Trade Union Actions to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Development Publication Does Not Constitute Endorsement by the ILO

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Trade Union Actions to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Development Publication does not constitute endorsement by the ILO. You are invited to copy, excerpt, adapt, and translate the materials for non-commercial purposes, and to make them appropriate for your education and training activities. The ILO, however, does not accept responsibility for such republication. Please acknowledge the source and send a copy of the reprint to the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities. While every effort has been made to contact the copyright holders for materials repro- duced herein, we would be happy to hear from any unacknowledged source. Photographs: ACTRAV “Workers’ Education and Environment” Project unless otherwise stated.

For more information, please contact:

International Labour Office Bureau for Workers’ Activities 4, route des Morillions 1211 Geneva 22 Switzerland Fax 41 22 799.6570 E-mail: [email protected]

”Workers Education and Environment” Project INT/93/M12/NOR

Find us on the Internet at: www.ilo.org in ACTRAV/Activities/Environment

Design and printing: International Training Centre of the ILO, Turin, Italy

ii Preface

This booklet was developed as part of the In- tation on relevant environmental advisory and ternational Labour Organization’s Bureau for decision-making bodies at the bi- and tripar- Workers’ Activities Project entitled “Workers’ tite level. Since the beginning of the Project, Education and Environment” (INT/93/M12/ trade unions have become involved in formu- NOR), which was started in 1990 with the sup- lating and implementing environmental and port of the Norwegian Government. sustainable development policies at all levels. Additionally, trade unions are networking be- Since this project on “Trade Unions and Envi- tween one another and forming alliances on ronmentally Sustainable Development” be- environmental issues. gan, dozens of case studies have been developed which show how environmentally The Project developed materials entitled sustainable development issues have been in- “Trade Unions and Environmentally Sustain- tegrated into trade union work. Trade unions able Development” and “Using ILO Standards have drawn the attention to issues as diverse to Promote Environmentally Sustainable De- as occupational health and safety, the trans- velopment”, which have since been translated portation of hazardous cargo, water pollution into several languages. Using these materials, control, coalition building, and reforestation, workshops have been held throughout Africa to name a few. The variety of the subjects and Asia since Phase two of the Project began studied shows that environmental issues are in 1994, training over 2600 members how to coming to the forefront at workplaces around develop trade union policies and action plans the world, thanks to dedicated trade union to be carried out in their workplaces and com- members and the knowledge this project has munities. In addition, through cooperation helped spread. with ITSs and through the ILO network, the Project has reached even more members, both One objective of the Project was to put the co- in Asia and Africa, and in countries in the operating trade unions in a position to partici- Americas, the Caribbean, and Eastern pate in the formulation and implementation of Europe. national environmental and sustainable development policies which reflect the special Country to country, the needs and priorities of needs and concerns of the workers and their trade unions and the workers they serve differ organizations. The other major goal of the greatly. The case studies chosen for this book- Project was to increase trade union represen- let seek to highlight the different kinds of work

iii trade unions have done in different places to preciation of the fine work done by all effect change on environmental issues. These involved. The reporting of your efforts, suc- case studies are exemplary lessons on coali- cesses and shortcomings have given this proj- tion building, collective bargaining, fact- ect much to be proud of. Thank you also to finding, direct action, and training, to name a Ms. Kristi Bascom, who wrote and edited the few. case study summaries presented in this booklet, and to Ms. Annie Rice, who also lent her Results from case studies, campaigns, work- input. shops, etc., can be difficult to measure and results can take time to develop. With the case We hope that you find these case studies inter- studies sampled here, we hope to illustrate the esting to read, and that they lead you to think diversity of approaches, methods used, and about how your trade union could be active in results obtained on different topics in different environmentally sustainable development is- regions by different trade unions. The idea is sues. The ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities not to show that one method or case is better continues to be interested in your input on than another, but to learn and exchange expe- trade unions and environmentally sustainable riences. development, your feedback on these case studies, and in keeping the flow of information There were many other successful actions car- going with trade unions around the world. It ried out in cooperation with this Project. would be most appreciated if you could find Given space and time limitations, we could time to keep ACTRAV informed about your not list them all in this booklet, but instead trade unions’ involvement with environmental have chosen a representative few. Thank you issues. to all of the cooperative partners who completed case studies and please accept our ap-

Else-Marie Osmundsen Chief Technical Adviser, Geneva ILO/ACTRAV November, 1999

iv Table of Contents

PAGE

Actions

Eritrea Introducing Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment 1 Committees in the Workplace: A Goal of the NCEW in Eritrea

Korea A Korean Trade Union Spreads Environmental Awareness in 7 Asia

Philippines An Environmental Disaster Motivates Trade Union Actions in 13 the Philippines

India Trade Unions in India: Solidarity for Environmental 21 Protection

Ghana Replanting Their Future: Trade Unions’ Reforestation Project 25 in Ghana

Philippines Greening Workplaces throughout the Philippines 31

Southern Export Processing Zones in Southern Africa: 35 a New Challenge for Trade Unions to Advance the Africa Rights of the Worker and the Environment

India Trade Unions Bring Clean Water to a Community in India 40

Guatemala Promoting Worker Involvement: 47 The IUF Researches Pesticide Use in Guatemala, and Plans Worker Training Among Affiliates

Appendix I Reference Materials 51

Appendix II List of Abbreviations 53

Appendix III Guidelines For Final Reporting on a Case Study 55

v vi Action Eritrea

Introducing Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment Committees in the Workplace: A Goal of the NCEW in Eritrea

sented right after independence, therefore, Project The Establishment of were not conducive for reinforcing or institu- Title: Occupational Safety, tionalizing safety and health practices. Health, and Environment With the privatization of former government Committees in the factories underway, the promotion and institu- Workplace tionalization of safety and health practices, especially among the privatized enterprises, is Project The National becoming increasingly necessary. Techno- Completed Confederation of Eritrean logically advanced machinery and dangerous by: Workers (NCEW) chemicals are entering the country and expos- ing workers and the environment to all sorts of health hazardous and environmentally un- About the Organization friendly situations. NCEW visits of two newly established factories in The NCEW is probably the youngest national Eritrea were carried out and showed that even in centre in Africa, established in 1994. Trade the newly constructed factories, appropriate unionism, however, is not new to Eritrean safety and health practices were not being fol- workers. The struggle for improved living and lowed. For instance, in one of the factories vis- working conditions has been going on in Eri- ited, a hazardous chemical was being used trea for decades. without the workers’ knowledge of its harm. In The NCEW is composed of five federations another newly constructed factory, the safety covering industries as diverse as Food, Hotel signs were only written in English. Visits to two and Tourism, Mining and Chemicals, Service older factories showed deplorable working con- Industries, Textile and Leather, and Transport ditions. Most of the machines were run-down and Communication. The NCEW has a mem- and dangerous to use. Waste materials were bership of over 17,000. The Confederation simply let into the main stream, where neigh- has six branch offices, which carry out the bouring residential areas' water supply could tasks of the National Centre in addition to as- easily be polluted. The NCEW was very con- sisting the five federations carry out their re- cerned about these findings which demonstrated sponsibilities. the urgent need to institutionalize rules and regulations on health and safety practices. Introduction Following a workshop in cooperation with the ILO/ACTRAV “Workers’ Education and Envi- The practice of occupational safety, health ronment” Project in 1995, the participants and environment in Eritrea can be described strongly supported their National Centre, the as being at its infancy stage. Following inde- NCEW, to get involved in environmental is- pendence, Eritrea inherited poorly managed sues. and run-down factories. The conditions pre-

1 Action Eritrea

Eritrea, Massawa

With the help of these workshop participants, Project Description the NCEW drafted their environmental poli- The training workshops proposed by the cies and action plan. Their successful ap- NCEW aimed at bringing together workers proach was even used as an example in the and employers to discuss the possibility of training materials developed in the ACTRAV forming occupational safety, health, and envi- Project (“Trade Unions and Environmentally ronment (OSHE) committees in their work- Sustainable Development”, Guide to the places. Specifically, the workshops provided Booklets, Page 44). the opportunity to: In order to implement their environmental l exchange experiences, ideas and materi- goals, the NCEW proposed a project to be im- als on existing activities on OSHE; plemented in cooperation with the ACTRAV Project, which would: l identify constraints in establishing OSHE Committees and develop strategies for l promote awareness and concern on envi- meeting these constraints; ronmental issues; l collaborate on proposed ideas and de- l administer regional and local training velop a potential working structure for es- seminars; tablishing OSHE Committees at the l prepare the relevant educational materi- workplaces; als for the training programme, including l determine the most suitable structure for the development of a training video and forming a bipartite relationship surround- the translation of relevant ILO training ing the issues of OSHE; materials into Tigrigna and Arabic, where appropriate. l train participants on how to form OSHE Committees in their respective workplace, whereby trained participants would be expected to hold a workshop on forming OSHE Committees for their co-workers;

2 Action Eritrea

findings of the study in conjunction with “Oc- l provide information kits to participants on cupational Safety and Health Awareness OSHE Committee structure and policy for- Week” in April 1998 in order to draw attention mation; to the need to adopt OSHE practices and pre- l discuss and identify follow-up activities. vent workplace injuries.

Project Implementation Material Development The following groups were identified to partici- During the progress of the project coopera- pate in the project: tion, a number of materials were produced and translated, including the ILO/ACTRAV l Union members and particularly workers material on “Trade Unions and Environmentally at workplace level Sustainable Development" and the earlier Discus- l Union Leaders sion Booklets on “Workers' Education and the En- vironment” in Tigrigna. In some regional centres, l Management however, translation of the materials were pre- l NCEW pared in other local languages including Arabic. The materials prepared for this project were de- l Representatives of different ministries and veloped through the participation of the work- organizations involved in environmental ers and resource persons. issues and legislation

Workshops The workshops were held in the Eritrean cities of Asmara, Assab, and Massawa. In each of these cities, an area-wide workshop was conducted, in addition to multiple follow-up workshops at specific workplaces. At the workplace workshops, both trade unions and management attended. In total, more than 750 members participated in this programme.

Fact Finding Through a series of surveys and interviews, the NCEW looked at the current practices of OSHE in the workplace in Eritrea. The NCEW examined the awareness of workers, trade union leaders and management of OSHE practices. They also identified unsafe practices and acknowledged the challenges of monitoring and maintaining health and safety procedures. Combined with site visits, the interviews and surveys provided information on what needed to be done in order to make OSHE Committees effective. The NCEW used the

3 Action Eritrea

Campaigning The workshop recommendations went on to specify the membership and structure of OSHE In addition to the surveys and workshops, a full Committees, the committee’s role and activities range of other activities were undertaken, in- the committee should and should not under- cluding photo-exhibitions, poster design and take. There was also the acknowledgment that creation, writing and publishing newspaper a bipartite OSHE Committee could provide the articles and conducting radio interviews. The day-to-day oversight at the workplace level that NCEW developed an awareness-raising yearly inspections are not in a position to do. video, entitled “The Role of Workers’ and Envi- ronmentally Sustainable Development,” which The workshop participants also identified chal- highlighted the need for workers to be active in lenges that were likely to be faced in establish- safeguarding Eritrea’s natural resources. ing OSHE Committees in the workplace. These challenges included the acknowledgment that Eritrean enterprises are not bound by law to establish OSHE Committees, there is limited knowledge about establishing OSHE Commit- tees among workers, employers, and govern- Results and Reactions ment, old machinery at many factories in Eritrea Workshop participants concluded that OSHE do not lend themselves well to security in safety Committees were needed in Eritrean work- and environmental protection, and there is an places. Workers and management agreed absence of national health and safety stan- that OSHE Committees in the workplace dards to refer to. should serve multiple purposes: The workplace-level workshops conducted in l an organizational framework for problem the three regions served to establish the spe- solving; cific OSHE Committee at that workplace, which was a very successful approach. l an internal responsibility system; l a mechanism for the exchange of information; l the means through which employee par- Discussion Points ticipation is increased; l a system through which to put in place health, safety, and environmental proce- 1. What policies has your union de- dures; veloped on environmentally sustainable development issues? l a pooling of knowledge and expertise. 2. How have these policies been im- Overall, it was agreed that the main objective plemented? of the OSHE Committees should be the promotion of cooperation between employers 3. How have the different action and employees in the investigating, develop- plans your trade union has developed, reached? the workplaces? ing, and carrying out of measures to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

4 Action Eritrea

The NCEW case study is an excellent example of how training and education can lead to successful capacity building. Because of a long history of civil war, Eritrean workers in general received limited education, their op- portunities taken from them by decades of civil unrest. In spite of these challenges, the NCEW’s efforts to establish OSHE Commit- tees at the workplace was very successful. Regional workshops conducted in Asmara, Assab, and Massawa brought forth strategies and recommendations from both employers and workers. The networks developed in this project between the regions of Eritrea were very important and the initial establishment of the OSHE Com- mittees in the workplaces was successful. However, the unfortunate fact is that continuing war-like conditions in the country make it difficult to know if the efforts have endured. The success of this project is a credit to the NCEW and its dedicated members. The For information on this case study serious enthusiasm shown by the NCEW to or other environmentally improve the living and working conditions sustainable development-related of their members is impressive, and it projects of the NCEW, please speaks volumes about their commitment to contact the future of Eritrea. National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, P. O. Box 1188, Asmara, Eritrea. Tel. (291) 1 116 187 Fax (291) 1 126 606 Acknowledgments

Thank you to Mr. Tekeste Baire, General Sec- retary, Mr. Tseggai Moggos, Deputy General Secretary, and Mr. Ammanuel Negassie, Head, International Relations Department, all of the NCEW for their commitment to this project.

