Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

download Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

of 24

Transcript of Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    1/24

    METALASIA-PACIFIC

    The Quarterly Magazine of theInternational Metalworkers Federation , Asia-Pacific No. 1/2011

    www.imfmetal.org

    Shipbreaking in

    South aSia Long way to breakthe Chain

    Feature

    SOLIDARITY IN THE FACE OF DISASTER

    interViewDR. G SANJEEVA REDDY, PRESIDENT, INTUC

    proFiLeNUR FAHROZI

    M

    AP

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    2/24

    THE

    PERSPECTIVE

    2 /THEPERSPECTIVE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

    Sudhershan Rao Sarde / Director, IMF South AsiaOffice, [email protected],www.imfmetal.org/asiapacific

    METAL ASIA PACIFICPulished four times a year y theInternational Metalworkers Federation(IMF) South Asia Ofce

    IMF-SAOLinz House, 159-A Gautam NagarNEW DELHI 110 049, INDIATel: + 91 11 2651 4283Fa: + 91 11 2685 2813E-mail: [email protected]: www.imfmetal.org/asiapacic

    Opinions expressed in this journal donot necessarily represent the views ofthe IMF.

    President: Berthold Huber

    General Secretary: Jyrki Raina

    Editor: Sudhershan Rao Sarde

    [email protected]

    Deputy Editor: G.Manicandan

    [email protected]

    Web publishing: Alex Ivanou

    [email protected]

    Contributors to this issue:

    Cherisse Fredricks

    Kan Matsuzaki

    Nasir Mansoor

    Suhail Muhammad

    Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed

    Suzanna Miller

    V V Rane

    Cover Photo: IMF SAO

    Design Concept : Nick Jacksonwww.creativelynx.ch

    Design: Deepak Thapliyal

    [email protected]

    Printed by: Aanklan Softwares Pvt. Ltd.

    [email protected]

    Print at: Caxton Press

    Asia Pacific is a large anddiverse region: economically,politically and linguistically.This region is the largestmanufacturing hub of the worldwith considerable presence ofmetal industries. Investment

    is flowing in a big way andmanufacturing receives afurther boost for reasons ofmarkets, cost efficiency andavailability of skilled and cheaplabour. The prevalence ofcapital-friendly regimes with apoor record of democracy andscant respect for labour rightsposes serious challenges andopportunities for trade unionsin the region.

    This magazine provides a

    summary of affiliates newsand intends to deepen ourunderstanding of the regionwith feature articles and

    interviews that providein-depth information. Itis a platform to share ourexperiences, triumphs andtravails, build networks, extendsolidarity, promote core labourstandards and present a unifiedvoice of the metalworkersof the region. Stories andexperiences of ordinarymetalworkers in their struggleto promote and defend labourrights will certainly find a placein this journal. Revolutionarystrides in technology enableselectronic media to providenews at the greatest speedpossible, yet print media has itsown charm, a longer life and asense of ownership. There hasbeen a long-felt need to have aprint magazine that meets theneeds of affiliated trade unionsin the region. IMF RegionalOffices in Africa, CIS and LatinAmerica produce journals, thispublication fulfils that vacuumfor Asia Pacific.

    In this maiden issue we havefeatured the shipbreakingindustry (see pages 8 to 14)as it is the most hazardousindustrial activity accountingfor hundreds of fatalaccidents. Intervention by

    the IMF, aided by solidaritysupport organizations, hascontributed to building unionsin shipbreaking yards and

    in drawing the attention ofgovernments and judiciaryon strengthening regulatorymechanisms to protect therights and safety of workers.The devastating fury withwhich the recent tsunamiand earthquake struck Japanand the consequent nuclearcatastrophe that causedunprecedented humansuffering and colossal damagehas shaken the world. Duringthis calamity we also witnesseda heartening show of solidarity.Kan Matsuzakis contribution(see pages 20 to 23) reflectsthe collective response of theIMF family. An interview withDr G. Sanjeeva Reddy (seepages 15 to 19), whose tradeunion experience spans six longdecades, predicts the unityefforts of Indian trade unionsand the joint protest actions.

    Encouragement from JyrkiRaina, IMF General Secretary,guidance from Anita Gardner,Alex Ivanou, Cherisse Fredricksand support from affiliateshave made this humblebeginning a reality. We lookforward to your continuedpatronage, participation andownership of this journal

    in the service of the toilingmetalworkers of the large anddiverse Asia Pacific region.

    a new

    beginning

    We are very pleased

    to publish the first

    issue of Metal Asia

    Pacific, an in-house

    journal of the IMF

    family.

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    3/24

    CONENTS

    CONTENTS/METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /3

    IMF AP NEWS /Page 4

    KOREA: STRUGGLE INTENSIFIED ATHANJIN SHIPYARD

    On July 9-10 some 10,000 people participated in theHope Bus march to the Hanjin shipyard to protestagainst dismissals in breach of union contract. Riot policeblocked and sprayed marchers with teargas fluid in spite

    of the fact that they had a permit and informed the policeof the march.

    FEATURE /Page 8

    SHIPbREAKING IN SOUTH ASIA LONG WAY TO bREAK THE CHAIN

    The arrival of end of life ships to South Asian shores fordismantling has increased multifold as the struggle forbetter working conditions and social security benefitscontinues. While governments of India, Bangladesh andPakistan are making a very slow progress on regulatingthe industry workers are losing lives and getting maimed.

    INTERVIEW /Page 15

    TRADE UNIONS UNITY IN INDIA WILLGO A LONG WAY

    Dr. G Sanjeeva Reddy, the Member of Parliament, Presi-dent of Indian National Trade Union Congress and IMF Ex-ecutive Committee member shares his views on increas-ing workers power by building united trade union fronton critical issues faced by trade union movement in India.

    FEATURE /Page 20

    JAPAN: SOLIDARITY IN THE FACE OFDISASTER

    A review of the impact of the triple disaster (earth quake,tsunami and nuclear accident at Fukushima) on metal-workers in Japan and the solidarity response by tradeunions and their members.

    International Metalworkers Federation

    The International Metalworkers Federationrepresents the collective interests of 25million metalworkers from more than 200unions in 100 countries.

    The IMF represents blue- and white-collarworkers in industries such as steel, non-ferrous metals and ore mining, mechanicalengineering, shipbuilding, automobile,aerospace, electrical and electronics.

    The IMF aims to improve metalworkerswages, working and living conditions andto ensure that metalworkers rights arerespected.

    IMF HEAD OFFICE54 bis, route des Acacias

    CH-1227 GenevaSwitzerlandTel: +41 22 308 5050Fax: +41 22 308 5055Email: [email protected]: www.imfmetal.org

    IMF co-ordinates worldwide activities witha network of ofces located in:

    AFRICA OFFICE156 Gerard Seketo, NewtownJohannesburg 2001 SOUTH AFRICATel:+27 11 492 0301Email:[email protected]

    SOUTH ASIA OFFICELinz House, 159-A, Gutam NagarNew Delhi, 100 049 INDIATel: +91 11 2653 7125Email: [email protected]

    SOUTH EAST ASIA OFFICENo. 10-3 Jalan PPJS 8/4Dataran Mentari, Bandar Sunway46150 Petaling JayaSelangor Darul Ehsan MALAYSIATel: +60 3 56 38 7904Email: [email protected]

    LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEANAvenida 18 de Julio N1528Piso 12 unidad 1202Montevideo URUGUAYTel: +59 82 408 0813Email: [email protected]

    CIS OFFICERoom 211. Str. 2, d 13, Grokholsky per.,

    129010 Moscow RUSSIATel: +7 495 974 6111Email: [email protected]

    t

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    4/24

    Mexico

    Global days of Action to Defend Tradeunion rights in Mexico launched at AWUNational Conference in Queensland.

    In Australia global trade unionmovement launched six daysof global action calling fortrade union rights in Mexicoat the Australian WorkersUnion National Conferenceon February 15, 2011.The Mexican government

    must end its campaign ofpolitical persecution againstindependent and democraticunions in Mexico, said JyrkiRaina, the General Secretary ofthe International MetalworkersFederation (IMF), speakingto the assembly of over500 unionists gathered inQueensland.

    Solidarity action at Canberra to defendtrade union rights in Mexico

    Over100 unionists rallied onthe lawn in front of ParliamentHouse in Canberra in supportof trade union rights in Mexico.The delegation consisted ofGed Kearney, President, ACTU,Mick Doleman, MaritimeUnion of Australia (MUA),

    Glenn Thompson, AustralianManufacturing Workers Union(AMWU) and Andrew Vickers(CFMEU) who represented theirindividual unions as well as theGlobal Union Federations theyare affiliated to: ITUC, ITF, IMFand ICEM. A protest letter onbehalf of the Australian tradeunion movement was deliveredto the Mexican Embassy.

    In Indonesia IMF andICEM affiliates took jointaction as part of the Global

    Days of Action. Membersof three federations, FSBKIKES(Chemical) FPE (Mining)

    IMF APNEWS

    4 /IMF AP NEWS/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

    MExICO /Page 4

    IMF-ICEM-ITGLWF /Page 5

    TNCs /Page 5

    UNION bUILDING: /Page 6

    SOLIDARITY /Page 6COMMUNICATION /Page 7

    CLIMATE CHANGE /Page 7

    FIGHT bACK/Page 7

    HEALTH AND SAFETY /Page 7

    MAY DAY /Page 7

    t

    Hanjin workers head to the Seoul Hanjin headquarters earing signs reading: WithdrawMass Dismissals!

