Over 400 workers killed in India in due to workplace safety lapses

"This month we mark forty years of Union Carbide’s Bhopal gas disaster that took tens of thousands of lives, and still, India remains the most unsafe workplace with more industrial fatalities than anywhere else in the world. The authoritarian government has downgraded occupational health and safety laws as it continues to put profits above workers’ lives. Regaining lost protection and winning safe and secure jobs calls upon us to take forward a militant fightback,''

says Gautam Mody, executive committee member of IndustriALL.

The chemical and pharmaceutical sector saw some of the most severe accidents this year. Over 110 workplace accidents occurred in the sector which killed at least 220 workers and seriously injured over 550. On 21 August, an explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in a special economic zone in Andhra Pradesh killed 18 workers and injured 30 others. The plant belonged to Escientia Advanced Sciences.

In May, a massive explosion at a chemical factory in Mumbai, owned by Amudan Chemicals, claimed the lives of at least 13 workers and injured more than 60. According to media reports, safety lapses, including insufficient precautions in the mixing and storage of chemicals, led to the explosion. Earlier in February, a fire at a paint factory in Delhi killed eleven people and left many more severely injured. The Delhi Municipal Corporation later confirmed that the factory was operating illegally.

Safety violations are not confined to the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. The mining industry saw at least 22 accidents, killing 60 workers and seriously injuring more than 50. In the energy sector, over 20 workers died in workplace accidents this year. In February, a boiler exploded, killing at least fourteen workers and severely injuring over 25 at a parts manufacturing facility in the state of Haryana. The factory is part of India’s extensive automotive supply chain.

These incidents are not isolated but symptomatic of a systemic decline in workplace regulation. There is clear evidence that the accidents occur as a result of severe negligence of safety rules, a weak supervisory system, inadequate factory inspections and the employment of large numbers of untrained precarious workers; the majority of the workers killed and injured are precarious workers.

In recent years, the Indian government has relaxed workplace inspection and licensing regulations to promote business growth. The new occupational safety and health law has severely weakened the inspectorate system, prioritizing ease of doing business over labour rights and worker safety. Inspectors can no longer conduct unannounced inspections, take immediate legal action against violators, or verify compliance effectively due to self-certification and private audits.

“The current state of industrial safety in the country is worrisome. The alarming rate at which industrial accidents occur daily reflects compromised safety measures at workplaces. We urge employers to actively engage with unions and DGFASLI to implement an action plan for ensuring safe workplaces,”

says Sanjay Vadhavkar, IndustriALL executive committee member.

Stressing the urgency of addressing this crisis, Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary, says:

“The right to a safe workplace is one of the fundamental principles and rights at work. Looking at the dire state of workplace safety in India, it is clear that this fundamental right is violated. We urge the Indian government to review workplace safety regulations and engage in social dialogue with trade unions to prevent further fatalities due to safety lapses.”

Photo: Manufacturing and assembly line of ATLAS bicycles. ATLAS factory site in Haryana, India. Copyright: Marcel Crozet / ILO

There must be respect for democratic rights in Georgia

The protests in Georgia were ignited by the government's decision to halt European Union accession talks until 2028. The move has been perceived by many Georgians as a significant setback to the country's aspirations for European integration, leading to widespread demonstrations.

Says IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie:

“The excessive force used against people protesting the decision stand in stark contrast against principles of democracy and human rights. IndustriALL stands in solidarity with our Georgian affiliates advocating for their rights, and we call on the Georgian government to engage in genuine dialogue with civil society to address the people’s legitimate aspirations.”

The Georgian Trade Unions Confederation (GTUC), which counts IndustriALL affiliated unions among their members, says that there is no alternative to the European integration, and

“categorically condemn the obvious excess of force by the law enforcement agencies, which was manifested in the violation of rights of media representatives and protest participants, including physical violence. We believe that each perpetrator and all responsible persons must be immediately identified and held accountable.”

Says industriALL Europe general secretary Judith Kirton-Darling:

“The scenes we are witnessing of police brutality and state repression of peace protests are reprehensible. The crisis can only be resolved through dialogue, including with civil society. The Georgian people have the right to live in a country that respects and embodies democratic values, human rights and the rule of law."

Georgia debe respetar los derechos democráticos

El origen de las manifestaciones en Georgia fue la decisión del gobierno de interrumpir las negociaciones de adhesión a la Unión Europea hasta 2028. Muchos georgianos percibieron la medida como un importante revés para las aspiraciones del país a la integración europea, lo generó manifestaciones generalizadas.

Atle Høie, el secretario general de IndustriALL, expresó:

“El uso excesivo de la fuerza contra las personas que se manifestaban en contra de la decisión contrasta claramente con los principios de la democracia y los derechos humanos. IndustriALL se solidariza con nuestros afiliados georgianos que defienden sus derechos, y pedimos al gobierno del país que entable un diálogo genuino con la sociedad civil para abordar las legítimas aspiraciones de la población”.