5 Action Korea

A Korean Trade Union Spreads Environmental Awareness in Asia FKCU, Korea

Project ICEM/ILO/FKCU About the Organizations Title: Workshop on Trade Some 20 million workers worldwide are or- Unions, the Environment, ganized within the ICEM, the International and Sustainable Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and Development in Asia General Workers Unions. The ICEM is an industry-based world labour federation dedi- Project The Federation of Korean cated to practical international solidarity. The Completed Chemical Workers’ Unions ICEM’s main focuses are providing support for by: (FKCU) and the member unions during industrial disputes and International Federation of union-building programmes in countries Chemical, Energy, Mine, where unions are weak or non-existent. The and General Workers’ ICEM also provides information and expertise Union (ICEM) on topics ranging from collective bargaining to health and safety standards and offers skills training and development work with trade union cadres and rank-and-file union members. The Federation of Korean Chemical Workers’ Union is an affiliate of the ICEM in Asia.

7 Action Korea FKCU, Korea

Introduction Project Description In September 1997 the ACTRAV “Workers’ Education and Environment” Project, in con- Identifying a list of priority junction with the ICEM, held a workshop in environmental concerns Seoul, Korea for members of the Federation of During the three-day workshop, the partici- Korean Chemical Workers’ Unions. Partici- pants identified environmental issues relevant pants from many different factories attended to the trade union and examined priorities for the course, representing a range of industries, the union regarding these issues. Among oth- from chemical, paper and pharmaceuticals, to ers, the participants identified the deteriora- gas and glass production. tion of working conditions as a result of The aims of the workshop were to: employment policies as the main hindrance to sustainable development, mentioning long l identify a list of priority environmental con- working hours and occupational hazards in cerns; their work. They drew attention to the “3D l develop a strategy to deal with these con- Phenomenon” their union members often cerns and promote sustainable develop- faced: difficult, dirty, and dangerous jobs. ment; The group also looked at education and train- l identify further local work; ing as an important issue, drawing attention to priority problems such as lack of education on l outline ideas for a wider project to cam- occupational health and safety in addition to paign for sustainable development. basic environment and development issues. The workshop used the ILO Project manual, From their discussions, the participants de- “Trade Unions and Environmentally Sustain- fined these priorities that were of concern to able Development,” which was developed for the union members and colleagues: trade union educators and researchers. The manual contains ideas and activities to help l improving working conditions and organ- trade unions carry out their own environmental izing occupational safety, health, and en- work after the workshop. Activities included vironment (OSHE) committees at the conducting surveys, environmental audits, fu- workplace; ture workshops, points for bargaining on environmental issues, etc.

8 Action Korea

l awareness-raising, campaigning, and Identifying further work training of OSHE officers; The participants decided that further action l promoting international issues of trade plans should be developed that are based on and solidarity between industrialized and the results of the surveys, but that the plans developing countries and their unions. should include: l producing a video to use for awareness- Developing an action plan raising; During the plenary discussion of possible l developing training sessions for union en- strategies, it became obvious that developing vironmental inspection teams; environmental awareness of trade union l including environmental demands in Col- members and local residents should be a start- lective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs); ing point for any campaign. l lobbying Government to ratify relevant Strategies were discussed and a workable ac- ILO Conventions. tion plan produced. The overall goal was to raise awareness, so the first step was to choose Additionally, the participants sought the sup- prioritiy issues to use as a focus for an port of the Federation through regular cover- awareness-raising campaign. It was decided age of environmental issues in the union that workplace surveys should be conducted in magazine, and decided to contact relevant lo- order to determine the status of the environ- cal, national and international organizations ment at several local workplaces, and that concerned with the environment. trade union members should be consulted on their impressions of environmental issues at their worksite, including, but not limited to, health problems, fish and wildlife, waste disposal and water pollution. Furthermore, it was suggested that environmental inspection teams (EITs) be developed to carry out the surveys and interviews. These EITs would also be responsible for observing and monitoring environmental problems at worksites. FKCU, Korea FKCU, Korea

9 Action Korea FKCU, Korea

Results and Reactions from all sectors of the Federation’s organizational jurisdiction, including food processing, The participants summed up their feelings paper, general chemical, pharmaceutical and about the workshop and likelihood for success concrete, to name a few. with ?-!-OK. This statement reads that prior to the workshop, participants knew very To summarize the survey results, the biggest little about environmental issues and how they environmental problems found in these sectors were relevant to trade unions (?), the work- were water pollution (56%), air pollution shop was an eye-opener (!), and that after the (24%), and noise and vibration (19.4%). workshop, given their knowledge, commit- When survey respondents were asked if they ment, and conviction that they will receive sup- thought the trade union should have an inter- port from trade union members and leaders, est in environmental issues and adopt it as one their campaign on environmental issues of the principle policies, 75.2% answered should be a success (OK). “yes”, 21.1% answered “agree but prema- ture”, and only 0.9% opposed. When asked Following the workshop, the participants an- whether trade unions should collaborate with nounced their efforts with a press conference, environmental groups, 80% of the respon- outlining their plans to make Korean industries dents expressed approval. As to the question and communities more environmentally of whether environmental issues should be a aware. part of collective agreements, 67.3% agreed To begin their efforts, surveys were conducted and 27.4% agreed, although thought it is diffi- at various worksites. Survey results came in cult to do in realistic terms.

10 Action Korea

Main environmental problems

Noise and vibrations 19.4% 56% 24%

Air Water pollution pollution

Following the analysis of the survey results, an an analysis of collective agreements in order Environmental Monitoring Team was formed, to assess the degree to which the Federation which met to discuss the related environmental model “green agreement” was used by the af- activities of trade unions. The Team worked filiated trade unions in their negotiations. out a plan for water sampling and further vis- In addition to the successes of the Monitoring ited two workplaces to conduct monitoring ac- Team and the model agreement being devel- tivities with regard to water quality. The Team oped, FCKU also developed a video which is also reviewed the direction of the Federation’s being used to raise awareness on environ- environmental activities, discussed the crea- mental issues in communities and workplaces. tion of an official Federation Environment The 26-minute video, produced by FKCU’s Committee, and reviewed a draft model Labour Film Group “Hope”, touched on some “green agreement” for collective bargaining. of the detrimental impacts of industrial pollu- This first attempt at a model agreement con- tion. The video examined the closing of an tains the joint efforts of labour and manage- elementary school due to nearby industrial ment to prevent pollution, disclose information pollution, the impacts on people who live near on polluting materials, guarantee time for en- polluting industries, the cadmium poisoning of vironmental education at the workplace, and a factory worker, the increase in ovarian disor- to allow the formation of an environment com- ders among women workers exposed to indus- mittee at the workplace, among others. trial solvents, and other workplace hardships. The next step for the union, which is expected The video includes fascinating footage of in- to take place over the next year, is to conduct terviews with workers, community activists and

11 Action Korea

union members, and shows drastic examples Discussion Points of water and air pollution caused by industry. The video concludes with footage from a me- morial ceremony for a worker who died as a 1. How could your trade union de- result of mercury poisoning. The narrator of velop tools for increasing aware- the video finishes the story by asking workers ness on environmental issues in to think about whether they want to continue to your community and within your work in existing conditions and suffer or pur- union? sue their right to live and work healthily. 2. What issues at your workplace de- The video continues to be used to raise aware- serve attention? What kind of ness on the plight of communities and workers monitoring could your trade union faced with industrial pollution, and to encour- do on environmental issues at the age action to prevent future damage. workplace? 3. How effective has your trade un- For the Future ion been in implementing the results/recommendations from a Experiences from this case study will be used in workshop? Were your efforts suc- the ICEM’s work, especially in the Asian re- cessful? What could be done dif- gion. Additionally, information from the study ? ferently? have been integrated into ICEM’s general programme on environmentally sustainable development and have been helpful in developing a broader perspective on how to deal with environmental issues at the trade union level.

12 Action Korea

Acknowledgments Thank you to Ms. Annie Rice, Consultant and Workshop Coordinator, and Mr. Phee Jung- The Korean Federation of Chemical Work- ers’ Unions participants who attended the sun, Regional Representative of the ICEM, ILO/ICEM workshop were a dedicated, who provided information and reports for this motivated group. It is encouraging to see case study summary. the recommendations developed at a workshop implemented in such a timely and persuasive manner. The ICEM has been very active on environmental issues to date, especially in the mining and chemical sectors, and has been effective in integrating environmental issues into their existing occupational safety and For information about this case health programmes. It is hoped that the study or on other environmentally FKCU will receive additional assistance from sustainable development-related the ICEM to ensure that the video continues projects of the FKCU, please to be used as an educational tool, the moni- contact toring team continues to function and re- The Federation of Korean Chemical ceive training, that the “green agreements” Workers’ Unions, are adopted in Korean workplaces, and that the unions are empowered to lobby Govern- 3f FKTU Building, 35, Yoido-Don, ment to adopt relevant ILO Conventions Youngdeungpo-ku, Seoul, concerning workers and their working envi- Republic of Korea. ronment. Tel. (82 2) 761 8251, 761 8214, A special thank you to the participants of E-mail: [email protected] the ILO/ICEM workshop who were instrumental in affecting change at the FKCU For information on other and at their communities, trade unions and environmentally sustainable workplaces. development-related projects of the ICEM, please contact ICEM, Avenue Emile de Beco 109, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Tel. (32) (2) 626-20-20, Fax (32) (2) 648-43-16. E-mail: [email protected]

13 Action Philippines

An Environmental Disaster Motivates Trade Union Actions in the Philippines

Introduction Project Case Study on the 1996 Marinduque Island is located in the central Title: Mine-Related Philippines and has a population of nearly Environmental Disaster in 120,000. Farming and fishing are the two Marinduque main sources of family income. While the Catholic Church is an influential presence on Project International Federation of the island, non-governmental organizations Completed Chemical, Energy, Mine, and community organizations are becoming a by: and General Workers’ notable force in the province as well. Union (ICEM) and The Marcopper Mines Company (MMC) is lo- National Mines and Allied cated on Marinduque Island. The mining of Workers’ Union copper on Marinduque began when Placer (NAMAWU), Philippines Dome Development Limited of Vancouver, Canada initiated the development of the Tapian open pit during the mid 1960s. About the Organizations While open pit mining is considered to be an Some 20 million workers in 404 trade unions environmentally-unfriendly economic activity, across 113 countries are organized within the it is, however, an economic activity which pro- ICEM, the International Federation of Chemi- vides raw materials for industry and jobs for cal, Energy, Mine and General Workers Un- thousands of miners. An acceptable trade-off ions. The ICEM is an industry-based world between the need for mineral extraction and labour federation dedicated to practical inter- processing for economic growth and the need national solidarity. The ICEM focuses on sup- to preserve the environment had to be found. port for member unions during industrial When a disaster occurred on Marinduque Is- disputes and union-building programmes in land, such as the one described below, the countries where unions are weak or non- costs became unacceptable to the unions in existent. The ICEM also provides expertise on terms of environmental and social conse- topics ranging from collective bargaining to quences. health and safety standards and conducts At the start of mining operations in 1969, the skills training and development work with company constructed a tailings pond which trade union cadres and rank-and-file union would serve to hold the undesirable waste by- members. products generated by the mining activities. In The NAMAWU, an affiliate of the ICEM, is a 1975 the Government approved a proposal national federation to which the Marcopper by Marcopper Mines to discharge their mine Employees Labour Union (MELU) has been an tailings by submarine outfall off the island at affiliate since 1972. Calancan Bay. Over time the discharge caused the massive destruction of coral reefs