    Photo: June SHIN (KMWU)

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    5/24

    of the new organization shouldbe presented to IMFs CentralCommittee this December,which will decide whetherto convene an extraordinaryCongress in 2012.

    A quarterly newsletter of IMF, ICEMand ITGLWF on the creation of a newInternational

    Stronger Together, a newquarterly newsletter wasreleased in March to report onthe joint actions and sharedgoals of IMF, ICEM and ITGLWFas the three global unionfederations explore the creation

    of a new unified Internationalfor industrial workers. Fora copy of the newslettergo to: www.imfmetal.org/strongertogether

    TNCs

    Strike at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd

    Workers from Maruti - SuzukiIndia Limited (MSIL) launchedsit-in strike from June 4demanding trade union rights.While the management sacked11 workers including unionoffice bearers, thousands ofworkers in Gurgaon regionstood in solidarity withworkers. Commenting on thesituation in India, KoichiroNishihara, president of IMF-JC,said, MARUTI - SUZUKI shouldcomply with ILO Convention87 Freedom of Associationand Protection of the Rightto Organize. IMF-JC and theJAW-Confederation of JapanAutomobile Workers Unions,together with Federation ofSUZUKI Automobile WorkersUnions will demand SUZUKImanagement in Japan solvethis case with earnest action.The 13 day long sit-in strike

    was concluded on June 17 andthe 11 dismissed workers arereinstated pending domestic

    and F.LOMENIK (Metal) heldsolidarity actions outside theMexican Embassy and a jointstatement was delivered toDeputy Chief Everardo CoronaAguilar.

    Japan councils of the IMF,

    ITF, UNI and ICEM visited theEmbassy of Mexico in Tokyo,to deliver a letter addressed toMexican President Caldern.

    In Korea the KoreanConfederation of Trade Unions(KCTU), and its affiliatesincluding the Korean MetalWorkers Union (KMWU) andthe Korean Public Servicesand Transport Workers Union(KPTU) joined the Global Daysof Action on Trade Union Rights

    in Mexico. Unions held anout-door press conference andprotest action in front of theMexican Embassy in Seoul.

    Solidarity action at New Delhi to defendtrade union rights in Mexico

    In India IMF affiliatesINMF, SMEFI held spiriteddemonstrations and meetingsat New Delhi and Mumbaion February 18 2011. A tradeunion delegation includingrepresentatives from ITF andBWI met Mexican Ambassadorat New Delhi to conveyIndian Trade Unionists strongresentment over the violationof workers rights in Mexico. ADemonstration was also heldin front of the Consulate of

    the United States of Mexicoat Kolkota by fraternal tradeunions.

    In New Zealand some 50union members from affiliatesof the IMF, ITF, ICEM and UNIrallied outside the MexicanEmbassy in Wellington insupport of the Global Days ofAction in defence of Mexicanworkers rights. A delegationfrom the Engineering, Printingand Manufacturing Union

    (EPMU), Maritime Union ofNew Zealand (MUNZ), Serviceand Food Workers Union(SFWU), National Distribution

    inquiry and both the partiesagreed to cooperate with eachother.

    On May 24 over 3,000 riotpolice violently attacked 500hundred workers engaged ina sit-in protest at Yoosung

    Enterprise factory in Asan,South Korea. In 2009, thecompany signed an agreementwith the KMWU to eliminatenight shifts and to introduce atwo day shift with a monthlywage system from January2011. Despite more thanten bargaining rounds noagreement was reached onhow to practically implementit. From May 19 - 24 aroundfive hundred workers remainedin the factory demanding

    withdrawal of the lockoutand protesting against theunion busting actions of thecompany. The KMWU believessimilar union busting strategyis used by other automotivecomponents employersincluding Valeo Mando, KEC andSangshin Break.

    A new report released on May6, Foxconn and Apple Fail toFulfill Promises: Predicamentsof Workers after the Suicides,documents how workerscontinue to be subjected to lowpay, excessive overtime andinadequate health and safetymeasures. Students & ScholarsAgainst Corporate Misbehaviour(SACOM) prepared this reportbased on field work at twoFoxconn production sites inWestern China. Foxconn isresponsible for the labour rightsabuses documented in thisSACOM report. But its clients,including Apple and HP, alsohave indispensible obligations

    to ensure international labourstandards are met in theirsupply chains, said Jyrki Raina,IMF General Secretary.

    On May 4 Workers in GeneralMotors India, Halol Plant,Gujarat called off one ofthe biggest strike actionslaunched in decades inGujarat. Protesting againstintensive workload, 900workers in General MotorsIndia Pvt. Ltd in Halol in the

    Indian State of Gujarat wereon strike from March 16,2011. Majority of workmenwere suffering from severe

    Union (NDU), Rail and MaritimeTransport Union (RMTU) andFinancial Sector Union (Finsec)also presented a letter tothe Charge DAffaires at theembassy.

    In Thailand IMF, ICEM and ITF

    affiliates held an action at theMinistry of Labour and sent aprotest letter to the MexicanEmbassy in Bangkok.

    IMF-ICEM-ITGLWF

    Metalworkers from Asiaand the Pacific countriesmet in Seoul at the 4thAsian Metalworkers LiaisonConference (AMLC) on June23 - 24 to discuss the IMF-ICEM-ITGLWF merger, share

    their experience on buildingunion networks and organizingworkers as the main priority.IMF-JC president, KoichiroNishihara, gave a substantialreport about the history andthe progress of creation of thenew International. Discussionsand reports from theparticipants focused on nationalunion priorities and challengesin the light of creation of anew global union and raiseda number of concerns on their

    wish to build a stronger, andnot just bigger new federationof manufacturing workers.

    Participants at Asia Pacic RegionalConference in Sydney

    On May 12 - 13, 82 delegatesfrom 15 countries attended

    the IMF Asia-Pacific regionalconference in Sydney. Themeeting was hosted by theIMFs Australian affiliatesthe AWU, AMWU and CEPU.Participants expressed theirsupport for the unifyingprocess of workers in theextractive and manufacturingindustries. Discussions duringthe meeting also focused onconcerns regarding multitudeof unions affiliated to theIMF, ICEM and ITGLWF in

    many countries and adequatewomens representation in thenew global union. A politicalaction plan on the focus areas

    IMF AP NEWS/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /5

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    6/24

    back pain and spinal cordailments owing to excessiveworkload. A settlementbetween the workers and GMmanagement was reachedat the intervention by theState Labour Department onthe ground that suspended

    workers will be reinstated andpending issues of productionwill be decided by discussion /mediation in the presence of aLabour Officer.

    During a study tour of the basemetals industry of Thailand inMay 2011 an IMF delegationmet with Amporn Nitisir,Director General of the Ministryof Labour and discussedconcerns over freedom ofassociation laws in Thailand

    and called on the governmentto expedite the process ofto ratify ILO Conventions87 and 98 which deal withthe Freedom of Associationand Collective bargaining.Other issues discussed in themeetings included foreigninvestment into Thailand,from large TNCs such asArcelorMittal, Bluescope, TataSteel.

    UNION bUILDING

    India organizing steel Project AdvisoryCommittee meeting in New Delhi

    The project advisory committee(PAC) of the IMF/ILO-TCO/SASKIndia organizing steel projectheld its second meeting onJune 15 - 18, 2011. The PACheard how closer cooperation

    between the Indian NationalMetalworkers Federation(INMF) and the Steel Metaland Engineering WorkersFederation of India (SMEFI)provided a foundation to recruitover 15,000 workers in thesteel industry in Indian statesnamely Orissa, Jharkhand andChhattisgarh. The project hasan overall target of 20,000new members by 2012. Also,the INMF and SMEFI havesucceeded in having the JointNational Steel Committee

    demand a minimum wagefor precarious workers in theindustry.

    International conference for shipbreakingworkers in Mumai, April 19-20

    At a two day internationalconference for shipbreakingworkers in Mumbai, April19 - 20, IMF affiliates calledfor building stronger unionsof shipbreaking workers,developing a global strategyto organize, establishinga strategic link betweenshipbuilding and shipbreakingworkers and building aninternational network toprotect workers rights andimprove living conditions.Representative from ILO andgovernment officials andemployers representativefrom Alang and MumbaiShipbreaking yards alsoparticipated in the conference.IMF delegates also visitedMumbai shipbreaking yardand extending their solidarity,the delegates called upon theworkers to believe in theirunion and make it stronger.

    For more details see page 8 -14 Feature on Shipbreaking.

    SOLIDARITY

    Indonesia: Protest in front of Parliamenton July 22

    After a series of protestsworkers in Indonesia gaineda significant victory as theIndonesias National Courtin Central Jakarta declaredIndonesian President, VicePresident, Head of Parliamentand eight Ministers guilty ofnot implementing the SocialSecurity law for the protectionof workers and ordered themto implement the SocialSecurity law through theintroduction of regulations for

    the formation of a NationalSocial Security System. Theverdict came in response to

    the case filed by a coalitionof trade unions and NGOscalled Social Security ActionCommittee (KAJS) led by IMFaffiliate the Federasi SerikatPekerja Metal Indonesia(FSPMI), seeking legal redressfor social security protection

    for workers in the formal andinformal sector.

    Indonesian and globalunions rejected a speechgiven by Indonesian PresidentYudhoyono at the 100thInternational Labour Conference(ILC) on June 14, 2011 on theeffects of the global economiccrisis. Unions stated it doesnot reflect the reality of thesituation in Indonesia, andcalled for comprehensivesocial security for all. In astatement submitted to theILC by Indonesian trade unionsincluding IMF affiliated FSPMIand supported by the IMF,ICEM and ITGLWF, the unionsdemanded that the Indonesiangovernment comply with theGlobal Jobs Pact by providingcomprehensive social securityfor all Indonesian people.

