13-14 September 2011
The first joint shipbuilding/shipbreaking
conference of IMF and EMF is seen as a positive and successful experience by
the participants. Both organisations should explore opportunities for further
international cooperation and solidarity in this field.
The exchanges between shipbuilding
and shipbreaking workers strongly illustrate the need for a “life-cycle” or
“cradle to grave” approach. Participants of the conference urge companies to
consider the recycling of a ship already at the time of its conception and
design.
There is great benefit in the
cooperation and transfer of good practices between developed and developing
countries, particularly in the area of occupational health and safety. The IMF
will continue to expand its organizing projects in developing countries. Bilateral
or multilateral cooperation projects between affiliates are strongly encouraged.
Our global trade union network
should be further expanded and intensified. Issue-driven cooperation with other
partners, such as NGOs, as part of a broader alliance for safe, sustainable and
green jobs in shipbuilding-shipbreaking will also be important. At the same
time, IMF and EMF continue to cooperate with other GUFs, international/regional
organizations to make their sectoral activities more effective and stronger.
IMF and EMF demand that
international regulations on OHS and environment in shipbuilding-shipbreaking
be implemented rapidly, including as a minimum and a first step the Hong Kong
Convention. We urge governments to secure basic worker’s rights to improve
their working conditions.
IMF and EMF support schemes which
promote green technologies, green products, and provide sustainable employment.
Safer, greener ships that are producing less toxic waste and fewer emissions
are in the interest of shipbuilding workers, maritime transport workers and
shipbreaking workers alike.
IMF and EMF underline that the
transition to safe, sustainable shipbuilding-shipbreaking requires investment
not only in technologies but foremost in people and skills.
Finally…..
The joint conference of IMF and EMF
demonstrated that shipbuilding-shipbreaking remains a precarious and hazardous
occupation in many regions.
IMF and EMF therefore call on
regulators and industry to take immediate action to ensure the basic right to
life as well as decent working conditions. Compliance with ILO core labour
standards, conventions and agreements is essential and non-negotiable. Trade
unions are indispensible in this process as unionized workplaces are safer
workplaces!
Source: International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF)
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