14 Action Philippines

and fish sanctuaries in the area. In spite of the could be cleaned up. The union also issued a objections from church, community and envi- statement that in this situation, the workers’ in- ronmental groups, the sea dumping contin- terest could give way to environmental protec- ued. tion measures. In addition, some of the union officers were visible in various community ac- Eventually, the company developed another tions against the Marcopper Mines Company. place to hold the tailings, which was to use the This was a radical departure from the union’s now mined-out Taipan pit for waste storage. actions in the past, where they had usually The old pit was sealed and used as a tailings sided with the MMC in the interest of protect- pond until a long-term solution could be de- ing jobs. veloped. In 1996, a plug on the pit’s drainage tunnel gave way and mine tailings spilled into The spill was indeed an ecological disaster. It the nearby Makulapnit River, at one point reduced fish catches and destroyed other ma- reaching a discharge of 10 cubic meters of rine life, dislocated residents and disrupted mining waste per second. The spillage contin- community life, and dislocated workers. The ued for seventeen days, polluting and silting nearby community of Boac was angry at the the Makulapnit and Boac Rivers with an esti- MMC, fearful of the health impacts of the mine mated 1.5 million tons of mine tailings. tailings, fearful of the potential flooding of the clogged Boac River, and became increasingly Immediately after the spill, the Marcopper Em- interested in the environmental impacts of ployees Labour Union called for a stoppage of mining on their island. Marcopper operations until the Boac River ILO, J. Maillard

15 Action Philippines

Aims and Objectives of the Project Project Description Several studies had been made regarding this Among other things, the case study sought to: environmental mining disaster in Marinduque. l document the events before and after the However, none of these studies considered the Marcopper tailings spill of March 1996; workers, especially the union, as a stakeholder. Since the views and perspectives of l document the activities of the union the workers had not been examined up to this (MELU) before and after the spill; point, this case study was conducted to fill the l evaluate the perceived and actual impacts gap. of the Marcopper tailings spill on the un- The case study aimed at assessing the impact ion, the communities and other stakehold- of the Marcopper disaster from the point of ers; view of trade unions and at formulating policy l evaluate the responses of the union, the recommendations from the lessons learned communities and other stakeholders to the from the disaster. Specifically, the study ex- disaster; pected to: l identify the legal, management, technical, l contribute in determining the extent of en- and institutional weaknesses which con- vironmental and social damage caused by tributed to the Marcopper disaster; the spillage; l analyze the role of the MELU — in particu- l contribute in determining preventive lar — as stakeholders and the mine work- measures which need to be undertaken to ers — in general — in environmental prevent similar occurrences; protection at Marcopper; l contribute to the development of policies l make recommendations to strengthen the regarding the disposal of mine waste at effective participation of mine workers in the national, industry and workplace lev- environmental protection in mining op- els; erations. l enable the NAMAWU to mobilize at all The trade union used two methods for the data levels on environmental issues using par- gathering and surveys. Firstly, an environ- ticipatory research methods and to inte- mental audit approach was adopted to reach grate environmental issues into its an objective assessment of the legal, manage- ongoing mines safety and health project; ment, technical and institutional failures lead- l outline possible courses of action that can ing to the spill. After reviewing relevant be undertaken by the NAMAWU and other materials, the research team, with a prepared mining unions to protect the environment questionnaire and guidelines, gathered infor- and to promote safety and health not only mation on the Marcopper disaster from key in- within the working environment, but also formants. the living environment, by negotiating a Focused group discussions were held and in- “green” Collective Bargaining Agreement. terviews conducted with the many interested parties. These included the management of the mine, officers and members of the union, the personnel of concerned national government agencies, local government officials, community leaders and residents, non-

16 Action Philippines

governmental organizations and experts in the Union Recommendations and field of mining and the environment. Resulting Actions The study provided information on possible From the information compiled, the contributory factors to the disaster and a sur- NAMAWU was able to make several propos- vey of the extent of the damage to the sur- als for increased worker involvement and rec- rounding ecosystem. In addition, policy ognition. Described below are the recommendations at the national, industry recommendations developed by the union and workplace levels were developed by the along with the actions currently being taken. union. These recommendations aimed at minimizing and/or eliminating the risk of similar occurrences. Also developed was an outline of possible courses of action that could be undertaken.

17 Action Philippines

Recommendation Action Taken by Union

Workers can be an asset for The NAMAWU has integrated a module environmental protection. They can on mining and the environment in its undergo training on environmental existing safety and health education legislation, the environmental programme. commitments of the company, and general environmental standards.

Workers should be recognized in future The NAMAWU has made this proposal to environmental impact assessments as the Philippine Mines and Geosciences stakeholders. Bureau, the government agency concerned with mines.

Workers should bargain for the right to The NAMAWU is currently lobbying for the stop work on the basis of unsound Philippine Government to implement the environmental conditions. ILO Convention 176 provision on the right to stop work in dangerous mine sites. Once this battle in won, it is felt that the Government will be receptive to accepting this recommendation.

Workers can set up a structure such as There are existing study circles in the “safety circles,” where workers can speak NAMAWU’s unions. One of the topics in freely on the environmental impacts of the “Mine Safety and Health” module is mining operations. “Mining and the Environment,” where such topics are discussed.

Workers should bargain for an “economic A policy paper has been drafted and a displacement fund” or “environmental campaign is soon to be planned. guarantee fund” to be provided for in case of a similar event in the future.

Workers should be aware of The NAMAWU is in the process of environmental management tools and implementing this recommendation. work for their adoption and support their implementation in mining operations. These tools include multi-partite monitoring teams and environmental audits, among others.

18 Action Philippines

Other Developments In November 1997 the NAMAWU’s national president signed a Memorandum of Under- standing together with leaders from both the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the Labour Advisory Consultative Council (LACC), committing itself to pursuing the goals of environmentally sustainable development. This is a substantial accomplishment. While this project has certainly strengthened the bipartite cooperation of workers and em- ployer through its participatory approach, it has also led to advances in trade union representation on environmental advisory bodies. The President of the Marcopper Employees La- bour Union has been made a member of the Marinduque Council on Sustainable Develop- ment, a multi-partite body which includes NGOs, local government, the Church, and labour. Another benefit of the Marcopper case was to motivate local union officials in Philex Mines in the northern part of the Philippines to take part ILO, J. Maillard in the company’s environmental promotion programme. They have had dialogues with Discussion Points Government and Labour-Management Coun- cils and have brought environmental issues to the attention of management. At the time of 1. What environmental problems publication, they were campaigning for im- does your industry face that could provement in pollution controls of the compa- inspire union involvement? ny’s power plant. 2. To what degree are workers in In addition to these formal developments, the your industry trained in occupa- NAMAWU’s efforts for this Marcopper case tional safety, health, and environ- study have produced other beneficial results. mental (OSHE) issues? The awareness of union members on environmental issues has increased, the union itself 3. How are members of your union has been strengthened, and also relevant na- in a position to negotiate im- tional laws which will help industry avoid such provements concerning OSHE is- accidents in the future have been influenced. sues at the workplace? 4. What can your union learn from this? specific case study?

19 Action Philippines

Acknowledgments Thank you to Mr. Benjamin Basquinas, Na- tional Vice President, and Mr. Rolando Li- The ACTRAV “Workers’ Education and En- vironment” Project started its cooperation brojo, Asst. General Secretary, both of with the trade union confederations in the NAMAWU, who provided information for this Philippines in 1992 by conducting a series summary. Thank you also to the ICEM for pro- of workshops aiming at assisting in the de- viding their report of the case study. velopment of trade union policies and action plans. Since then, the workshop participants formed a “working party,” which has acted as a reference group for project cooperation in the country. One of the members of this working party is from NAMAWU and For more information about this has been instrumental in sustaining their case study, or other involvement in environmental issues. environmentally sustainable development-related projects of the I am very appreciative of the professional NAMAWU, please contact work and continued efforts of the NAMAWU on this case study. Although it NAMAWU, is unfortunate that this environmental dis- Unit 201-A Dunville Condominium, aster had to occur on Marinduque Island, Castilla Corner and Valencia a positive outcome did develop. The Streets, New Manila, Quezon City, NAMAWU was able to use this regrettable Philippines. incident, with the successful participatory Tel. (632) 415 5582, approach to the situation, to invoke exten- Fax (632) 726 5070. sive trade union engagement in environ- E-mail: [email protected] mentally sustainable development issues. For information on other environmentally sustainable development-related projects of the ICEM, please contact ICEM, Avenue Emile de Beco 109, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Tel. (32) (2) 626-20-20, Fax (32) (2) 648-43-16. E-mail: [email protected]

20 Action India

Trade Unions in India: Solidarity for Environmental Protection

TUPEP itself is not an independent, structured Project The Creation of the Trade organization, with its own directors and staff, Title: Union Partnership for but an informal forum set up by the CTUOs to Environmental Protection raise awareness and promote bi- and tripar- (TUPEP) in India tism in regard to environmental policies in In- dia. Project A coalition comprised of Completed the AII India Trade Union Introduction by: Congress (AITUC), During the Chief Technical Adviser’s (CTA) Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh mission to New Delhi in 1991, the main (BMS), Centre of Indian CTUOs agreed to hold joint workshops aim- Trade Unions (CITU), Hind ing at collaborative policies on environmental Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), issues. From these joint workshops emerged and Indian National Trade the understanding that a common approach Union Congress (INTUC) to environmental questions would be beneficial to promoting the cause. About the Organizations Another important reason for collaboration between the CTUOs was the attitude of the There are five Central Trade Union Organiza- Ministry of the Environment, who had refused tions (CTUOs) which constitute TUPEP. Al- to accept trade unions’ (and employers or- though each may have different religious, ganizations’) participation in the National political, or other interests, they are united in Council for the Environment and the state- their concern about and commitment to work- level Pollution Control Boards. The national ers’ rights and environmental protection. The committees had been established worldwide stated missions of the organizations range by the mandate of the Earth Summit Confer- from securing workers’ rights at the workplace ence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. Spe- and safe working and living conditions, to or- cifically, the Agenda 21 agreements adopted ganizing employees with a view to ameliorat- in Rio stated that “Governments, business and ing their economic life standard, to the overall industry should promote the active participa- goals of protecting the life and health of the tion of workers and their trade unions in deci- workers and raising the standards of living of sions on the design, implementation and the Indian people. evaluation of national and international poli- Collectively, these organizations represent ap- cies and programmes on environment and de- proximately 20 million workers in over 17,000 velopment.” affiliated trade unions. They represent affili- In spite of the Agenda 21 agreement, the Min- ated unions in all major industries, including istry of Environment had only invited members manufacturing, agriculture, banking and of non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) commerce, construction, transportation, iron to participate on advisory bodies, arguing that and steel, power, chemicals, textiles, mining, NGO’s could also be considered to represent pulp and paper, and engineering, to name a the workers’ perspective. few.