    Twenty six trade unions in SriLanka under the banner ofthe Joint Trade Union Alliance

    opposed a private pensionfund bill introduced by thegovernment on April 8. Workersheld massive protests andin the brutal police attackone worker was killed andhundreds injured at KatunayakeExport Processing Zone onMay 31. The IMF and ITUCcondemned the brutal attackon workers and called uponthe Sri Lankan government torespect democratic principlesand negotiate with tradeunions to solve genuinegrievances of workers.Subsequently, Sri Lankangovernment withdrew theEmployee Pension Benefit FundBill on June 3.

    The IMF and many of itsaffiliates donated funds andsent messages of condolenceand solidarity to its Japaneseaffiliate IMF-JC, union membersand their families, followingthe massive earthquake andtsunamis that caused untold

    devastation and damage tothe Tokohu area of the easternpart ofJapan in March 11,2011. In a letter, IMF General

    Secretary, Jyrki Raina called onmetalworkers around the worldto express solidarity and sendtheir condolences to workersand their families who havelost so much at this tragic time.

    For more details see page 20 -23 Feature on Triple Disaster.

    Hanjin Heavy Industries andConstruction (HHIC) workersat the shipyards in Busan andUlsan in Korea have been onstrike since December 2010against a mass dismissalplan conducted by themanagement. On February 14,the company suddenly lockedout workers at the plantswithout informing the KoreanMetal Workers Union (KMWU).The union is demanding

    withdrawal of the massdismissal and actions againstunion leaders, payment ofperformance related pay from2009 and 2010 and compliancewith the collective agreement.

    Korea: Hope Bus March riot police

    spray teargas uid

    Struggle intensified at Hanjinshipyard in Korea. On July9-10 some 10,000 peopleparticipated in the Hope Busmarch to the Hanjin shipyardin Korea to protest againstdismissals in breach of theirunion contract and to makea solidarity visit to hunger-striking protester Kim Jinsuk.Riot police blocked and sprayedmarchers with teargas fluid in

    spite of the fact that they hada permit and had informed thepolice of the march.

    IMF Assistant General Secretary,Fernando Lopes reported aboutincreasing workers rightsabuses and extensive violenceagainst trade unions in Koreaduring his visit to the NationalAssembly of Korea on June 24as part of delegation of tradeunions and progressive politicalparties. At the press conferencespeakers highlighted the cases

    of Yuseong Piston Ring factoryand Hanjin Heavy Industrywhere the Government usedriot police forces against

    6 /IMF AP NEWS/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    7/24

    peaceful protests of workersinstead of trying to find a fairsolution.

    On April 20, 2011, the ITGLWF,released a damning report onworking conditions in Asiansportswear supply chains. The

    report focuses on conditionsin 83 factories in Sri Lanka,the Philippines and Indonesiawhich together employ over100,000 workers. Not one ofthe 83 factories surveyed wasreported to pay a living wage.The multinational companiessourcing from these factoriesneed to live up to their rhetoricand ensure that every singleworkplace in their supplychains complies with nationallaw and international labour

    standards, says ITGLWF.

    In another major legal victoryfor workers in South Korea,the Seoul High Court declaredthat Choe Byeong-seung,35, was a direct employeeof Hyundai while employedat its Ulsan manufacturingcomplex between 2003 to2005. Following the ruling,leaders of KMWU and itslocal branch, demanded thatthe Hyundai must bring allsubcontract workers intodirect employment. However,Hyundai Motor maintained thatit would continue its efforts toobtain the court verdict in itsfavor by appealing again to theSupreme Court and submittinga constitutional appealregarding laws on dispatching.

    COMMUNICATION

    IMF Communicators Forum at Seoul

    Representatives of seven IMFaffiliates from five countriesparticipated in the regionalcommunicators forum held onJune 22 in Seoul and discussedcommunications in SouthEast Asia and the Pacific. Theparticipants from Australia,

    Japan, Indonesia, Korea andSingapore learnt about theexisting IMF communicationchannels and news policy, and

    discussed different aspectsof the communication workwithin the IMF as well ashow they can contribute to itsfurther improvement. Duringthe forum the regional officefor South Asia presented itsplans for this a new magazine

    to be published by the IMF forthe Asia and Pacific region.

    CLIMATE CHANGE

    In Orissa one of Indias pooreststates, the Indian NationalMetalworkers Federation(INMF) and the Steel Metal& Engineering WorkersFederation India (SMEFI)with support from the IndiaOrganizing Steel Project,sponsored by IMF, LO and TCO/

    SASK, have been providing asafety net for project displacedfamilies. They also work atthe local level to protect theinterests of the countryspoorest in the face of industrialdevelopment and prepare tomeet with Government onnational climate change andenvironment policies.

    FIGHT bACK

    India March to Parliament

    In a historic march to

    parliament, on February 23

    around 200,000 working

    people of India rallied in New

    Delhi demanding control onprice rises, strict enforcement

    of labour laws, linkage of

    employment protection

    with the economic stimulus

    package, universal social

    security and an end to the

    privatization of central public

    sector enterprises. All the

    major central trade unions

    and employees federations

    stated that price rises, coupled

    with increased unemployment

    and reduced earningsthrough contracting out and

    casualization of employment

    was resulting in greater povertyand inequality.

    HEALTH AND SAFETY

    In its conclusions about acase on Canadian asbestoslaunched by the Canadian

    Labour Congress (CLC),the International LabourOrganization (ILO) issued alandmark decision on June 11,2011, singling out Canada ashaving a particular obligationto keep abreast of technicalprogress and scientificknowledge because it is oneof the worlds main producersof the cancer-causing material.The ILO Committee on theApplication of Standards hastold the Canadian government

    to adopt the strictest standardlimits for the protection ofworkers health as regardsexposure to asbestos andto engage in consultationswith its worker and employerorganizations on theapplication of sections of theILO Asbestos Convention 162for reviewing national laws andregulations.

    Trade union workshop on asestos andOHS on June 8 - 9, 2011 at New Delhi.

    Indian Trade Unions calledupon the Government of Indiato take immediate steps toban all mining, manufacturing,recycling and use of all formsof asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in Indiain a joint declaration issuedduring the two day tradeunion workshop on asbestosand occupational health andsafety (OHS) issues on June8-9, 2011 jointly organizedby BWI and IMF in New Delhi.The workshop was attendedby representatives fromcentral trade unions, namelyAll India Trade Union Congress(AITUC), Bharatiya MazdoorSangh (BMS), Centre of IndianTrade Unions (CITU), Hind

    Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) andIndian National Trade UnionCongress (INTUC) and affiliates

    of IMF and BWI. Paul Bastian,President of the AustralianManufacturing Workers Union(AMWU), also participated inworkshop.

    Indian trade unionists calledon the Quebec Assistant

    Deputy Minister of EconomicDevelopment, in a meetingheld on February 4 in NewDelhi, to act in an honourablemanner and stop servingthe asbestos industry byputting human life aheadof political interests andfinancial profits. Highlightingthe call for an end to the useof all forms of asbestos andasbestos containing materialsby international institutionsnamely WHO, International

    Social Security Association(ISSA), and ILO and 55countries worldwide ban onthe use of chrysotile asbestos,trade unionists argued thatQuebec government should notallow its land to be used formining a potentially hazardousmaterial.

    MAY DAY

    May Day Rally at Alang

    IMF Affiliates in Indiacelebrated May Day in Alang,Pune and Chhattisgarh. Aspirited May Day rally wasorganized by Alang SosiyaShip Recycling and General

    Workers Association (ASSRGWA)at Alang, where more than2,000 shipbreaking workersparticipated in the Rally.Participation of officials fromGujarat Maritime Board (GMB)in the workers activity is oneof the significant aspects ofMay Day Celebrations in 2011.In Pune city and in Shikrapur-Shirur Industrial estate PuneCouncil (Shramik Ekta MahaSangh (SEMS)) organizedrallies, in which around 6,000workers from around 46 unionsin national and multinationalcompanies participated in therally.

    IMF AP NEWS/METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /7

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    8/24

    8 /FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

    Original Text /Nasir Mansoor, Suhail Muhammad,Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, V V Rane and G Manicandan

    Editors /Sudhershan Rao Sarde, Anita Gardner and G Manicandan

    Photos /IMF SAO

    FEATURE

    SHIPbREAkINg

    t

    The demand for maritime transportation declined with the onset ofthe global economic crisis and the arrival of ships for dismantlingincreased to 1,200 in the year 2009 while the historical average is 700to 800 ships

    Photo: IMF SAO

    Shipbreaking inSouth aSia Long way tobreak the Chaint

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    9/24

    Since the 1980s the shipbreaking industry

    in South Asia has experienced phenomenalgrowth. This activity was traditionally carriedout in Europe and North America. The situationof cheap labour, low union density, scantrespect for environmental laws and negligibleregulation of labour legislation have largelycontributed to the dismantling of ships on theshores of South Asia. Currently Bangladesh,India and Pakistan account for about 70 to 80per cent of the global shipbreaking industry,while China and Turkey account for most ofthe remaining market. The industry providesemployment and relatively cheap re-rollablescrap steel for the iron and steel industries in

    the region. Currently it contributes around 50per cent of Bangladeshs steel production and70 per cent of steel requirement in Pakistan.

