the public due to lack of adequate information of the dangerous consequence of this dreaded material.
- A country by country progress review of the use of asbestos made by ILO.
- Ban on use of asbestos by EU has resulted in asbestos manufacturers (South Africa, Russia, Canada) searching for markets in developing countries. Sufficient scientific material are available on occupational hazards but the situation continued in many countries unabated without any action by governments.
- Need for TU intervention is of paramount importance to strengthen global campaign to ban the use of asbestos. In India all TUs have demanded it but no positive steps have taken by Govt. of India in the direction of ratification of the ILO convention on asbestos.
- TUs should join campaign to create awareness among workers and people as one of the cardinal tasks so that the campaign receives a powerful momentum. - Whenever such campaign is effective positive results have been achieved.
- In India asbestos is widely used in the manufacture of pressure and non-pressure.
The extra pressure pipes used for water supply sewerage and drainage, packing material, brakelinings and jointing used in automobiles, heavy equipment, nuclear power plants, thermal power plants among others. The total consumption is estimated to be 100,000 metric tones one fifth of which is produced indigenously.
Victims of occupational diseases not effectively protected and rehabilitated TU action in the area needs to be strengthened. International expertise to be utilized for proper rehabilitation of victims.
Workers rendered jobless due to ban on asbestos to be provided effective social safety net. Provision of alternative source of livelihood to be guaranteed by the government otherwise workers in establishment may not support the campaign due to poverty conditions and backwardness. TU role in rehabilitation measures to be stressed.
Alternative use of asbestos to be developed and popularized among the consumers of asbestos products. Tus should campaign for such products. Strengthening the role of ILO Convention on carcinogens and man made mineral fibres.
Pending achievement of total ban on asbestos. TU should strive for full protection to workers and consumers who are victims of this dreaded material.
Central TUs should create awareness among trade union activists to campaign at grassroots levels for complete ban on producing sale and use of asbestos all spheres of life.