World Labour must order environment & safety measures, says Union
06 Feb '06
1 min read
Trade Union Solidarity has called for the World Labour Confederation in Brussels to insist that the rich countries do not offer contracts to those that do not fulfill certain minimum safety, labour, health and environmental norms.
The union particularly pointed out China, which is a country with cheap labour and production facilities, and does not heed to environmental requirements, minimum labour standards for workers and the safety of the end user.
It said that South Africa loses European contracts to China because strict environmental and labour standards apply in that country.
The union stressed that when European countries sign deals with China, they encourage its disregard for environmental and health concerns.
Solidarity has also taken up this issue with Algemene Christelijke Vakbond (ACV).
Algemene Christelijke Vakbond (ACV) is Belgium's largest trade union federation with almost 17-million members.
Solidarity is currently negotiationg with Christelijk Nationale Vakverbond (CNV) of Netherlands on similar lines.