    Governments in South Asia also view theindustry as a means to conserve naturalresources as it increases the availability ofsemi-finished material, which otherwise wouldhave been produced by using iron ore, coal andother resources. In India the activity is carriedout in Alang, Sosiya and Sachna in Gujarat,Mumbai and in Kolkata. In Bangladesh theactivity is mostly carried out in Chittagong andat Gadani in Pakistan.

    Shipbreaking is a complex process ofdismantling an obsolete vessels structurefor scrapping or disposal and involves manyenvironmental, safety and health issues.

    Beaching is the predominant shipbreaking

    method in South Asia. Despite being astrategic industry, deplorable and unsafeworking conditions, frequent exposure tohazardous materials and limited use ofpersonal protective equipments (PPE) leadto numerous accidents in which hundreds ofworkers lose their lives. The large numberof workers who are maimed for life is tellingevidence of the dangerous working conditionsin South Asias shipbreaking yards.

    The arrival of ships for breaking is linked toglobal demand for maritime transport. From2004 to 2008, the high demand for maritimetransportation led to a reduction in the arrivalof ships for breaking. During this period onlyabout 200 to 400 ships per annum were soldfor recycling, whereas the historical averageis 700 to 800 ships. However, the demandfor maritime transportation declined with theonset of the global economic crisis and thearrival of ships to shipbreaking yards increasedto 1,200 in the year 2009. According to reports,in the face of overcapacity built in maritimetransport sector during high demand period2002-2008, and the reduced demand formaritime transportation, over the next 10 to15 years, South Asia will witness a massiveincrease in the arrival of retired ships.

    The arrival of end of life ships to South Asian

    shores for dismantling is increasing swiftly as the

    struggle for better working conditions and social

    security benefits continues. While governments

    of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are making

    a very slow progress to bring new regulations,

    everyday workers are losing lives and getting

    maimed.

    t

    FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /9

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    10/24

    Until recently shipbreaking was not even recognizedas an industry in South Asia and governments aremaking a very slow progress in regulating the industry.A number of international guidelines were establishedto provide instruments to regulate the shipbreakingindustry, namely the Basel Convention of 1989, theStockholm Convention of 2001 and the MontrealProtocol of 1987. Subsequent to these agreements, a

    number of specific guidelines have also been created.They include the Basel Convention Technical Guidelinesfor the Environmentally Sound Management of theFull and Partial Dismantling of Ships, the InternationalLabour Organization (ILO) Safety and Health in Ship-breaking Guidelines for Asian Countries and Turkey,and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)guidelines on Ship Recycling.

    Through the intervention of judiciary in India andBangladesh in response to civil society and tradeunions concerns there have been developments inevolving regulations for the shipbreaking industryin the region. However, the progress has been veryslow for which workers are paying the price with their

    lives. Given this backdrop, the upward trend in theshipbreaking industry throws up major concerns on theissue of workers health and safety and environmentalprotection. A brief overview of the working conditionsof shipbreaking workers in India, Bangladesh andPakistan and also respective governments initiativesto regulate the shipbreaking industry is examined inthe succeeding paragraphs.

    Shipreaking industry in South Asia

    In India until the 1960s, shipbreaking was confinedmainly to dismantling of small barges and coastalwrecks and by 1979 the activity grew into a full-fledged industry. Shipbreaking at Alang/Sosiya startedin February 1983. Now it is the largest shipbreakingsite in the world covering nearly 10 kms of seashoreon the western coast, which falls within the jurisdictionof the Bhavnagar district in Gujarat. With 173 plots,the Alang/Sosiya shipbreaking facility has the breakingcapacity of 350 ships a year. Around 90 per cent ofshipbreaking activity in India is concentrated in theAlang and Sosiya yards. At full capacity, the facilityemploys directly 60,000 workers and around 5,00,000workers in downstream industries, namely re-rollingmills, foundries, scrap-handling yards, goods stores

    and other small businesses. According to a governmentreport, steel generated from ship recycling contributesto around one to two per cent of the domestic steeldemand.

    From 1982-83 to 2009-2010 a total of 5,152 ships aredemolished in the Alang/Sosiya yards. The industryexperienced a rapid growth, particularly in the lasttwo decades, for instance from 1991-92 to 2009-2010 a total of 4,655 ships were demolished. TheGujarat Maritime Board, a semi-public institution isa regulatory authority for Alang/Sosiya yards andresponsible for maintaining basic infrastructure andleasing shipbreaking plots to shipbreakers.

    In Mumbai the shipbreaking activity is comparativelysmaller, carried out in the area called Dharukhana in 19plots. Mumbai Port Trust, which works under the ambitof the Ministry of Shipping, is the main regulatoryauthority, which maintains basic infrastructure of theshipbreaking yards. Unlike Alang/Sosiya yards wherethe plots are leased out for longer period of time like10 years, in Mumbai the period of a lease is on a short-

    term basis of about three to four months. The yardsprovide direct employment to about 6,000 workersand indirect employment to about 20,000 workers indownstream industries.

    In Bangladesh since the 1980s, shipbreaking iscarried out in 40 shipbreaking yards located in the18 kms of coastal strip in the area of Fauzdarhat,north of Chittagong. Around 22,000 workers areemployed directly at the shipbreaking yards, and2,00,000 indirectly in downstream industries andancillary activities. Eighty per cent of raw materialsfor the re-rolling mills are being supplied by theshipbreaking industry. Various activities of theshipbreaking industry in Bangladesh are separately

    administered by a number of government agencies,namely the Department of Inspection for Factoriesand Establishment, the Department of Shipping, theDepartment of Labour, the Explosives Department andthe Department of Environment. With the High Courtruling in March 2009 (discussed in detail below), thegovernment of Bangladesh is in the process of makingrules for the Shipbreaking Industry.

    In Pakistan, shipbreaking has been carried out inGadani since 1947. Gadani is situated about 50 kmsnorthwest of Karachi in the Lasbela district of the

    Balochistan Province. At full capacity, industry inGadani employs around 30,000 workers. Until recentlythe industry in Pakistan was facing a downward trendand employed only 6,000 workers directly. However,

    With 173 plots, the Alang/Sosiya shipreakingfacility has the breaking

    capacity of 350 ships ayear. Around 90 per centof shipbreaking activity inIndia is concentrated inAlang and Sosiya Yards.

    Photo: IMF SAO

    t

    According to EngineeringDevelopment Board (EDB)of Pakistan the industry iscurrently meeting 70 percent of the countrys iron

    and steel requirement.

    Photo: PMF Pakistan

    10 /FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

    t

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    11/24

    recent estimates show currently 12,000 workers areemployed. There are around 132 shipbreaking plotsout of which two-thirds of the plots are under privateownership and the remaining are owned by theBaluchistan Development Authority.

    According to the Engineering Development Board(EDB) of Pakistan the industry is currently meeting 70per cent of the countrys iron and steel requirement.Shipbreaking is the largest industry in Baluchistanprovince and a major source of tax revenue forthe federal government. Hundreds of secondarymills in Pakistan are dependent on the supply ofthe shipbreaking industry. Currently, BalochistanEnvironmental Protection Agency (BEPA) is the mainregulatory institution that provides a No ObjectionCertificate, which is mandatory for the beaching andbreaking of ships.

    Working condition of shipbreaking workersin South Asia

    Following quote from news published in IMF website

    sums up the dangerous working conditions in SouthAsian shipbreaking yards:

    On January 18, 2011, four workers died and anothersuffered critical burns in a huge explosion at MakCorporation shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda, Chittagong,Bangladesh. According to reports the explosion, whichoccurred while the fuel tank of the ship was beingdismantled, was heard two miles away. The impactof the explosion was so massive that a worker, Miraj,18, who died in the hospital, was thrown 100 metersaway. He joined the company just three days earlier.

    Bodies of ship breaking workers Liton, 35, and Jubayed,22, were recovered from the explosion site after

    fire-fighters stopped the fire. Miraj, with 100 per centburns died at 2:30pm, while the other worker Rubel,25, died 15 minutes later at the Chittagong MedicalCollege Hospital. Another injured worker is undergoingtreatment with 50 per cent burns to his body and hiscolleague with minor injuries was released after firstaid.

    Incidents of this kind are not rare or infrequent inSouth Asias shipbreaking yards. According to officialestimates in Alang/Sosiya yards from the year1998 to 2010 August, 194 workers lost their livesin fatal accidents and 348 workers were injured.In Bangladesh, according to the estimates of theBangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), from the

    year 2002 to 2011 (up to March) 102 workers lost theirlives and 331 workers were injured. In Gadani yards,175 workers lost their lives between 1992 and 2010.

    According to the International MetalworkersFederation (IMF) survey carried out in 2006, themajority of the shipbreaking workers in Alang/Sosiyaand Mumbai are migrant workers who fall in theage group of 16-45. Most of them are uneducated orstudied primary level education. The nature of workersis also similar at Gadani and Sitakunda. Workers arerecruited on a monthly basis or for a specific task on

    the ship with no written contract. Wages are paidon a daily or weekly basis. As the industry is volatileand the employment arrangement is informal,workers do not have job security and also deprived ofstatutory social security benefits. The informal workarrangement also deprives workers of any benefitin case of work related injuries, diseases or fatalaccidents. In case of accidents employers usually payfor first aid and immediate medical expenses but notfor long term treatment or for expenses incurred fromchronic work-related illnesses. Workers lose wagesin case of absence from work even when on medicalgrounds.

    Working hours are from 8:00am to 5:00pm but most

    have to work compulsory overtime. Workers do notget additional compensation for the overtime. At anytime an employer can fire the worker without priornotice. Large numbers of workers, except very few, aredeprived of basic amenities such as first aid, drinkingwater, toilets, rest shelter, canteen and PersonalProtective Equipments (PPE) at the work places.