21 Action India

In order to facilitate their representation on about industrial closures on account of envi- advisory bodies, the different CTUOs recog- ronmental problems, among others. nised the need to act with one voice on priority The members of TUPEP meet on an informal environmental issues. Individually, although basis to discuss current environmental issues some of the CTUOs had been requesting and to determine what sort of approach is trade union representation on advisory bod- needed from the trade union perspective. The ies, it became apparent that in order to have members who attend TUPEP meetings are the the most effective representation, a common top leadership of each individual CTUO, approach on environmental issues should be which enables TUPEP members to discuss is- developed. Therefore, in 1994, the Central sues and decide on strategies to implement Trade Union Organizations joined together of their policy at the meetings. At that point, each their own initiative to form the Trade Union of the individual CTUOs will bring the TUPEP Partnership for Environment Protection recommendations back to their organization (TUPEP). The formation of TUPEP was quite an and the group can act accordingly. accomplishment, especially in a country like India where trade unions often have had con- flicting views and approaches. Results and Reactions Since its creation, TUPEP meetings have ro- Members of TUPEP have approached the Min- tated between the headquarters of the differ- istry of Environment & Forests to give due rep- ent member organizations and costs paid by resentation to trade unions in the the hosts. The aims and objectives of TUPEP governmental committees designed to deal have been to develop and advance a common with environmental issues, in particular on the position on environmental issues and to lobby National Council for the Environment (the for bi- and tripartitism in the field of Environ- Agenda 21-mandated national environment mentally Sustainable Development. committee) and the state-level Pollution Con- trol Boards. Project Description The new Government has assured a positive response in this regard, although there is still Since its creation in 1994, TUPEP has no representation for trade unions on the Na- mounted numerous campaigns, including tional Council (neither is this advisory Council lobbying for a ban on toxic waste imports into a very active body at the moment). In that the country and pressuring the Delhi State sense the demand for tripartitism in environ- Government to address trade union concerns ment matters still remains unachieved. As a

22 Action India

member of TUPEP explained, “environmental l requesting ILO support for TUPEP activi- issues have taken root in India, but official ac- ties in order to continue efforts to raise tion on the issues is grossly neglected. The ad- awareness among the unions on the envi- visory committee that has been formed by the ronment and health protection at work- Ministry of Environment is not meeting regu- place; and larly, and its functioning leaves much to be de- sired.” l collecting information from the various member unions on the initiatives being Despite upheavals caused by new economic taken to promote environmental protec- policies in industrial relations since 1993-94 tion and workers’ health at the trade union and political disturbances such as mid-term and workplace level. elections to the Parliament, TUPEP has continued to function since its creation. The fre- It is felt by members of TUPEP that awareness quency of the meetings have varied, due to the on ILO Standards relating to the environment ad-hoc nature of TUPEP, but the partnership among trade union leaders is slowly increas- has helped the trade unions unify and speak ing. TUPEP is hoping to build upon this focus, together with one voice. and several ILO Conventions can support union demands regarding issues such as collec- Through the commitment of the organsations tive bargaining and workers’ health and involved in TUPEP, trade union leaders are re- safety. alising that environmental issues have a great potential to empower trade unions at the In other countries, however, the success of workplace and in the community. TUPEP has been admired and replicated. In places such as Malaysia and the Philippines, At present, the agenda before the members of the structure of TUPEP has served as an exam- TUPEP is: ple for trade unions with differing perspectives l continuing to press the Government to ac- to come together to create a united front on is- cept tripartitism in regard to environ- sues of environmentally sustainable develop- mental policies; ment. In fact, the coalition that was formed in the Philippines between two main groups, l advocating for the right to information LACC and TUCP, has been successful in from the Pollution Control Boards so that achieving trade union representation on the the workers are made aware of the steps Philippines National Environmental Commit- to be taken by the industry to control pollu- tee. tion;

23 Discussion Points Although TUPEP has run into some roadblocks along the way, I believe that this is an excellent ex- 1. If there is more than one national ample of the power of working together towards trade union centre in your coun- a common goal. The CTUOs which cooperated try, what do you think you could to form TUPEP all had differing political, cultural, learn from the cooperative struc- and/or religious backgrounds. Given these dif- ture of TUPEP? ferences, I think it shows great strength that the 2. How do you think trade unions groups were able to collaborate in such a close can contribute a valuable per- manner. Pooling resources, sharing ideas, and spective to environmental advi- orchestrating discussions on the topics of workers’ rights and environmental protection helped each sory bodies? organization be more effective in their individual 3. Do you see other ways of coop- and collective efforts. eration with other groups in this Additionally, although TUPEP members still strug- manner? gle for representation on relevant national com- 4. What? ILO Standards do you think mittees, I am very happy to report that despite could be helpful in this work? occasional setbacks, they are still continuing their efforts. It can be difficult to hold together an informal organization such as TUPEP that has no official structure, but the Indian CTUOs have succeeded. Congratulations to all of the members Acknowledgments of TUPEP for realising their vision of cooperation and solidarity. This information contained in this summary was excerpted from the consistent and thorough reports written by Mr. Arun Kumar, former Informa- tion and Research Officer for HMS.

For more information about TUPEP, please contact Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), 120, Babar Road, New Delhi 110 001, INDIA, Telephone number (91) 011-3315519, Fax number (91) 011-3310438. For information about the environmentally sustainable development-related projects of any of the other organsations involved in TUPEP, please contact Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Ram Naresh Bhavan, Tilak Gali, Paharganj, New Delhi 110 055, INDIA, Telephone numbers (91)(011) 7524212 and 7520654, Fax number (91)(011) 7520654. All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), 24, Canning Lane, New Delhi 110001, INDIA, Telephone numbers (91) (011) 3387320 and 3386427, Fax number (91) (011)3386427. Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Shramik Kendra, 4, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, New Delhi 110 001, INDIA, Telephone numbers (91) (011) 3747767 and 3747768, Fax number (91) (011) 3364244. Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), 15, Talkatora Road, New Delhi 110 001, INDIA, Telephone numbers (91) (011) 3714071 and 3723825, Fax number (91) (011) 3355856.

24 Action Ghana

Replanting Their Future: Trade Unions’ Reforestation Project in Ghana

resources before independence in 1957, but Project TWU Reforestation and currently does not have more than 8.3 million Title: Education Programme – hectares left. Excessive exploitation of forest The Kokoago Project resources for both timber and wood fuels has imposed great constraints on the sector and created unbearable environmental problems. Project Timber and Woodworkers’ In recent years the growing concern about the Completed Union, Ghana (TWU), and survival of the tropical forests has become an by: the International important issue on the political agenda. Federation of Building and Woodworkers (IFBWW) The management of the forest and the long term supply of timber has economic, environmental, and social impacts, and is of central About the Organizations concern for the IFBWW and its affiliates. The management of the forest. Workers in the for- The International Federation of Building and est and wood processing sector face daily Wood Workers, IFBWW, is an International risks, receive inadequate training and often do Trade Secretariat (ITS) which was established not have the security of permanent employ- in 1934. The IFBWW seeks to unite and rep- ment. The long term future of the industry is in resent all free and democratic trade unions in jeopardy as unsustainable logging rapidly de- the building, wood, forestry and allied indus- pletes the remaining forest resources. Influ- tries. The IFBWW currently organizes 281 enced by the above factors and seeking trade unions with over 11 million members practical action, the Timber and Woodworkers throughout 121 countries in Africa, the Ameri- Union in Ghana decided to initiate a refores- cas, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. tation programme with the support of the local communities in order to enhance Government One of the IFBWW’s affiliates is the Timber policy on sustainable forest management. and Woodworkers’ Union, Ghana (TWU). Founded in 1958, the TWU has 22,000 members. Aims and Objectives Introduction l To raise environmental awareness and sensitize workers and the general public to Ghana has a population of over 16 million the need for protection, conservation and people. Ghana’s Forest Sector contributes 6 - restoration of the environment, with par- 8 percent of the total gross domestic product ticular reference to forestry. (GDP), about 11 percent of the export value. The forest is also the principal source of en- l To raise awareness of the importance of ergy. About 70 percent of the population live forests to workers and the general public and work in the rural areas with agriculture through seminars and workshops. and forestry as their main source of livelihood. The country had 23 million hectares of forests

25 Action Ghana H. Jokilouma

forest management has been accepted as a l To demonstrate the potential for and vi- better approach for the sustainable manage- ability of reforestation throughout the dif- ment of the forest. Given this trend, the TWU ferent regions in the country. began to get involved and to see how proper l To initiate a campaign for the sustainable forest management can protect the very re- management of forest resources and envi- source they depend on for their livelihood. ronmental resources in general. The Kokoago Project was started in 1995 and l To collaborate with the Ghana Trade Un- was the continuation of a pilot project at Akim- ion Congress (GTUC), IFBWW, ILO, non- Tafo in the Eastern Region. That project was governmental organizations, local com- an activity initiated by the National Sawyers munities and national unions on forest Association, a branch of the Informal Sector and environmental issues. Workers affiliated to Timber and Woodwork- ers' Union. The Kokoago Project was done in Project Description cooperation with the ACTRAV “Workers’ Edu- cation and Environment” Project. Teak plantations in Ghana were first estab- The project was organized into these main ac- lished in 1948 by the Forestry Department. tivities: These plantations proved very successful and have been harvested for timber production l orientation and sensitization workshop on both for local consumption and for the export forestry and the environment; market. Plantations have generated a great l establishment of tree nurseries, wood lot deal of enthusiasm among private entrepre- and teak plantation; neurs, individuals, and communities to establish teak plantations on both small and large l strategic planning workshop on forestry scale. In the past, forestry had tended to be and the environment; the exclusive domain of the Government. Re- l campaigns and advocacy. cently, the involvement of local communities in

26 Action Ghana

Project Implementation Actual Tree Following the work- Planting shops, one acre of The union’s reforestation project proceeded land was cultivated into a nursery as follows: with different kinds of commercial Empowering Since a reforestion species, including teak, cassia, the Union programme is an issue mahogany, wawa, and cashew. outside conventional trade union Hiring Workers The TWU employed functions, the first step TWU took five nursery workers was to seek a constitutional and also entered into negotiations amendment empowering the lead- with local farmers for them to help ership to enter into such activity. maintain the newly planted trees. Acquiring Realising that one can- Educating and Throughout the pro- the Land not start a reforestation Campaigning cess, the TWU effort without the property to plant, mounted various levels of cam- the TWU set out to acquire land paigns through the electronic and from the Chiefs and people of the the print media on the importance Techiman Traditional Council on of tree planting. 99-year lease. Managing The project is being Establishing Once the land was ac- the Project managed by the TWU Funding quired, the union set National Secretariat through the up a forestry project fund and es- union’s newly-formed Forest Man- tablished a Forest Management agement Committee. The project Committee. also has a Technical Forestry Offi- Leadership Next, two workshops cer seconded to them by the For- Training were organized for the estry Department. leadership of the union and the local community.

27 Action Ghana H. Jokilouma

Challenges and Difficulties to participate in the project by training the indigenous people in forestry extension nursery There were many obstacles to surmount with establishment, silviculture and forest manage- this project. The union faced natural chal- ment. The Chiefs and the traditional authori- lenges such as deforestation, shifting cultiva- ties have also expressed their keen interest in tion, and bushfires. There was also the social the project since the life-blood of the rural challenge of involving communities in the economics are heavily dependent on the forest management of the project. Additionally, resources. there were the technical challenges of learning tree planting, harvesting, and maintenance The farming communities have expressed their practices. Finally, there were also the practical interest in the project and have participated by challenges, such as the need for irrigation providing inter-crop food crops in the planta- equipment, obtaining water during the dry tion at the early stages of the project. They also season, finding adequate transportation, and participated in the sensitization and awareness securing financial support. workshop organized by the union in October 1995. There is also collaborative action ap- Project Achievements proach with other tree growers associations within the districts. Networking has also ex- By 1998, the TWU had established a total of panded to the General Agriculture Workers' 60 hectares areas of plantation, made up of Union in Ghana since they are also engaged mainly Teak, while Cassia and Cashew had in similar activities. also been planted along the boundaries of the Besides the union, there are many people and plantation. Cassia seedlings had also been groups who are benefitting from the project in planted to be used as fuelwood by the com- many ways. Among them are the community munities. The area is serviced by two rivers, the living in and around the project area, who are River Subin and River Biriko. The TWU have employed by the project and receiving a share inter-planted Mahogany and Wawa along the of the proceeds from the plantations, and the banks of these two rivers. Ghana Timber Industry, who will benefit from The project has established connections with future sustainable supplies of timber. the community. For example, the Sunyani For- estry School has expressed their commitment

28 Action Ghana

and regulations on forestry issues. In international circles, it can also be said that their activities are recognized. The TWU was extended an invitation by the ICFTU to nomi- nate one person to join the 25-person ICFTU delegation participating in the UN Commis- sion on Sustainable Development (CSD) meeting in New York in 1998. The union’s Deputy General Secretary represented the TWU and talked about the project, which received total acclamation from the audience. At the community level, due to the union’s awareness raising efforts, tree planting has H. Jokilouma now become a household word. Many economic activities have sprung up in the area as Conclusions a result of the maintenance of access roads which has led to the easier chartering of goods It is intended that this 240 hectare of timber and services. plantation, when fully developed, will be an As far as education is concerned, the union is example of community based forestry. It is continuing to provide training workshops out- planned that the community will eventually side of the “Workers’ Education and Environ- share in the revenue from the plantation, ment” project cooperation. The union was which would be paid into a general fund for able to organize two additional workshops (in rural development and support of indigenous late 1998 and early 1999) in order to increase forest-based enterprises. awareness on basic tree growing methodol- The project is a long term investment, and all ogy, sustainable forestry, and waste minimiza- of the objectives of the project cannot be tion techniques. The two workshops were well measured yet. It is felt, though, that the union attended and built on the ongoing efforts of has been able to create the necessary aware- the TWU towards promoting resource sustain- ness within the trade unions circles in Ghana ability. and the local community around the project area to sustain the project. The Kokoago Pro- ject has been well recognized and appreciated Discussion Points by the Government of Ghana. This has been shown by the interest of the President of Ghana when he personally commissioned the 1. What activities can your union be in- project on July 3, 1998. The union was also volved in to create employment? awarded a Certificate of Honour when the 2. Does your industry rely on a natu- country was celebrating Ghana Forestry Week ral resource which must be re- in 1998. plenished? How could your trade It is also significant to note that the Govern- union be involved? ment’s Lands and Forestry Department has 3. What negotiation channels exist recognized the union as a stakeholder, which so that trade unions can partici- has led to their involvement in decisions per- pate in? social dialogue at different taining to the formulation of new legislation levels?