    Large numbers of workers do not have access toinformation on hazards, PPEs, work-related risks tohealth and safety. With a few exceptions, workersdo not undergo training or exercises on emergencyprevention, preparedness and response procedures. Asa result workers continue to face grave injuries and are

    subjected to fatal accidents.Existing health facilities in Alang/Sosiya, Gadaniand Sitakunda do not have adequate equipment,infrastructure or trained medical professionals toprovide medical treatment other than first aid forminor injuries. The nearest hospital equipped to dealwith life-threatening conditions is located more than55 kms away at Bhavanagar. Similarly, in the caseof Bangladesh, one has to travel up to 35 kms toreach the Chittagong Medical College hospital. Thesituation is also not different in Pakistan, where toreceive emergency medical aid workers have to travelabout 50 kms from Gadani to Karachi. In addition tothe occupational hazards workers face, many are also

    affected by HIV.The poor working and living conditions of shipbreakingworkers in India was also highlighted in the reports ofthe United Nations Special Rapporteur, Mr. OkechukwuIbeanu, on the Adverse Effects of the Movement

    As per available reports, inAlang/Sosiya yards since1998 to August 2010, 194workers lost their lives in

    accidents and 348 workerswere injured. From2002 to March 2011 inbangladesh, 102 workerslost their lives and 331workers were injured. InGadani yards 175 workerslost their lives between1992 and 2010.

    Photo: IMF SAO

    t

    FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /11

    tAt Mumai shipreakingyard this young migrantworker, Santhan Nahar

    from Orissa lost his leg.

    He is waiting for the legalcompensation.

    Photo: IMF SAO

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    12/24

    and Dumping of Toxic and Dangerous Products andWastes on the Enjoyment of Human Rights. Duringhis visit to India in January 2010, the UN SpecialRapporteur stated that a number of serious concernsremain to be properly addressed regarding healthand safety conditions of workers in the shipbreakingyards. Expressing shock over living conditions ofshipbreaking workers, his report underlined the lack of

    implementation of existing labour and social securitylegislations.

    Regulating South Asias ShipreakingIndustry

    In the face of non-implementation of existing labourand environmental regulations, the scenario of anupward trend and increased arrival of end of life shipsto South Asian shores for dismantling is indeed amajor concern. However, there is a light at the end ofthe tunnel with the active role taken by the supremecourt of India and courts in Bangladesh, which camedown heavily on government authorities for inactionand sought strict implementation of labour andenvironmental regulations. Further interventions bycourts have also led India and Bangladesh to framea new set of code of conduct for the shipbreakingindustry on the basis of national and internationalregulations. It is significant to note that the initiativesfrom civil society, both in India and Bangladesh,to approach legal remedies emanated from anenvironmental perspective.

    INDIA: TOWARDS POLICY ONSHIPbREAKING

    In India the issue was taken by the HonourableSupreme Court, following the writ petition No 657

    of year 1995 filed by the Research Foundation forScience Technology National Resource Policy in whichthe applicant sought the implementation and otherremedial measures in respect of Hazardous Waste(Management and Handling) Rules 1989 framed by theMinistry of Environment and Forests; and the generalissue of control and management of industrial waste.

    During the course of deliberations the Court issuedone of its important orders on October 14, 2003in which it called for the setting up of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to monitor and regulateshipbreaking activities. Subsequently, in January2004, the Ministry of Steel set up an IMC under thechairmanship of Additional Secretary and Financial

    Advisor with members of Ministry of Shipping,Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Ministryof Labour, Gujarat Maritime Board, Gujarat StatePollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board,Labour Association and Steel Scrap and Ship breakersAssociation. Since then the IMC held various meetings.In its last meet in July 2011 the IMC discussed issuessuch as: the provision of housing and sanitation andhospital facilities; the prevalence of asbestos andincidence of asbestos-related diseases among workers;security concerns; the rising number of incidents of thedeath and other injuries to the workers in Alang; andwages and insurance scheme for workers.

    In Compliance with the order of the Honourable

    Supreme Court, dated February 17, 2006, the Ministryof Environment and Forest (MoEF) set up a Committeeof Technical Experts on shipbreaking on in March 2006,

    headed by the MoEF Secretary with experts fromvarious other organizations/pollution control boards.The Committee made various recommendationswhich are part of the Supreme Courts judgmenton September 06, 2007. Further the SupremeCourt stated that the Government of India shallformulate a comprehensive code incorporating therecommendations until the Code comes into operation,

    the recommendations shall remain operative by virtueof the order.

    The Ministry of Steel has developed a Draft Codeon Regulations for Safe and Environmentally SoundShip Recycling and circulated for comments. Thiscode incorporates requirements as stipulated inthe Hong Kong International Convention for Safe &Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

    It is also important to note that the Gujarat MaritimeBoard has taken steps to improve working conditions,the occupational health safety scenario and thequality of life for workers in the Alang/Sosiya yards.

    The improvement has also been acknowledged bythe UN Special Rapporteur. A Red Cross dispensarycum hospital was set up and a mobile hospital toprovide first aid and emergency treatment was alsoestablished. Safe drinking water was also madeavailable in and outside the yards. In Alang the SafetyTraining and Labour Welfare Institute was establishedin 2003. From 2003 to March 2010 some 69,907workers have been trained by the institute. Trainingprogrammes, seminars and workshops organized bythe institute covers issues such as hazards on ships, fireprevention, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) andfirst aid. It also conducts special training on hazardouswaste management, safe removal and handling ofasbestos and disaster management.

    To upgrade the existing shipbreaking facility in Alang/Sosiya to international standards, the Governmentof Gujarat has also concluded a Memorandum ofUnderstanding with the Government of Japan, whichwill facilitate transfer of technology and financialassistance to improve the situation. As per the detailsprovided in the minutes of the IMC meeting held onSeptember 17, 2010, from 2003 to August 2010 a totalof 60,851 shipbreaking workers were trained.

    However, the reality of improvement in workingconditions and the effectiveness of the training shouldbe understood from the fact that, since 2003 thatis after GMB started training workers and after the

    Supreme Courts intervention on the issue - about 80workers lost their lives and 141 workers were seriouslyinjured in various accidents at Alang/Sosiya yards.Though the building meant for the hospital is ready,

    Shipreaking workersParticipate in 2011 May

    Day cultural programmesorganized y the Gujarat

    Maritime board.

    Photo: ASSRGWA

    12 /FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

    t

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    13/24

    no hospital is being run in this building for want ofmedical officers and equipment.

    The Mumbai Port Trust, Dock and General EmployeesUnion (MPTDGEU) played an anchor role in organizingshipbreaking workers in Mumbai and Alang/Sosiyayards. In Mumbai around 2,700 shipbreaking workers

    have enrolled themselves as members of the unionand have been actively participating in trade unionactivities. In Gujarat, a trade union called the AlangSosiya Ship Recycling and General Workers Association(ASSRGWA) was formed by the shipbreaking workers.It was a challenging task to organize workers inshipbreaking yards, says VV Rane, ASSRGWA GeneralSecretary. Workers had to run from pillar to post forofficial registration of the union by the State of Gujarat.Currently the union has a membership of 7,800 and isaffiliated to the Steel, Metal and Engineering WorkersFederation of India (SMEFI). The IMF through SMEFI aspart of its union building projects extended support toorganizing workers and continues its support with thehelp of FNV Mondial.

    Owing to persistent efforts and struggles of this union,there is now a regular supply of drinking water atworkplaces, availability of first-aid kits with trainedworkers and provision of an ambulance service oncall. At many instances the union fought and woncompensation for workers families who lost theirlives or injured in accidents. However, the numberof issues namely wages, payment of overtimeallowance, hygienic and safe working conditions,training for workers, adequate PPEs, housing facilitiesand payment of wages on weekly day of rest remainunaddressed by the employers.

    One of the key demands of the union is to makepayment of wages to shipbreaking workers throughcheques or deposit it in their personal bank accounts.ASSRGWA thinks that this process will help establishan employment record for workers. Recently the IMCheard concerns raised by the union in an informalway and promised to act upon them. Now VV Rane ismaking all efforts for the union to be officially part ofthe IMC.

    bANGLADESH: TOWARDS POLICY ONSHIPbREAKING

    In Bangladesh, as well, judiciary was instrumentalin evolving a policy to regulate the shipbreaking

    industry. In March 2009, on a petition filed by theBangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA)the High Court ordered the government to close all the

    shipbreaking yards, not to allow ships for dismantlingwithout cleansing in-built toxins at source or outsideBangladesh territory and with valid environmentalclearance certificates. In a supplementary writ filed byBELA on same issue, on December 15, 2010 the Courtdirected the government to frame rules within thenext three months to ban imports of any hazardousships. Those rules must be framed in the light of six

    existing laws: Basel Convention Act, 1989, BangladeshEnvironment protection Act, 1995; Bangladesh marineand Fisheries Ordinance 1989; Bangladesh labour Act2006; Bangladesh Territorial Water and Maritime ZoneAct, 1974; and, Environment Protection Rules, 1997.

    Meanwhile while disposing another petition theSupreme Court stayed the order for closing theyards, while sustaining regulations. However, inviolation of the court order ships have been importedfor dismantling. During this period the number ofshipbreaking yards increased from 36 to more than100 with temporary clearance certificates from theDepartment of Environment (DoE). Subsequently,

    taking note of serious violations and the deaths of fourworkers in a fatal explosion at Sitakunda shipbreakingyard on January 18, 2011, the Bangladesh High Courtissued a suo moto direction on January 19, 2011 askingthe government to stop all kinds of scrapping of ships.It also ordered the government to form a committeeto inquire into the incident and investigate whatmeasures should be taken to prevent such accidentsin future. In a subsequent hearing on February 21,the court announced that it will permit conditionalentry of ships on a temporary basis before the framingof the rules by the government. It also called onthe employers to ensure that modern technologiesare used for shipbreaking and workers are provided

    adequate training and safety equipment.

    Further, in March 2011, the court ordered the ownerof the MAK Corporation, in which the explosion tookplace, to pay BDT 500,000 (US$6,800) to familiesof workers who were killed in the explosion andprovide the cost of treatment to workers who wereseriously injured. This is the first time in the historyof the shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh that legalcompensation was provided to the deceased workersfamilies.

    On February 13, 2011 the government of Bangladeshrecognized Shipbreaking as an industry and placedit under the Ministry of Industries. The Government

    of Bangladesh is also in the process of formulatinga shipbreaking policy and forming a wage board forworkers. A committee has been formed to prepare thepolicy. After a series of demands from trade unions,the Government of Bangladesh has also invited inputsfrom the trade unions on the shipbreaking policy.

    Welcoming the governments move to invite tradeunion opinions, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, AssistantExecutive Director of the Bangladesh Institute ofLabour Studies (BILS), says that BILS would conducta Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum andformulate its views. In addition, Sultan says that itis quintessential that trade unions views should be

    incorporated in the making of shipbreaking policy.Further he says that it is also important that the labourministry play an active role in implementing thepolicies and regulations to protect workers.

    FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /13

    More than 2000Shipreaking workers fromAlang Sosiya Participatedin 2011 May Day rallyorganised y AlangSosiya Ship Recyclingand General WorkersAssociation (ASSRGWA)

    Photo: ASSRGWA

    t

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    14/24

    government and shipbreaking owners. In June 2011,with the intervention of the union, wages have beenincreased. Employers also agreed to establish onesubsidized food canteen for the workers of everyfive ship breaking yards. However, Nasir Mansoor isconcerned that many problems are yet to be addressedadequately, such as health and safety, drinking water,better residential quarters, registration of workers

    with Baluchistan Employees Social Security Institution(BESSI), Employees Old Age Benefit Institution (EOBI)and Workers Welfare Fund (WWF).

    Unlike India and Bangladesh, the Government ofPakistan has not yet initiated the process of creating apolicy to regulate the shipbreaking industry. Explainingthe reality on the ground, Nasir Mansoor says, as aresult of non implementation of existing labour lawsand negligence of health and safety measures, onevery day workers are maimed and precious lives arelost at the Gadani shipbreaking yard. We have to travela long way to break this chain.

    LIGHT AT THE END OF TUNNELIn April 2011, the IMF organized an InternationalConference for Shipbreaking Workers at Mumbai.Trade unionists from South Asia called for buildingstronger unions of shipbreaking workers, developinga global strategy to organize workers and buildingan international network to protect workers rightsand improve living conditions. Along with on-goingunion building work in India, IMF is at the forefrontof creating a network among shipbreaking workers inSouth Asia. It is also playing a vital role in supportingits affiliates to intensify organizing shipbreakingworkers in South Asia.

    With the upward trend in the arrival of ships fordismantling, the shipbreaking industry in South Asiais at a critical juncture. So far the governments inSouth Asia have denied the rights of trade unionsto participate in evolving policy regulations for theshipbreaking industry. To arrest loss of life and abolishin- human working conditions it is paramount fortrade unions to ensure that the governments inSouth Asia implement existing laws and expeditethe process of creating new policy regulations for theshipbreaking industry. Trade unions need to fight fora legitimate role in policy making and monitoring theimplementation of regulations.

    PAKISTAN: LONG WAY TO bREAK THECHAIN

    In June 2010, around 15,000 workers went on strikeunder the aegis of the Gadani Shipbreaking DemocraticWorkers Union (GSDWU) at the Gadani shipbreakingyard. Narrating the events of the strike, Nasir Mansoor,the Deputy General Secretary of National Trade Union

    Federation (NTUF) said that, the striking workers facedsevere repression from the government authoritiesin collusion with the shipbreaking employers. Therepresentative union was deregistered, leadership wasarrested and police and the Anti-terrorist Task Force(ATF) was deployed to break the strike. A number ofcriminal cases were registered against the union by thepolice at the behest of contractors and ship owners,while the issue should have been dealt under theindustrial dispute resolution mechanisms.

    The strike played a vital role to highlight the plight ofshipbreaking workers. Spirited action of the workersforced the shipbreaking owners to raise the wagesand extend some facilities to the workers. Even

    in the absence of the legal existence of the union,GSDWU runs its union office and workers recognizethe union as their sole representative. The workerscollective position forced the owners to consult unionrepresentatives on workers issues. The union officeat the shipbreaking yard is the only gathering point ofthe workers to redress their day to day problems, saysNasir Mansoor.

    The union was also successful in getting compensationfor the families of victims in fatal accidents. Recentlyfamilies of 15 workers that died receive the deathgrant of PRS 300,000 (US$ 3,530) each from the

    Even after arbitraryde-registration of GadaniShipbreaking DemocraticWorkers Union in 2010

    y the authorities workersconsider union as theirsole representative.Employers also consult theunion on workers issues.

    Photo: NTUF Pakistan

    t

    Delegates from IMF

    interact with shipbreakingworkers at Mumai

    Photo: IMF SAO

    t

    14 /FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    15/24

    D g. Sjvrdd

    INTERVIEW

    t

    t

    traDe unionS unity ininDia wiLL go a Long way

    INTERVIEW/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /15

    Text /Sudhershan Rao Sarde, G.ManicandanText Editor /Anita Gardner

    Previously we used to have more agitations, strikesand demand oriented moilizations. Now, in theworkplace and in the workers life, big economicchanges have taken place. Unions activity in futurewill depend more on education and intellectual wayof negotiations, says Dr G. Sanjeeva Reddy.

    Photo: IMF-SAO

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    16/24

    Trade unions across the world are building alliancesand partnerships to combat the ever increasingcorporate and state attacks on workers rights. In India,trade unions across the ideological spectrum havedemonstrated to the world their willingness to becomestronger by building a united trade union front cuttingacross their political affiliations. Dr G. Sanjeeva Reddy,a Member of Parliament, President of one of Indiasforemost trade unions, the Indian National Trade UnionCongress (INTUC), and Executive Committee member ofthe IMF shares his views on increasing workers powerby building a united trade union front on the criticalissues faced by the trade union movement in India.

    Dr G. Sanjeeva Reddy has been engaged in tradeunion activities for more than 60 years and has beenPresident of INTUC since 1994. He was elected asPresident of ITUC Asia Pacific in May 2011. In thisinterview for Metal Asia Pacific, welcoming theinitiative to publish an IMF Journal for Asia Pacific, Dr G.Sanjeeva Reddy speaks to Sudhershan Rao Sarde, IMFRegional Director and G.Manicandan, IMF Research andCommunications Officer on organizing the unorganizedmetalworkers, womens representation in trade unions,the future of the Indian trade union movement,transformations in nature of trade union activities andthe role of trade unions in Asia.

    Sudhershan: You have seen the struggles of three

    generations of workers, namely during the freedomstruggle, post independence period and post-liberalization period. How do you see the future oftrade union movement in India?

    Dr Reddy: The future of the Indian trade unionmovement will be very good. Previously we used tohave more agitations, strikes and demand-orientedmobilizations. Now, in the workplace and in theworkers life, big economic changes have takenplace. Unions activity in future will depend moreon education and intellectual way of negotiations.Accordingly trade union activities have to beeducative and intellectually guiding workers at the

    workplace. It is a big change. There is litt le scope fortraditional approach and agitations. Big agitationsare only possible whenever there are significanteconomic demands, victimization and repression

    by the managements. Labour laws also need to bechanged. Most of Indian labour laws were enactedmore than 60 years ago. After economic liberalizationin the year 1991 in India, there is great deal oftransformation in the dynamics of industrial relationsand workers problems. At the job level, modernizationand automation have been introduced in a big way.Workers have to apply more intellectual skills ratherthan physical strengths. They are also intensivelytrained to carry out such tasks. On the other hand,the numbers of workers on the regular roles [direct/permanent employment] have come down. Moreproduction and less workers is todays trend. Duringthis period investments also tremendously increased.

    So trade unions can play a good role bringing moreknowledge to the worker.

    Sudhershan: So as I understand of what you say, theleadership should be more educated and consciousnot only about the company and union but alsooverall economic scenario. And they have to give anenlightened leadership.

    Dr Reddy: Yes. First of all the leadership has to beenlightened and knowledge has to be transferredto the workers. Workers in the field require goodknowledge, education, training and this will be morehelpful. Trade unions should be able to provide andhelp workers on workers friendly technologies. That

    is the big change I am talking about. Previously,developing country trade union movement hadbeen characterised by a fight between managementand workers on economic issues. Workers were notallowed to be involved in management decisions anddetermining work procedures and production results.Whereas now-a-days the management is ready toopen the policies and programmes and engage withtrade unions positively. Trade unions need to studyintensively and transmit the knowledge and helpworkers. It must be in a position to present their caseon the impacts of new technologies and workload onthe workers health and help workers to face thesechallenges to discharge their duties at workplace.

    Sudhershan: Now we see a phenomenon where mostof the young workers, who are educated and qualified,are not willing to join the unions. The management

    16 /INTERVIEW/METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

    In a historic march toParliament on Feruary23, 2011 around 200,000working people of Indiarallied in New Delhidemanding controlon price rises, strictenforcement of labourlaws, linkages ofemployment protectionwith the stimulus package,universalization of socialsecurity, enhanced socialsecurity fund and to stopprivatisation of centralpublic sector enterprises.