29 Action Ghana

At the time of the ACTRAV “Workers’ Edu- cation and Environment” Project implementation, the IFBWW already had a track record of working on environmental issues. Therefore, this cooperation was planned as a direct action programme, aimed at implementing IFBWW policies in the field. In spite of the ambitious nature of this project, the fact that it was planned and pro- A. Ramella posed in a step-by-step manner made it feel achievable. This becomes an important factor when trying to engage participation and support for a project. If is Acknowledgments seems too big or unrealistic, it is more difficult to attract enthusiasm. Thank you to the TWU, who supplied the activ- The project also shows the benefit of creat- ity reports used to develop this summary. ing support networks. The union had the support of the landowners, who allowed them use of the property for the project, and they had the support of the authorities, who supplied skilled personnel to assist the project. The support of others outside the For more information about this union greatly helped with the TWU’s ef- case study, the Timber and forts. Woodworkers’ Union in Ghana, or Also important in this case is the fact that other environmentally sustainable the project was planned and implemented development-related projects of in view of being able to sustain the project the IFBWW, please contact: after the funding from the ILO had con- IFBWW, 54, route des Acacias, cluded. That the project can hopefully be P.O.Box 1412, CH-1227 Carouge continued with self-supported means and GE, Switzerland, continue independently is a real accom- Phone (41 22) 827 3777, plishment. Fax (41 22) 827 3770, E-mail: [email protected]

30 Action Philippines

Greening Workplaces throughout the Philippines

Aims and Objectives Project Trade Union and l To develop general labour and manage- Title: Management Partnership ment cooperation in promoting environ- in Greening the mental consciousness and formulating Workplace bipartite policies and programmes in the workplace. Project The Philippine Social l To establish and mobilize links with appro- Completed Institute - Federation of priate government and non-government by: Free Workers (PSI-FFW) institutions in order to strengthen the capacity to advocate for environmental protection. About the Organization l To arrive at a labour and management The Philippine Social Institute was founded in agreement to pursue viable and sustain- 1973 as a training and education department able programmes on environmental of the Federation of Free Workers. The Insti- awareness and protection. tute conducts training for organized and unor- ganized workers and basic sectors, in addition Project Description to policy workshops and research. The courses range from awareness-raising on Three unionized firms were selected to partici- trade union and workers rights, gender con- pate in the PSI-FFW project. The companies sciousness, to various activities relative to un- were chosen because of their relatively stable ion involvement. Lately, new courses have labour/management relations, the fact that been developed to respond to the new and there are critical environmental concerns in emerging needs and situations of workers. their workplaces, and the fact that they were in close proximity to the metropolitan Manila- Introduction area, which facilitated project coordination. The three firms selected were: This case study examines the efforts by PSI- FFW to engage the management of three un- l The Superior Gas and Equipment Co. ionized firms in the Philippines in a partnership (SUGEDO) – a firm engaged in the refill- to promote environmental consciousness and ing, distribution, and manufacturing of to formulate bipartite environmental policies household, medical, and commercial gas. in the workplace. This attempt in “greening l The United Pulp and Paper Co. (UPPC) – a the workplace” was test-piloted in three firms firm which produces industrial paper in the Manila-area. grades. The project aimed at bringing together the un- l Adamson & Adamson – a firm which spe- ion and management of three firms in order to cializes in the manufacture and distribution develop a workable plan of action to address of personal, health, and baby care prod- environmental concerns in each workplace. ucts.

31 Action Philippines

The main activities of the project at each of the tions, and to comply with governmental three firms involved: standards on environment. l Project Conceptualization and Develop- The project intended to establish labour- ment: Developing and refining the project management partnerships in advocating for concept and strategies as pertains to each the environment. At UPPC, labour coopera- workplace. tion is limited on industrial relations issues, particularly collective bargaining and disputes l Focused Group Discussions: Organized settlement. In the past, union members were in each firm, involving representatives neither interested nor aware of the environ- from the union at the workplace, manage- mental issues and programmes in the com- ment, and PSI-FFW. pany. In fact, there were even worker l Networking: Linking with other agencies violations of the company’s health and safety specializing in environmental issues at the procedures at times. workplace. The project facilitated greater consciousness l Joint Training Workshops: Conducting on environmental issues, particularly by the two workshops per firm in order to raise union officers and members. There was also awareness of both labour and manage- realization that cooperation plays an impor- ment on environmental issues. tant role, not only on industrial relations issues, but also in implementing environmental l Labour-Management Planning Sessions: and health and safety programmes for greater Discussing the results of the workshops efficiency and social responsibility. Both la- and possible labour/management plans bour and management began advocating for for environmental protection. compliance on environmental standards by l Formalizing the Green Agreement: Sign- polluting companies in the province, improving the agreement, which contains the vi- ing government's inspectorate system and initi- able policy and programme commitments ating environmental projects by government, of both parties, and setting up the struc- non-government organizations and the indus- ture to ensure smooth implementation, trial partners. monitoring, and evaluation. However, more consciousness raising activi- l Evaluation: Assessing the strengths and ties could have ensured the continuity of initia- weaknesses of the process. tives even after the term of the project. Follow through initiatives after the signing of the Results and reactions in the three “green agreement” should have been inte- workplace efforts grated in the overall project strategies to allow for monitoring of activities and to pursue in- corporation of environment issues in collective What has been achieved in the bargaining agreements. UPPC Case? Other than education and training and advo- The management is conscious of the need to cacy, the project could also have explored set- protect and preserve the environment. This is ting up some concrete project initiatives that manifested in their different programmes on involve the communities. Labour and man- waste minimization and recycling, good agement partnerships with the community, housekeeping and health and safety. Their where there are concrete project interventions, motivation is the need to increase efficiency may improve further. and productivity, improve community rela-

32 Action Philippines ILO, J. Maillard

Other benefits of the project include: However, despite efforts to raise awareness, the disputes between the union and the com- l demonstrating that it is possible to pursue pany and the company and the community re- a labour/management partnership out- mained distinct and separate. The union was side of traditional industrial relations pa- compelled to use the mechanisms established rameters; in resolving traditional labour relations issues, l the development of project materials, as but the management responded to the issues well as new networks established in the im- of the community alone. plementation of the project, which will be In the project administration, while the strategy useful in the environmental training pro- was focused on establishing partnership be- grammes of other trade unions; tween labour and management, the initiative l the transformation of labour/manage- was already unstable in the first place, consid- ment relations at UPPC, allowing the part- ering the afore-mentioned threats and the fail- ners to tackle other labour and social ing relations. Things could have been issues, and hopefully institutionalize them different, but definitely not easy to approach in collective bargaining. the issue as a multi-interest initiative between the local government, the community, labour What has been achieved in the and management. In this way, the employ- SUGEDO Case? ment issue, rather than just becoming another labour dispute issue was raised on the level The union was convinced of the importance of outside of traditional industrial relations tackling the environment issue. They felt that mechanisms with possible consequence reso- the threat to their employment resulting from a lution that complements the interests of all recent industrial accident, and the consequent parties. pressures by the community to close the com- The project did provide a good background pany, might be resolved by finding coopera- and experiences to draw on for future pro- tion on the issue of the environment and grammes on education and training, policy minimizing the possibilities of another acci- development and advocacy, both on environ- dent. The project prompted the resolution of mental issues and others. the two-front issues confronting labour and management: the pressures from the community and the threat to employment.

33 Action Philippines

What has been achieved in the Discussion Points Adamson & Adamson case? It was the first time both labour and manage- 1. How can your union arrive at ment tackled the environmental agenda. The “green agreements” at work- company had a recent worksite accident, an places? oil spill, which prompted various environmental concerns. In addition, the company 2. What industries among your was preparing to relocate their operations to a member organizations do you re- new site, which offered a good opportunity to gard to be? important to improve review the company’s impact on the environ- the environment? ment. Prior to the introduction of the project, this review had not been planned. The project not only facilitated consciousness raising on environmental issues, but also established joint responsibility in ensuring that The commitment by PSI-FFW, trade unions, mechanisms are in place as the company relo- and management at these three workplaces cates to a new plant site. have been admirable. They have demon- The partners have defined the steps to take strated concrete ways to discuss, negotiate, and mechanisms to establish in order to en- and formalize bipartite environmental poli- sure that the company and its operations are cies for the workplace, resulting in “green environmentally compatible. The project was agreements.” When implemented, these initiated towards the latter part of the PSI-FFW agreements can prove to be a very successful project, but the results are already encourag- tool in ensuring management cooperation ing. and participation in providing a safe, healthy, and environmentally-friendly workplace. However, a follow-through project that could monitor and ensure continuing awareness raising initiatives for the partners and the new communities surrounding the new plant would enhance project impact. Also, the relocation Acknowledgments would be an opportunity not only to making This information contained in this summary the company and its operations environmen- was excerpted from the detailed and informa- tally compatible, but also for initiating con- tive reports written by PSI-FFW. crete socio-economic and environmentally viable projects for the communities. The case of Adamson and Adamson, espe- For more information about this cially with the planned relocation, could be case study, or other targeted for “model-building" of greening ini- environmentally sustainable tiatives by labour and management in col- development-related projects of laboration with local government unit, non- the PSI-FFW, please contact governmental organizations, and the support- The Philippine Social Institute - ing communities. Federation of Free Workers, FFW Building, 1943 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, Philippines. Tel. 63-2-526-39-70 or 63-2-526-94-35.

34 Action Southern Africa

Export Processing Zones in Southern Africa: a New Challenge for Trade Unions to Advance the Rights of the Worker and the Environment

ated, enclosed and policed area of a country Project Export Processing Zones, which has an industrial estate specializing in Title: Environment and the production of manufactured goods for ex- Sustainable Development port.” Since the 1960's, Export Processing Zones Project The Southern African (EPZs) have increasingly been introduced in Completed Trade Union Coordinating developing countries as part of export- by: Council (SATUCC) oriented industrialization strategies. Govern- ments of countries which have established EPZs are hoping that EPZs will make their About the Organization countries more internationally competitive and also address the country’s employment needs. The Southern African Trade Union Coordinat- Many countries adopting EPZ programmes ing Council (SATUCC) is a sub-regional trade have high unemployment rates in urban areas, union body which encompasses eleven coun- high proportions of their populations engaged tries, including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, in agricultural work, low levels of foreign in- Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, vestment, low levels of technological know- Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zim- how and general economic stagnation. babwe. The SATUCC has over 3.5 million members. In 1996, there were about 200 EPZs in sixty countries worldwide: 50% of them in Asia, Following an Organization of African Unity 40% in Latin America, and 10% in Africa. Council of Labour Ministers meeting in 1982, These numbers are steadily growing. At the which approved the formation of a sub- time of these statistics, EPZs either already ex- regional trade union organization, the isted or had the potential to be developed in SATUCC was formally launched in March seven countries in Southern Africa, and were 1983 in Botswana, where the organization being introduced in several others. has its headquarters. The initial trade union reactions to EPZs were Introduction triggered by the suspension of labour laws or the weakening of trade union rights that often Free Trade Zone? Free Economic Zone? Ex- comes with the development of an EPZ. How- port Processing Zone? ever, it became evident to trade unions that the implications of EPZs for workers and What do these words really mean? These and economies in Southern Africa extended be- a number of other terms have been used to yond labour law issues into concerns about describe specially designated areas for the es- health, the environment, resource manage- tablishment of export processing ventures. The ment, gender, social development and eco- most commonly used term, Export Processing nomic development. Zone (EPZ), is most easily defined as a “deline-