    In photo: Dr G. SanjeevaReddy Addressing thegathering.

    Photo: IMF-SAO

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    17/24

    also designates them as executives, junior engineersand technicians so that they cannot become part of theunions. How do you think we can attract these youngtalents into the trade union movement?

    Dr Reddy: As per the laws in India, workers who aredrawing the salary of INR 10,000 (US$220) or doingthe job of a supervisor, he/she is not entitled to join

    the trade union. A supervisor who is getting a salaryof INR 10,000 or more cannot be a member of thetrade union. Executives also cannot be members.Managements have got a programme to reduce themembership of workers in trade unions. Thereforethey are giving false designations to avoid, discourageand prevent workers from joining unions in theircompanies.

    Secondly, highly skilled workers, like softwareengineers who are getting a handsome salaries, couldnot really understand and take decisions whetherthe salary they are getting is really a justified salaryor not. So they are afraid to join the unions. After a

    point of time, when they realise that their volume andquantum of work is more important, and the salarythey are getting is very less, there wil l be more chanceto build the trade unions in those sectors.

    Sudhershan: In these times of post-economic crisis,the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)countries are considered as growth engines of a neweconomic order. In these five countries China andIndia are part of Asia. How do you see the role of theChinese trade unions and Indian trade unions? Can theyprovide leadership for the international trade unionmovement and what kind of role they have to play?

    Dr Reddy: I have got a clear position in this matter.

    In China the government and trade union movementare controlled by the party. Trade unions do not havethe liberty to protest against government. They donot have the freedom to organize a free trade unionmovement in China. There is controlled trade unionismand trade unions are for namesake only. So theChinese trade unions should be considered as part ofthe government. Irrespective of workers interests,unions in China toe the line of government.

    On the other hand India is a free democracy. We havegot the freedom of association, freedom of collectivebargaining, and freedom to involve in actions likeagitations and strike. So India is in disadvantageousposition in comparison to China on economic purposesand in attracting foreign direct investments.

    In case of India, the misuse of democracy and

    freedom has created more problems for the country.We have multiplicity of trade unions in the country.So trade unions are getting weaker in comparisonto the managements. In a democratic country withfreedom of association and collective bargaining tradeunion have got more responsibility. We are happywith this freedom, and we want to behave in a veryresponsible way in industrial relations. Indian tradeunions are learning to play constructive role in thecontext of competition in global market to safeguardworkers interests, safe and secured service conditions,protection of jobs and also see that the industry isprotected.

    China has got a big advantage compared to India as

    their workforce is solid: no work stoppage, no demandfor wage increase, and whatever the minimum wagesfixed by the government has to be implemented.However, in India we are demanding wages accordingto the paying capacity of the industry. We also wantto uplift the economic life of workers, so our demandsare not restricted to the cost of living and purchasingpower index, but according to the profit of the industry.So our demands have got no limits. If profits areincreasing, more funds and more welfare activitieshave to be undertaken by the managements.

    Sudhershan: India is witnessing more ForeignDirect Investment (FDI) in recent times, particularly

    in the steel and auto sectors. However, most of themultinational companies (MNCs) either they arepromoting in-house unions or they do not want unionsat all. We need FDI, but at the same time workersrights are also to be respected. How do we address thischallenge?

    Dr Reddy: We are strongly opposing the anti-workerattitude of MNCs in India. Law of the land must berespected. When Indian laws provide for freedomof association, MNCs have to respect it and engage

    INTERVIEW/METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /17

    Employers are trying toform in-house unions withfew people in hand ut itwill lead to a big crisis inthe industry. MNCs short-sighted in-house unionpolicy in India is not goingto sustain in the long run,says Dr G. Sanjeeva Reddy.

    Maruti - Suzuki workerslaunched a sit-in strikefrom June 4, demandingtrade union rights. Whilethe management sacked11 workers including unionofce bearers, thousandsof workers in Gurgaonregion demonstrated insolidarity with workers. The13 day long sit-in strikewas concluded in the earlyhours of June 17. The 11dismissed workers arereinstated pending domesticinquiry and oth the partiesagreed to cooperate witheach other.

    Photo: IMF SAO

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    18/24

    positively in building industrial relations. Employersare trying to form in-house unions with few people inhand but it will lead to a big crisis in the industry. Oncethe workers learn that the management is trying tocontrol the union workers will protest. MNCs short-sighted in-house union policy in India is not going to

    sustain in the long run.

    Sudhershan: In the recent history of the Indiantrade union movement, February 23, 2011 was amomentous day, when all trade unions cutting acrossideological affiliations have marched together toParliament. They also unanimously accepted yourleadership. How far this unity will go? Is there anypossibility of merger of some of the national centres sothat a strong unified national trade union movementis built?

    Dr. Reddy: It is very difficult to say at this moment. Icant say about the merger of central trade unions. Atleast I am not seeing any merger in the immediate

    future. But we want to work together to understandeach other well. Mutual trust, confidence in eachother has to be built among trade unions. For years tocome we have to work together. To build mutual trustand understanding, compromise, collective decisionsbased on consensus, collective actions and discussionsgoing to be helpful to maintain the unity amongtrade unions. After independence this is the first timewe marched together. We are trying our level bestto maintain this unity. Recently Bharatiya MazdoorSangh (BMS) also agreed and joined us. The globaleconomic situation has compelled us to come together.Employers are getting united and government is alsounnecessarily imposing anti-labour policies at someplaces, with the anxiety to bring more economicprosperity in the country and attract more investmentsand industries into the country. So they want to bemore favourable to the industry than the workers. Thishas compelled all trade unions to come together andwe have decided to work together. Trade unions unityin India will go a long way and I hope that this unitymay finally turn into merger of trade unions.

    Sudhershan: Sir, what is the response of theGovernment of India and employers for the unitedstruggle of trade Unions?

    Dr Reddy: Until now we have not got any substantivereaction from the government or the employers. So

    far there has been no occasion to discuss the issuewith private sector employers. In the public sector wehave been discussing jointly because we have gotan understanding and we are negotiating jointly. We

    Right to union, workintensication andsubsequent chronic healthprolems of 450 workerswere the main issues ofprotesting workers in oneof the biggest strike actions

    launched in decades inGujarat y General MotorsIndia workers. The 51 daysstrike was led y the unionGujarat Kamdar Mandal(GKM), afliated to IndianNational Trade UnionCongress (INTUC).

    Photo: GKM India

    are waiting for the response from the governmentand private sector employers. We made five majordemands. One, price control of essential commodities;second, abolition of contract systems or the contractworkers may be paid on par with the permanentworkers; third, stop liquidation of government share,

    disinvestment or privatization of the public sectorindustry; fourth, minimum wage, job protection andretirement benefit for unorganised sector workers inIndia. Two years back the government of India haspassed a resolution in this regard. But they have notimplemented it til this date. We are pressurizingthe government to implement their programme forthe benefit of workers in the informal sector. Properimplementation of labour laws and modernizationof labour laws are also our demands. In future wewill come to know how they are responding to ourdemands.

    (Unorganised sector denotes casual, temporary andcontract nature of employment with no job security,

    which also includes self employed workers. In Indiancontext it is often used interchangeably with the terminformal sector, that denotes enterprises that arenot governed by legal framework. It is also importantto note the existence of informal employment in theformal sector)

    Sudhershan: On several occasions you said aboutcontract workers. In global unions language, wecall them precarious workers. You are saying thatregularization of contract workers may not be possiblebut at least parity should be given in terms of wagesand other benefits. So in the recent INMF conventionheld in Jhamshedpur, the convention passed aunanimous resolution that the minimum wage of the

    contract workers should be INR 10,000 (US$220). Whatextent this is being materialized?

    Dr Reddy: We have negotiated with the governmentof India on this issue. We divided this in to two issuesnamely contract labour absorption and wages on parwith permanent workers. The government of Indiaagreed to negotiate with us on the payment of wagesfor contract workers on par with permanent workers.It seems the government is favourable and they aregiving indications that they are positively reacting inthis matter. The government want to discuss furtheron this issue. We also want that all the private sectoremployers also should not pay less than Rs 10,000

    (US$220) minimum wages for all contract workers. Atsome places we have achieved it and at some placesnegotiations are going on. Very soon we are going toget this.

    18 /INTERVIEW/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    19/24

    Sudhershan: Regarding special economic zones(SEZs), though there is no ban under the law toorganize trade unions, when we see the enactmentsof the each states, for example Andhrapradesh orTamilnadu, we are witnessing huge inconsistencies. InAndhrapradesh the law says 25 per cent of them canbe members of the union. In Tamilnadu, they havedeclared the whole area as public utility services. The

    SEZ is administered by the development commissioner.They do not have a labour commissioner. Practicallythey are not allowing the unions to be formed in theSEZs. So how do you address this challenge?

    Dr Reddy: This is one of the big challenges beforeus and we are pressurizing the government. Anumber of times we have discussed it with thecentral government. They are also telling the stategovernments that the union should not be victimizedin the name of SEZs. As you said correctly they are notimplementing the policy. The Government of Indiasposition is that labour laws are not implemented bythe state governments. Wherever we have got strongunions, with their struggles they are making authorities

    to implement labour laws. As you said correctly thestate government is avoiding and employers are takingfull advantage of this scheme and number of workersand trade union leaders are victimized. We want todiscuss this issue with the Government of India tobring pressure on the state governments to agree andimplement the law of the land. I think trade unions canprevail upon the government and very soon we wil lbring some result on this issue.

    Sudhershan: There are many issues raised aboutenvironment. FDI coming in to some States is beingopposed. As trade unionists how do you like toharmonise the situation?

    Dr Reddy: We are saying that the environment andpollution are the biggest problem worldwide. They arenot only Indias problems. It is a universal problem.India is still a developing country. Therefore, we wantto take simultaneous steps to protect the environmentand allowing the development. We should give litt lebit of liberal hand to the new industries coming up,but equally we should protect the environment andclimate issues. To balance both these processes,the Government of India also require some time toform policy and to manage. New industries shouldnot create more pollution, new regulations andtechnologies can be introduced. The old industriesshould adopt new technologies to avoid pollution.We should put condition that the new industriesshould not create pollution. We are engaging withthe government on these issues and also creatingawareness among our workers.

    We are strongly opposingthe anti-worker attitude ofMNCs in India. Law of theland must be respected.When Indian laws providefor freedom of association,MNCs have to respectit and engage positivelyin uilding industrial

    relations, says Dr G.Sanjeeva Reddy.

    Photo: IMF SAO

    Sudhershan: Womens participation in trade unionactivity is very low. The total organized workforce isless than eight per cent. Even within this womensparticipation is very low. What steps have INTUC andINMF been taking to increase womens participation intrade union activities? Are you visualizing some quotasystems? In case of IMF executive committee, in theprevious congress we have made a rule that one third

    of the members should be women. You might replicatesuch a system in INTUC as well.

    Dr Reddy: We want to reserve some positions forwomen trade unionists on the basis on central, stateand federation quotas. We are facing major problemsbecause 80 per cent of women are working in informalsectors. Once we organize the informal sector, 70to 80 per cent of trade union posts will be occupiedby women in the unorganized sector. Then womenparticipation in trade union will not be a big problem.In organized industry the proportion of women workersis very less. Their membership in trade union is evenless. Even though women working in some commercialestablishments are members of a union, they are

    not participating in trade union activities owing totheir family responsibilities. Their active participationis more important. When informal sector will beorganized, it is women who are going to dominatetrade unions in India.

    Manicandan: How do you approach the organizingand building union strength among unorganized sectorworkers? What have been your specific initiatives?

    Dr Reddy: A number of welfare programmes havebeen started by the government for the benefit ofworkers in unorganized sector. So, through welfareboards we are approaching to enrol the membersin informal sector. Second, the Government of India

    already introduced a bill where informal sectorworkers are organized and they may be registered intrade unions. Also they are introducing some of thesocial security net like a minimum wage, ProvidentFund (PF), gratuity and Employee State Insurance(ESI), health issues and children education. All theseproblems are addressed through the unorganizedsector social security bill. Trade unions want to takefull advantage of the bill. By implementing this bill wewant to enrol the unorganized sector workers in tradeunions in big numbers and bring them into the tradeunion fold.

    Manicandan: What is your opinion on the progress oftrade union movement in Asia?

    Dr Reddy: In case of trade union movements inAsia, in countries like Japan, Korea and India tradeunions have developed largely like western countries.But many countries in Asia stil l we are backwardin organizing the workers and strengthening tradeunions. Because in a number of countries informalsector workers are more and organized sector workersare less. Therefore, we have got a weaker trade unionmovement in many countries in Asia. But in case ofsome smaller countries like Singapore and Malaysiathe number of organized workers are more. But inlarger countries like India we got only eight per centof organized workers. Large number of workers inunorganized are not organized yet. Gradually we aregoing to organize these workers and our trade unionmovement is going to be strengthened in times tocome.

    INTERVIEW/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /19

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    20/24

    SoLiDarity inthe FaCe oFDiSaSterText /Kan MatsuzakiPhotos /RENGO & IMF-JCText Editor /Anita Gardner

    FEATURE

    TRIPLE DISASTER

    t

    tEarthquake and subsequent devastating tsunami that hit the north eastcoastal region of Japan on March 11, 2011 led to a total of more than25000 people dead and missing.

    Photo: RENGO

    20 /FEATURE/ METAL WORLD / www.imfmetal.org

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    21/24

    A review of the impact of the triple disaster (earth

    quake, tsunami and nuclear accident at Fukushima)

    on metalworkers in Japan and the solidarity

    response by trade unions and their members.

    Disaster strikes

    At 2:46 p.m. on Friday March 11, 2011, whenmost workers were in their workplaces, anearthquake hit the northeast of Japan (thecoastal area on the Pacific side of the Tohokuregion) with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richterscale, the largest on record in Japanese history.Right after the earthquake occurred, a Tsunamihit a 700 kilometer-long coastal area of eastJapan, causing far more devastating damageto the cities, towns and villages than the effectof the earthquake itself. Many precious andloved local homes were swept away, and thelandscape was turned into heaps of rubble.

    As of May 3, the number of people recognizedto be dead amounts to 14,755 and whenadded to the number of people missing whomthe police have been informed of, the totalincreases to more than 25,000. The number ofbuildings and houses which were completelyor half destroyed by the earthquake and thetsunami exceeds more than 107,000, and now,more than 120,000 people are refugees whoare forced to live in 2,400 different shelters in18 different prefectures.

    Many workplaces in the area were also

    destroyed and approximately 70,000 workerslost their jobs (reported as being layed-offor unemployed) because of the catastrophe.As of March 29, IMF-JC, organizing fivemetalworkers federations, confirmed thatmore than 220 members and their families hadbeen directly affected through loss of life orpeople missing. IMF-JC is still investigating thefate of union members and families since moretime is needed to grasp the whole situation ofthe widely damaged area.

    The tsunami also led to damage and the lossof control of the Fukushima Daiichi NuclearPower Plant, located at the coast of FukushimaPrefecture. The International Nuclear EventsScale (INES) rated the severity of the situationas level 7 on a par with the Chernobyl disasterdue to the critical amount of radiation leakage.The Japanese government officially declaredthe 20-km evacuation area around the cripplednuclear power plant as a no-go zone. Morethan 80,000 people who were living withinthe zone are now sheltered away from theirhomes.

    t

    FEATURE /METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org /21

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    22/24

    Regarding the economic damage, the Cabinet Officeof Japan estimates the cost of the damage that hasoccurred in the disaster area will be US$195 to 305billion. The metal industry in the coastal area ofTohoku was also heavily damaged in their productionsites, which affected both domestic and international

    supply chains. The Tohoku area has many key globalmanufacturers and suppliers producing products suchas computer chips used in smartphones and tabletPCs, high-tech automobile components and specialadhesives for lithium ion batteries. With maximumsupport from workers in the recovery, 60 per cent ofmanufacturing in the area was restored only a monthafter the earthquake.

    However, the electricity shortages following the tripledisaster have become a more serious problem fornot only the immediately affected areas, but also forall the production sites, workers and their familiesthat live in the Kanto region covered by Tokyo ElectricPower Company (TEPCO). Over the coming summer,

    especially in Kanto and Tohoku region, users willhave to make a massive effort to save up to 20 to25 per cent of energy to ensure that supply can

    RENGO launched a campaigncalled Connecting (solidarity)JAPAN, organized rescuevolunteer parties consistingof 50000 union memers tosupport the disaster victims,and set up si ases in thethree prefectures of Iwate,

    Miyagi and Fukushima wheremost of the damage y theearthquake and the tsunamioccurred.

    In Photo: RENGOs volunteerteam engaged in disasterrelief work.

    Photo: RENGO

    match demand during the peak-loads so as to avoidscheduled rolling blackouts. Otherwise, the metalindustry, which needs a non-stop electricity supplyfor processes such as semiconductors, steel and ironworks, and in optical fiber production, will be forcedto stop its operations with a subsequent impact onworkers working conditions.

    Another negative effect which is now presentinga very serious problem is rumor. The Japanesegovernment is reporting the results of inspection onradioactivity levels in the Tohoku and Kanto region,including food products of fishery, agriculture andlivestock, and confirming its safety to consume.However, even if local safe products have passedsevere inspection, many people and retailers avoidbuying anything from the area. As a consequencefarmers and fishermen in the area are facing ahard time to continue their business and lives. Also,according to media reports, the evacuees from theFukushima prefecture, where the nuclear plantaccident occurred, have been denied services at

    commercial facilities. In other cases, elementaryschool students who were evacuated from Fukushimaare being bullied at school. The Human Rights Bureauof the Ministry of Justice announced a special messageto the public that, It can be an infringement ofhuman rights to discriminate against people dueunreasonable bias or prejudice, even if it is motivatedby anxiety over radiation effects.

    Trade Unions activities: connectingsolidarity etween workers and wholesociety

    The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-

    RENGO), organizing 6.8 million members across Japanincluding two million metalworkers of IMF-JC, hasprioritized restoration activities for the sake of the

    On March 14 RENGO setup a Disaster Relief TaskForce to start a fund-raisingcampaign so that themoney eing donated ynational and internationalrother and sister unionsfrom around the worldcould be utilized for thevictims and their society.

    In photo: RENGOsvolunteer team engaged indisaster relief work.

    Photo: RENGO

    t

    t

    22 /FEATURE/ METAL ASIA-PACIFIC / www.imfmetal.org

  • 7/31/2019 Metal Asia 1-2011 Imf

    23/24

    disaster victims. On March 14, RENGO headquartersset up a Disaster Relief Task Force to start a fund-raising campaign so that the money being donated bynational and international brother and sister unionsfrom around the world could be utilized for the victimsand their society. also launched a ca