35 Action Southern Africa

l to build an information and advocacy programme with the involved unions and with the SATUCC that will enhance negotiation of union policy on environment and sustainable development in EPZs; l to link unions with professionals, researchers and research institutions in their respective countries to inform and support union work on EPZs; l to prepare materials to support union advocacy on environmental and sustainable development issues connected to EPZs to be used to influence the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Project Implementation In cooperation with the ACTRAV “Workers’ Education and Environment” Project, the SATUCC members participated in a couple of regional workshops that aimed at general awareness raising on environmental issues and developing plans for trade union action. In early 1996, the SATUCC and its affiliates held another regional workshop to examine Aims and Objectives of the Project the implications of newly forming EPZs for regional development and trade unions. In ad- Over a two-year period, this project hoped to dition to the regional workshops, the achieve several goals: SATUCC, in cooperation with the Training and l to identify, analyze and discuss with unions Research Support Centre (TARSC) in Zim- affiliated to the SATUCC key policy, legal babwe, did substantial research on EPZs and and institutional issues and options with held a series of national workshops in selected respect to the implications of the develop- countries in Southern Africa. ment of Export Processing Zones; The aim of the national workshops was to ex- l to examine the experiences of unions in change information and experiences relating Southern Africa with respect to EPZs and to EPZs and regional sustainable development their response to the issues raised for in countries around Southern Africa. There workers and unions; was also an exchange of participants between the national workshops. For instance, follow- l to discuss options for more effective moni- ing the workshop in Mozambique, two of the toring and articulation of positive and participants were sent to the upcoming na- negative features of EPZs and more effec- tional workshop in Malawi. This helped to es- tive advocacy by national unions; tablish an effective network between national

36 Action Southern Africa

centres and to allow unions to share experi- Project Accomplishments ences and learn from each other. The project provided a framework for sharing At these national workshops, the SATUCC information and experiences and the building aimed to educate trade unions and develop of capacity within the unions to develop and key trade union policies on EPZs which were negotiate policy on EPZs. Since the concepts then discussed at the next regional workshop. of the environment and sustainable develop- Out of the discussions came a serious trade ment are issues that covers economic, legal, union position on EPZs developed from care- gender, health, social welfare and organiza- ful research and the involvement of members tional issues, the project was able to integrate throughout Southern Africa. these issues into existing trade union activities, programmes and structures. Once their policies were developed, the SATUCC aimed at advancing the trade union Specifically, the project: perspective on EPZs and influencing the South l developed informational materials for na- African Development Community Employment tional workshops on EPZs based on the and Labour Sector, which is a major decision- material compiled for and presented at a making body in the development of EPZs. SATUCC/ILO/TARSC regional workshop The work undertaken in this project built on and the issues raised at that workshop; previous research done on the issues of EPZs l supported research at the national level by numerous groups, including The Interna- and discussed and identified union work tional Labour Resource and Information on the impact of the implementation of the Group (ILRIG),the Centre for Southern African EPZ policy and its implications; Studies, the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town and research centres in Central l involved in national activities and work- America and Asia. Their work has focused on shops participants from other national issues of trade, labour migration, economic centres on an “exchange visit basis” to integration and labour standards. share experience and draw information for their own national programmes; l held national-level workshops in cooperation with the trade union centres to examine the experience of EPZs in different countries in terms of the environment and sustainable development; l coordinated this project with other projects in the area also covering the issue of EPZs; l used information obtained from the national research, information and training programmes and from communication with affiliates to compile a technical report on EPZs. The SATUCC then held a four- day regional level workshop to discuss the outcome of national programmes on EPZs and to prepare their input to the SADC. The results were presented at the 1997

37 Action Southern Africa

“Trade unions reject the use of concessions on SADC Employment and Labour Sector labour, environmental and health standards as Meeting along with the SATUCC resolu- incentives to investment, as has emerged in tion on EPZs; EPZs everywhere. No economic measures, in- l disseminated materials developed in the cluding those of EPZs, should undermine la- project, including an information sheet on bour, environment and health standards, and environment and sustainable develop- the sustainable management of domestic re- ment issues in EPZs, to relevant national, sources.” sub-regional and international fora; Thus, it is the SATUCC’s position that existing l developed a resource pack aimed at sup- EPZ policy is not only a substantial threat to in- porting discussions at national and work- dustrial democracy and sustainable develop- place level on EPZ policies and discussing ment within the Southern African region, but and defining the economic, employment, establishes a competition between the SADC social, legal and environmental policies member states for investment that will not only that will build a more sustainable develop- lead to a downward spiral of labour and envi- ment path. The resource pack used a par- ronmental standards, but can also lead to ticipatory approach in national and local competition on concessions and to retaliatory workshops to discuss EPZs. The pack in- tariff, transport and trade measures. It is felt cluded modules which were designed to that such measures will undermine the climate provoke discussion of current experiences of political and economic cooperation neces- with EPZs, identify key problems and is- sary for regional economic integration. sues, discuss those problems and issues, However, the SATUCC conceded that should and identify possible solutions. EPZ policies be implemented, they believe that Input from trade union members, collected the SADC Employment and Labour Sector through the national and regional workshops, should monitor and seek reports from member helped the SATUCC formulate a policy on states on the measures put in place to apply EPZs, which they brought to the attention of labour, environmental and health laws in the SADC Employment and Labour Sector. EPZs. The SATUCC asserts that the SADC should further monitor and report on the real The SATUCC’s resolution on EPZs makes impact of such EPZ policies on regional eco- many strong points, with the main message nomic and trade integration. being that: With the trade union position made known to “Unions believe that EPZ's are a weak and in- the SADC, the SATUCC was successful in get- efficient strategy for economic investment and ting recognition for their concerns. In fact, us- growth whose costs to national economies and ing the training manual/resource pack that populations and to regional integration greatly was developed for SATUCC affiliates, trade outweigh any perceived benefits. Unions note unions have managed to negotiate for the in- that the impact of EPZs in the SADC region will clusion of minimum labour standards in EPZs. be to deepen division and competition between the SADC member states and to undermine the essential and difficult process of regional economic integration.”

38 Action Southern Africa

Discussion Points Acknowledgments Thank you to Dr. Rene Loewenson of the Training and Research Support Centre for all the time and 1. If you are affiliated to a sub- work she put into this project, and to the other re- regional or regional trade union search centres, whose helpful cooperation con- organization, in what manner tributed to the project’s success. Acknowledged does your organization partici- also are the former SATUCC Secretary-General, pate in bi- and/or tripartite bod- Mr. M. Tsvangirai, and his colleagues. ies? 2. What can you learn from this project in order to improve the regional organization’s influence on environmentally sustainable development policies in the region?

3. Is your trade union represented The short-term aims of this project were to facili- on any national advisory or tate national-level activities and discussions on decision-making bodies? If no, EPZs, to influence the SADC policies, and to in- ?what can be done to change this fluence and negotiate the rights of the workers fact? If yes, how can this case and the environment in newly established EPZs. study help you improve your influ- SATUCC’s efforts on these were, by and large, a ence? success. Unfortunately, the SATUCC does not have the means to continue the training aspect that was carried out in this project or to utilize the resource For information on this case study or pack they developed to its fullest potential. How- other environmentally sustainable ever, we can see the positive impacts that this development-related projects of project has had which will hopefully endure. SATUCC, please contact This project was especially effective in that the Southern Africa Trade Union trade unions, instead of being in position to react Coordinating Council, to a challenge posed by industry or government, 5071 Kabelo Way, Extension 10, they were in the position to initiate action to posi- P.O. Box 601557, Gaborone, Botswana, tively influence their working and living condi- Tel. (267) 301 449, tions. The SATUCC was able to foresee an Fax (267) 584 453. upcoming dilemma with EPZs, coordinate the E-mail address: [email protected] proper research on the issue, and play a pro- active role in policy formation which reflected For information on the TARSC, trade union concerns. please contact Another highlight of this case study was the Dr. Rene Loewenson, Training and strengthening of the trade union network in Research Support Centre, Southern Africa through the project, the capacity 47 Van Praagh Avenue, Milton Park, building between national centres, universities Harare, Zimbabwe. and research institutes, which took place, and the Tel. (263) 4 705 108, exchange of information across trade unions, Fax (263( 4 737 220. countries and across continents.

39 Action India

Trade Unions Bring Clean Water to a Community in India

About the Organization Project Fight for a Clean HMS, a national trade union confederation Title: Water: A Case Study of in India established in 1948, gives priority Trade Unions' Initiatives to securing workers’ rights at the workplace, including safe working and living Project Hind Mazdoor Sabha conditions. Not affiliated to any political Completed (HMS) party, HMS has affiliates in numerous eco- by: nomic sectors, including Transport (such as Railways, Seafarers, Port and Dock Work- ers, Air Transport), Coal, Chemicals, Tex- Introduction tiles, Mines, Engineering, and Steel. Ratlam, a relatively small town in Western Madhya Pradesh in India, has over the years emerged into a major industrial area. Its natural resources and its base of pre- independence industrialization (the town is famous for brass utensils, weighing scales and perfumes), combined with its strategic positioning near the borders of Rajasthan and Gujarat, led the town to become a prime junction on the Western Railway. Thousands of passengers and wagons pass daily through the town. Since 1953, Rat- lam has served as the divisional headquar- ter of the Western Railways. Out of a population of about 300,000, Railway employees and their families number nearly 35,000 people. Most of the railway workers are organized in the Hind Mazdoor Sabha affiliated West- ern Railway Employees Union (WREU) . The presence of such a large contingent of un- ionised workers proved to be a boon to the rest of the Ratlam people in their fight against industrial pollution. This case study showcases the efforts of WREU to fight the polluting industries in Ratlam for a supply of clean water.

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Aims and Objectives before the Bhopal gas tragedy struck, when a large number of people were still unaware of The battle for a clean environment has been the absolute necessity of adhering to certain long, often riddled with dilemmas and de- measures of keeping the environment safe bates, but also one that has borne many fruits and clean, HMS-affiliated WREU was among and lessons. This case study was completed the first few to raise its voice against such mal- with the goal of sharing this information about practice. polluting industries in Ratlam and the role played in it by the union. The case study objectives were the following: Pollution of Air and Water: The Alcohol Plant and the WREU l illustrate the delicate balance between workers’ need for employment and the responsi- At Ratlam, the entire water requirements of the bility of employers and workers to ensure a Railways (for the sheds, for wagons, passen- healthy living environment, which sometimes gers, station staff and railway colonies) are results in the closing of factories to halt haz- met by the reservoir made at the River Kurel, ardous environmental conditions; 13 miles away from Ratlam. l raise awareness of the workers’ on envi- According to the unions’ report, on the west- ronmental issues; ern side of the Ratlam-Ajmer meter gauge line, about a mile to the north of the Ratlam Station, l develop an understanding of the role of is an Alcohol Plant. This Plant was set up in the trade unions in keeping the industrial 1963 and used molasses from the sugar fac- environment clean; tories to make alcohol. The effluents of this l develop future strategies on how to check plant were discharged into the open fields industrial pollution and prevent the clo- around the meter gauge railway line. These sure of workplaces. open fields form the catchment area of the River Kurel. During the rainy season the dis- Project Description charged effluents of the alcohol plant flowed into the river. The Government and the private owners who The constant flow of the polluted water not set up factories in the wake of new industrial only contaminated the water of the River Kurel, policies in India paid scant or no attention to but with time, the pollutants seeped below the keeping the environment clean and safe for earth’s surface. As a result, the ground water the workers and people living nearby. Long in the wells and handpumps began to take on

41 Action India

a reddish-brown tinge with a strong foul smell. held by the unions. The pressure on the man- Also, the usage of this water brought on skin agement led to them issuing a circular which diseases and a number of other related seri- named and recognised the problem of water ous health problems. On absorbing the poi- pollution and the river’s consequent scarcity of sonous substances, the quality of the soil clean water. began to deteriorate. As a result, the plants The WREU Ratlam wrote to the union head of- and the vegetation also withered. fice located at Mumbai to initiate action at l Action taken by the WREU: 1975 - 1977 their level and to make the problem widely visible to the different workers and the man- The union demanded an immediate halt to the agement cadres. practice of letting the pollutants simply flow into the river. They collected samples of water l Arranging meetings and had them examined at the Railway’s Wa- Alert union members were also responsible for ter Treatment Plant. The water samples were paving the way for joint meetings between the found to be unsuitable for human consump- Pollution Control Board, Bhopal, Public tion, and, on further investigation, it was found Health Department, Ratlam, and the manage- that there were several other industries respon- ments from the polluting industries. However, sible for the pollution of the River Kurel. The when these meetings made little or no head- union demanded an inspection by the authori- way, the union arranged periodical liaison ties. The official inspection report revealed the meetings with the the Government of Madhya same problems discovered by the union. Pradesh and the Divisional Superintendent of l Building pressure on the management the Western and South Eastern Railways. The suggestion of constructing water lagoons to The union took up the matter with the railway contain the flow of effluents was considered, management, asking the Divisional Superin- but the cost of 600,000-700,000 rupees (ap- tendent to take appropriate measures to en- proximately $13,800-$16,100 at today’s ex- sure the supply of clean water. A series of change) was pointed out to be against the representations and protest meetings were national economic stringency. The closure of the Alcohol Plant was ruled out because of the shortage of methylated spirit which was ur- gently needed in other fields. The General Manager of the Alcohol Plant finally accepted that, as a temporary measure, an earthen boundary would be provided to check the flow of effluents from spreading too far out. As it turned out, this boundary was ineffective as the heavy monsoon rains broke down the mud walls. Moreover, such unlined evapora- tion ponds cannot prevent the leaching of pollutants into the ground soil and water. l Workshops & Seminars While the union negotiated with the management, it also organized a number of local and regional workshops and seminars to educate and inform the railway employees about the problems of the polluted environment.

42 Action India

The non-closure of the factory, while seeming to be to the benefit of the workers was used as a cover to evade the larger issue of following stricter safeguards for the pollution spreading through the city. Still, the expenditure of 600,000 to 700,000 rupees to adopt cleaner production technologies was considered too high, even in light of the irreparable environmental damage that was taking place. l Looking to the Law for Remedial Action In 1977, the union was finally able to force the Railway administration, Western Railway, Rat- lam, to file a Suit against a number of polluting industries in the Court of Additional District Judge. In response to the Petition, the Court granted a temporary injunction and restraint against the Alcohol Plant and other industries discharging their industrial effluents in the Kurel river until the decision of the Suit. l Results and Reactions: Spreading community awareness The Role of the Union at the The union activists realised that the pollution Workplace and Beyond was no longer an issue that was confined to “An important aspect of this struggle was that them alone. The stench, the withering vegeta- the union members did not loosen up the pres- tion, and the disappearance of the birds and sure on the management. At every stage the animals around the whole area were the con- union intervened, keeping a track of the man- cerns of the community as well. Thus a system- agement’s promises, duties, and ensuring atic and a sustained campaign to educate and their practice and follow up action, “ stated stir the community was begun by the union. Com. Govindlal Sharma, Divisional Secretary, Consequently, the residents of Ratlam com- WREU at Ratlam. plained to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate The union got the management to organize (SDM) that the Ratlam Municipality did not do water meetings regularly. These meetings its statutory duty of removing the nuisance of were attended by the station staff people, un- filth and stench due to sewage and the dis- ion members and the management. At these charge of effluents from the Alcohol Plant. meetings, the water requirements at different There was no sign of the Pollution Control stations and at the residences were clearly Board nor was the Municipal Corporation tak- spelt out, the shortfalls assessed, and the diffi- ing any steps towards basic sanitation. The culties encountered in meeting the water Municipality was directed to take immediate needs were discussed and alternate arrange- action to stop the effluents flowing from the Al- ments worked out. cohol Plant into the streets, acknowledging that “eleven such industries cannot make prof- When the management delayed in taking ac- its at the expense of public health.” The case tion, as in the case of repairing handpumps, went to the Supreme Court. on the pretext that the permission for the con-

43 Action India ILO, J. Maillard tract for repairing was being awaited, the un- the spreading pollution put pressure on the ion intervened and hastened the work. management to act with responsibility. The union also played a commendable role in However, despite the union's active role, there getting water from other places, organizing was still the issue of a regular, clean water sup- tankers and wagons to ensure the supply of ply. The union managed to bring together the clean water at the stations and the employees Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation), the housing colonies. It also insisted on a certifi- Railway, and other local authorities for nego- cate that verified the water’s cleanliness. tiations. After much persuasion, an agreement was reached between the Nagar Nigam The union drew the management's attention to and the Railway administration to ensure a water resources drying and suggested alterna- regular and adequate supply of water to the tives and insisted on a rational system of distri- Railway colony in Ratlam. bution and preventing wasting water through repairing overflowing tanks, leaking taps, and installing new handpumps. Filing a Writ Petition in the Supreme Court The union printed leaflets and distributed them among the workers to make them aware of Apart from the local, legal and other social ac- their rights to a clean and adequate water sup- tivities, HMS affiliated WREU also helped a ply. farmer of the region to file a writ petition before the Supreme Court. The union made an effort to keep the local and the national newspapers informed of the Even though the union was well aware that the situation. The result was that throughout the filing of the Writ Petition could lead to the clo- long fight, the issue was kept alive in the public sure of the Railway Locomotive shed (as it hap- mind. This helped to build a solid support pened in the case of Alcohol Plant), the union base among the city people. The fact that the still went ahead because it felt that this could media made visible the issues arising out of well be a way to make the Railway Administra-

44 Action India

tion invest in technical upgrades that would l There should be regular checks to ensure adhere to clean environmental standards. that the industries follow the pollution con- Secondly, the step had immense possibilities trol laws. of fostering strong bonds with the community l The policy of closing down factories/in- groups. Together with them, the union could dustries should not be the rule. Closures, muster enough support to impress upon the far from being solutions, only aggravate employers the need to invest in pollution con- the problems, tending to create a division trol and cleaner production methods instead between workers and the community. of resorting to closure. l Ways and means must be developed so The Decision of Supreme Court that the complexities in legal procedures and delays get reduced. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), l as per the order of the Supreme Court, submit- The workers and the public should have ted its report and the court made mandatory the right to information on the toxic re- the CPCB recommendations. In its next hear- leases and the nature of hazards at working in March 1996, the Supreme Court an- place that workers face in their jobs. nounced the closure of two of the polluting l The principle of tripartitism should be industries, both at Ratlam. However, on the adopted in solving environmental prob- request of one of the companies, the Supreme lems. Court granted it permission to produce dry goods with instructions to District Administra- tion to keep a watch. The Current Situation The Railway authorities have provided clean The Fight Continues drinking water for the railway colonies and the staff. Some of the polluting industries have in- On the basis of more complaints and a tip off stalled pollution control devices, while others received from the CPCB, the Supreme Court have not. The relevant authorities are taking issued orders to 12 more industries who are action, industrialists can be politically powerful now under pressure to invest in pollution con- and savvy, and manage to avoid the require- trol in their plants. ments. It is hoped by the union that this will begin a The pollution of the river still happens but is new age in India wherein the industries will fol- less frequent. Legal action taken by union ac- low processes for preventing environmental tivists in association with other local groups re- degradation and pollution. While the union quired the reparation of sewage lines and the has successfully obtained the water supply, diversion of the canal carrying the effluents, so several of its members working in the Railway that they do not flow into the water source. shed run the risk of losing their jobs if the Rail- ways do not invest in pollution control and opt Although the immediate crisis was resolved, for closure instead. This difficult situation in the situation from the long term sustainable which the union often finds itself has enabled it point of view is not very satisfactory, and much to articulate the following demands: action still needs to be taken, including sustaining pressure on the local authorities to im- l The law must change to give a far more prove the situation for both the workers and stringent punishment to the parties flouting the community of Ratlam as a whole. the environment laws.

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Discussion Points

1. What ideas can you extract from Although the efforts to combat this water pollution this case to be used in your own by HMS and WREU began well before the ILO organization? project on Trade Unions and Environmentally Sustainable Development had begun its work, it 2. Do you think that addressing envi- has been involved with the case study since the ronmentally sustainable develop- Project became operational in India. HMS, and ment issues will have an effect on another organization involved in the case, the union membership rates? Why or Commonwealth Trade Union Congress, India why not?? (CTUC), both received direct support from the project and in addition, WREU representatives participated in environmental awareness training workshops sponsored by the project. In addition to this successful and far-reaching case study, HMS and CTUC have both completed a number of important campaigns on such issues as the occupational health and safety of Acknowledgments sewage workers, a report on waste disposal practices, improving working conditions along the River Ganga, health and environment on tea The information contained in this summary plantations, and the impact on workers of indus- was excerpted from the comprehensive reports trial closures, to name a few. written by Mr. Arun Kumar, former Information In fact, research on water pollution conducted at and Research Officer for HMS. the Rourkela Steel Plant in India led to the cooperation between an HMS-affiliated union in the steel plant and the World Wildlife Federation (WWF). The WWF developed a water testing kit For more information about this case for the Rourkela Mazdoor Sabha Union, and they study or other environmentally used it to test water supplies in workers’ housing sustainable efforts of HMS, colonies. This initiative of the union was appreci- please contact ated by the workers, as they saw the union as being concerned about other things besides wages, Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), 120, and one result was the strengthening of the un- Babar Road, New Delhi 110 001, ions' membership base. The Rourkela study is an INDIA, excellent example of how trade unions can pair with non-governmental organizations to achieve Telephone number both beneficial environmental results and in- (91) 011-3315519, crease union influence in the workplace and community. Fax number (91) 011-3310438. My appreciation to Ms. Indira Saxena, former Re- gional Coordinator for CTUC, and Mr. Arun Ku- mar, formerly of HMS, for their relentless work on environmental issues in India.

46 Action Guatemala

Promoting Worker Involvement: The IUF Researches Pesticide Use in Guatemala, and Plans Worker Training Among Affiliates

part of these efforts, the IUF created its own Project Study of the Effectiveness Global Pesticides Project (GPP), through Title: of the Industry-Sponsored which the IUF would evaluate the role of the Safe Use Project for global pesticide industry in improving HSE Pesticide Users standards for pesticide users, and to determine if there is a role that workers could play in the industry-sponsored voluntary initiatives. Project International Union of Completed Food and Agricultural, Accidental poisonings are one of the major by: Hotel, Restaurant, impacts of pesticide use. In Guatemala, Catering, Tobacco and where over 80% of the agricultural workforce Allied Workers’ of 1.2 million farmers and farmworkers are ex- Associations (IUF) posed to pesticides in their work, the IUF’s concern about the health and working conditions of agricultural workers is especially About the Organization strong. For this reason, the GPP decided to in- vestigate a voluntary initiative pilot project ac- The International Union of Food and Agricul- tive in the Latin American country. tural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco The Safe Use Project (SUP), a voluntary pro- and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) is an in- gramme launched by the Global Crop Protec- ternational trade union federation composed tion Federation (the international trade of 334 affiliated organizations in 118 coun- association of the pesticide industry), aims to tries. The IUF represents a combined mem- provide training for large groups of pesticide bership of 2.6 million workers employed in users and others who have an influence on agriculture, the preparation and manufacture how pesticides are used. This voluntary initia- of food and beverages, hotels, restaurants tive is used by the industry to demonstrate its and catering services, and all stages of to- commitment to “product stewardship” – its bacco processing. concern about the product from manufacture, to the product’s use, through to its disposal. The GCPF claims that the SUP is helping to Introduction tackle problems and change problematic atti- tudes and behaviour among pesticide users, In 1997, the 23rd World Congress of the IUF which should result in the safer handling of made a number of significant decisions to ex- pesticides and fewer accidents. The IUF initi- tend the IUF’s work in the area of occupa- ated this case study to examine whether or not tional health, safety, and environment (HSE), the industry claims were accurate. with special emphasis on the use of pesticides, sustainable agriculture, and food safety. As

47 Action Guatemala

the actual institutional capacity to carry out that training is questionable. The Safe Use Project has been active in Gua- temala since 1991. A voluntary programme run by the pesticide industry, the SUP has provided training on the handling of pesticides to approximately 326,000 people, including farmworkers, housewives, students, pesticide dealers, technicians and salespersons, medical personnel, and governmental staff. How- G.Palazzo ever, IUF is concerned that the type of training provided by the SUP may not be effective Aims and Objectives enough. Because of these concerns, the IUF sent a field The goals of the case study were: researcher to Guatemala in January 1999 to l to evaluate the effectiveness of the pesti- see the SUP programme in action. Over the cide industry’s Safe Use Project (SUP) in course of 10 days, the researcher met with Guatemala in raising minimum health, dozens of agricultural workers, trade union safety, and environment (HSE) standards leaders, researchers, industry and government of pesticide use; representatives, and others, conducting interviews and visiting work sites. The information l to determine whether there has been inde- gathered on the site in Guatemala led to sev- pendent verification of the SUP; eral conclusions. l to determine the degree of trade union/worker involvement in the SUP, or the Conclusions potential for such involvement in the future. First of all, there should be acknowledgment of the Safe Use Programme (SUP) initiative to Project Description train pesticide users. This voluntary initiative is a step in the right direction. However, for Agriculture is Guatemala’s most important in- these efforts to be truly sustainable, they must dustry and export earner. A wide range of reach other major user groups with high expo- crops are produced, involving the use of con- sure. For example, there is no training of siderable quantities of pesticides. However, waged agricultural workers or involvement of the Guatemalan Government’s Pesticides and their trade unions. This was found to be a seri- Health Project acknowledges that “there is lim- ous omission, as many of the 10,000 to ited knowledge in the country on the possible 30,000 estimated number of pesticide poi- effects of pesticides on the exposed population sonings that occur each year are with mem- and the environment,” and that “the inappro- bers of this group. priate use of pesticides is the third most impor- The research done in this case also concluded tant cause of natural resource degradation.” that the SUP focuses too much on the number In addition to the massive amounts of pesti- of people trained rather than on the quality of cides used, research done by the IUF found training. Although the industry claims it has that while the training of workers in the safe trained a significantly large number of users, management of pesticides is required by law,

48 Action Guatemala ILO, J. Maillard there is concern that the quality of training is trade unions, small farmers’ organizations, being sacrificed for quantity. non-governmental organizations, etc. The IUF also concluded that the SUP results need to be independently verified by an objec- Results and Reactions tive evaluation or audit. Without such audits, The IUF published its full report on the case the industry leaves itself open to accusations study in February 1999, and the report was that voluntary initiatives such as the Guate- also translated into Spanish. In addition, the mala SUP are nothing more than a way for the IUF presented the results of this case study at industry to claim it is doing good deeds while the ILO Tripartite Meeting on Voluntary Initia- really just promoting its own interests and con- tives Affecting Training and Education in tinuing poor practices behind the scenes. Safety, Health, and Environment in the Chemi- The IUF also asserts that there is a lack of cal Industries, held in February 1999. regulatory/voluntary mix in the training pro- At this tripartite meeting, it was agreed to es- vided. At the present time, training in the tablish the principle of the need for worker in- proper use of pesticides is exclusively in the volvement in the design, implementation, and hands of industry. Speaking on the topic of verification of the pesticide industry’s Safe Use voluntary initiatives, the United Nations Envi- Projects and the chemical industry’s Responsi- ronmental Programme has stated that “volun- ble Care programmes. This agreement led to tary codes cannot be effective without a sound the first ever discussion between the IUF and government regulatory and policy framework the industry’s Global Crop Protection Federa- and public involvement.” tion (GCPF), held in Brussels in May 1999, Finally, for the Guatemalan SUP to be more where the two groups reached an agreement, effective, the training programme needs to be in principle, to provide joint pesticide, health, opened up, and the energies and resources of safety and environment (HSE) training for agri- new groups needs to be engaged, including cultural workers using or exposed to pesti-

49 Action Guatemala

cides. The framework for this cooperation is IUF’s Global Pesticides Project and GCPF’s Safe Use Project. Following that agreement, the IUF was then invited to make a presenta- From the research and information gathered tion to GCPF’s SUP and regional coordinators through this case study, a sustainable working at their meeting in June 1999 on the case relationship has developed between the IUF study and on IUF’s Global Pesticides Project. and the GCPF, which should lead to the com- pletion of successful joint training projects. Through the enhanced cooperation of both This case study is an excellent example of how groups, an IUF-GCPF meeting was held in the information gathered in such a study can Nairobi, Kenya in October 1999 to discuss a be used effectively to promote and encourage pilot joint training project for agricultural action. Using the data gathered during the workers on pesticides and HSE in Uganda, in- field visit and a well-written report, the IUF was volving the National Union of Plantation and able to effect policy development within the Agricultural Workers. The pilot project will fo- ILO, advance workers’ rights within the tripar- cus on agricultural workers in the sugar and tite structure, and pave the way for a benefi- cut flower industries, and will consist of a train- cial cooperation with the industry group. ing course for 20 trainers in January 2000 and secondary training courses for 500-1000 Well done! workers to be held afterwards. In addition, IUF intends to hold a workshop on pesticide use in Guatemala in February 2000 as a follow-up to this case study report. Acknowledgments This information contained in this summary was excerpted from the comprehensive and useful reports written by Mr. Peter Hurst, Discussion Points Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator 1. What could be the trade unions’ role for the IUF, who was the field researcher in this in encouraging enhanced govern- case study. ment regulation of pesticides? 2. What role could trade unions play in For more information about this the implementation, monitoring, case study, or other and evaluation of SUP programmes? environmentally sustainable 3. How could trade union members development-related projects participate in a large-scale tripartite of the IUF, please contact dialogue on pesticide issues? Peter Hurst, Health, Safety and 4. Does your industry have any active Environment Coordinator, voluntary initiative programmes? If International Union of Food and so, do you think they are effective? Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Why or why not? Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), 5. If your industry does not have any ac- Rampe du Pont Rouge 8, CH-1213 tive voluntary initiative programmes, is Geneva (Petit Lancy), Switzerland. there a need? Why or why not? Tel: + 41 22 879 0513 (direct); ? Tel: + 41 22 793 2233; Fax: + 41 22 793 2238; E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.iuf.org

50 Appendix I

REFERENCE MATERIALS

In addition to interviews and informal discussions with concerned parties, questionnaire An Environmental Disaster replies, letters, and memorandums received, Motivates Trade Union Actions in the following reference materials were used the Philippines for the writing of these case study summaries: l Presentation by Benjamin Basquinas, NAMAWU, at the INT/93/M12/NOR Fi- Introducing Occupational Health, nal Project Evaluation. NAMAWU. Janu- Safety, and Environment ary 1999. Committees in the Workplace: l A Goal of the NCEW in Eritirea Case Study report on the 1996 Mine- Related Environmental Disaster in Marin- duque, Philippines. ICEM. December l Report on the Establishment of Occupa- 1998. tional Safety, Health, and Environment Committees. NCEW. October 1998. l Project Application. NAMAWU. 1997. l Video: The Role of Workers and Environ- mentally Sustainable Development. Trade Unions in India: Solidarity NCEW. May 1997. for Environmental Protection.

l A Korean Trade Union Spreads TUPEP Meeting Minutes. TUPEP. Various Environmental Awareness in Asia Dates. l Reply to Case Study questionnaire: HMS l Speech given at the ICEM World Confer- Activities and the Formation of TUPEP. ence on Occupational Health, Safety, and HMS. July 1999. Environment by Brother Kang of the FKCU. FKCU. May 1998. l Replanting Their Future: Trade Awareness-raising video. Developed by Unions’ Reforestation Project in FKCU’s Labour Film Group “Hope”. Ghana 1998. l Workshop Report: ICEM/ILO/FKCU l Report to the FNV on the IFBWW Forest Workshop on Trade Unions, the Environ- Project for the Timber Workers’ Union of ment, and Sustainable Development in Ghana. IFBWW. April 1999. Asia. Ms. Annie Rice. September 1997. l TWU Reforestation and Education Pro- gramme Report. TWU, Ghana. Novem- ber 1998. l IFBWW Education Project Report. IFBWW. June 1997. l Project Proposal for Promoting Environ- mental Awareness Through Trade Unions. TWU, Ghana and TUC, Ghana. May 1995.

51 Appendix I

Greening Workplaces throughout l the Philippines Numerous research papers written by TARSC, International Labour Resource and Information Group (ILRIG), the Cen- l Summary of Case Studies for Greening tre for Southern African Studies, and the the Workplace, Philippines. PSI-FFW. Faculty of Law at the University of Cape 1999. Town, on Export Processing Zones. l Workshop Report: Training and Planning Workshop on the Environment. PSI-FFW. December 1998. Trade Unions Bring Clean Water to a Community in India l Project Report: Trade Union and Manage- ment Partnership in Greening the Work- l Fight for Clean Water: A Case Study of a place. PSI-FFW. 1998. Trade Union’s Initiative. HMS. November l Mid-Term Report: Trade Union and Man- 1998. agement Partnership in Greening the l Brief Report on HMS Project Activities. Workplace. PSI-FFW. 1997. HMS. 1998.

Promoting Worker Involvement: Export Processing Zones in The IUF Researches Pesticide Use in Southern Africa: a New Challenge Guatemala and Plans Worker for Trade Unions to Advance the Training Among Affiliates Rights of the Worker and the l Progress Report. IUF. November 1999. Environment l Report of IUF/Global Crop Protection l Export Processing Zones, Environment, Federation meeting. IUF. May 1999. and Sustainable Development: A Work- l Case Study report: The Global Pesticide shop Pack for Trade Unions. SATUCC Industry’s Safe Use and Handling Training and TARSC. October 1996. Project in Guatemala. IUF. February l Proposal for Phase Two of a Regional Pro- 1999. gramme of Work on Environmental Issues in Export Processing Zones. SATUCC and TARSC. 1995.

52 Appendix II

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACTRAV Bureau for Workers’ Activities

AITUC AII India Trade Union Congress

BMS Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh

CBA Collective Bargaining Agreement

CITU Centre of Indian Trade Unions

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

CTA Chief Technical Adviser

CTUC Commonwealth Trade Union Congress

CTUO Central Trade Union Organisation

EITs Environmental Inspection Teams

EPZ Export Processing Zone

FKCU Federation of Korean Chemical Workers’ Unions

GCPF Global Crop Protection Federation

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GPP Global Pesticide Project

HMS Hind Mazdoor Sabha

HSE Health, Safety, and Environment

ICEM International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine, and General Workers’ Union

ICFTU International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

IFBWW International Federation of Building and Woodworkers

ILO International Labour Organization

ILRIG International Labour Resource and Information Group

INTUC Indian National Trade Union Congress

53 Appendix II

ITS International Trade Secretariat

IUF International Union of Food and Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations

LACC Labour Advisory Consultative Council

MELU Marcopper Employees Labour Union

MMC Marcopper Mines Company

NAMAWU National Mines and Allied Workers’ Union

NCEW National Federation of Eritrean Workers

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

OSHE Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment

PSI-FFW Philippine Social Institute - Federation for Free Workers

SADC Southern African Development Community

SATUCC Southern African Trade Union Coordinating Council

SDM Sub-Divisional Magistrate

SUGEDO Superior Gas and Equipment Company

SUP Safe Use Project

TARSC Training and Research Support Centre

TUCP Trade Union Congress of the Philippines

TUPEP Trade Union Partnership for Environmental Protection

TWU Timber and Woodworkers’ Union

UN CSD United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development

UPPC United Pulp and Paper Company

WREU Western Railway Employees Union

WWF World Wildlife Fund

54 Appendix III

GUIDELINES FOR FINAL REPORTING ON A CASE STUDY

The INT/93/M12/NOR “WORKERS' EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT” Project plans to produce a booklet on case studies in order to share the most practical examples of activities leading on to environmentally sustainable development. It would be very helpful if you would report about the case including the following points where appropriate:

Title.

Aims and Objectives of the Activity.

Institutional Framework: l What was the background of the activity? l How was the trade union(s) involved? l Who initiated the activity? l Was a network utilized (other organizations, institutions, etc.), if so, how? l How was the activity administrated?

Description of the Activity: l Target group (what union, what level, geographical area, setting, etc.) l Subject (“problem”/situation to be improved) l The plan of work (detailed description step by step/strategy): • preparations • starting date • different steps of activities • duration

Budget and Financial Sources: l What was the budget of the different activities? l How were the activities funded?

55 Appendix III

Results: l What are/were the results of the activity in relation to the aims and objectives? l What actions/results did the activity lead to (eg. improvements in working conditions, living conditions, jobs saved or gained, resources saved, new legislation/regulations, education/training and awareness, improvement in some way for others than union members, increase of membership, acknowledgement of union work, etc.).

Assessment of Process: l What worked/did not work? l What could have been done differently during the process to achieve even better results? l Is there any need for further follow-ups? If so, give a short description. l How can you use the lessons learnt from this case in your future trade union work? ILO Turin, GP. Brandi Focal points and evaluation team in Turin, January 1999