La Confederación de Sindicatos de Georgia (GTUC), que cuenta con sindicatos afiliados a IndustriALL entre sus miembros, sostiene que no hay alternativa a la integración europea, y afirmó:

“Condenamos categóricamente el abuso evidente de la fuerza por parte de las fuerzas del orden, que se manifestó en la violación de los derechos de los representantes de los medios de comunicación y de los manifestantes, incluida la violencia física. Consideramos que los agresores y todas las personas responsables deben ser inmediatamente identificados y rendir cuentas”.

Judith Kirton-Darling, secretaria general de industriAll Europe, declaró:

“Las escenas que estamos presenciando de brutalidad policial y represión estatal de las manifestaciones por la paz son condenables. Esta crisis solo puede resolverse mediante el diálogo, también con la sociedad civil. El pueblo georgiano tiene derecho a vivir en un país que respete y encarne los valores democráticos, los derechos humanos y el Estado de derecho”.

Unions in MENA tackle due diligence challenges

Participants from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, as well as European countries including Germany, France, Norway, and the Netherlands, attended the workshop.

Noureddine Taboubi, general secretary of the UGTT, stressed the importance of collaboration:

"Strengthening networks between unions across borders and developing tools to defend workers' rights will enhance solidarity and social justice. Economic and social rights are inseparable from fundamental freedoms. IndustriALL’s efforts in the region, especially Tunisia, are invaluable."

IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan underscored the role of due diligence laws in creating fairer supply chains:

"The tool of due diligence and recently enacted laws enable trade unions to hold companies accountable for their ethical and legal standards and practices related to their workforce. These binding rules are for ensuring to respect of labor and environmental conditions, while preventing exploitation. The enforcement of these standards is critical for trade unions for fundamental rights, particularly freedom of association and right of collective bargaining."

Participants raised concerns over limited accountability for multinational companies operating in MENA, where local laws often fail to guarantee decent working conditions or uphold trade union rights. Reports highlighted poor health and safety conditions and a lack of legal recognition for workers’ representation.

Ahmed Kamel, IndustriALL MENA regional secretary, emphasized the urgency of addressing these gaps as European investment in the region grows:

"Despite differing national contexts, networking and joint trade union action have made tangible progress in raising standards and fostering dialogue. We need robust tools and laws to defend workers in global production networks."

Trade union representatives from Europe shared their countries’ approaches to due diligence laws. Philippe Duchamp from industriAll Europe outlined the EU’s progress in legal frameworks that promote transparency and accountability, encouraging unions to leverage these mechanisms in their advocacy efforts.

Other speakers presented national models:
France: FGMM-CFDT executive committee member Benoît Ostertag emphasised union membership growth as a cornerstone for strengthening worker protections.

Germany: IG Metall’s Claudia Rahman highlighted litigation options available under Germany’s due diligence law to address violations, including child and forced labour.

Netherlands: Vivian Vaessen, policy advisor international affairs at FNV) discussed the Dutch experience with seven legislative attempts on due diligence, emphasizing its role in improving workers' conditions, enforcing collective bargaining, and protecting human rights.

Norway: Kathrine Fauske, deputy head of LO Norway’s international department, highlighted Norway’s focus on legal compliance, grievance mechanisms, and global labor solidarity while addressing the need for training programs and overcoming language barriers in supply chains.

Salouan Smiri, general secretary of Tunisia’s General Union of Petroleum and Chemicals (UGTT), stressed the need for stricter enforcement:

"While European laws mandate respect for human and trade union rights, these standards are often ignored in MENA countries. Serious action is needed to bridge this gap."

Habib Hazemi, IndustriALL vice president and general secretary of Tunisia’s FGTHCC-UGTT, said:

"European due diligence laws are a breakthrough for defending workers in the Global South. We’re already leveraging these mechanisms to tackle disputes with European firms operating in Tunisia."

Tahar Berbari, UGTT assistant general secretary for the private sector said:

"We are delighted to be working with IndustriALL. The cooperation is a boost for trade union work in the region, especially in the face of the serious impact of globalisation on the labour situation. Climate change, the fourth digital revolution, demographic change and ageing population  are the main challenges facing workers and trade unions. Trade unionists need to be well prepared through training, networking and raising the level of global labour solidarity. That is why this workshop is so important.”

The workshop concluded with a unified roadmap to bolster workers’ rights in the MENA region. This includes intensified coordination on the operations of multinational companies, awareness campaigns on human rights due diligence, and targeted actions in key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, chemicals, and ICT.

Affiliates will continue to extend the work on due diligence at regional and country levels for further capacity building in cooperation with the sister unions outside of the region as well as the civil society and donor allies.
 

All workers need a union and unions need workers

IndustriALL assistant general secretary Christina Olivier emphasized the global union movement’s responsibility to protect the rights of all workers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“As a global union, it is our responsibility to represent and protect the rights of all workers.”

IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie added: 

“It’s about time we do this meeting. Everyone on this call is aware that LGBTI+ workers are everywhere. All workers need a trade union, and we need workers.”

The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of key terms such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, underscoring the importance of understanding these terms in local contexts. This is essential for engaging organizations and promoting inclusive language and policies.

The Laws on Us 2024 report produced by ILGA World (The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) highlighted both progress and setbacks in global legal landscapes affecting LGBTI+ rights. There has been progress, such as a reduction in the number of countries criminalizing same-sex acts. However, setbacks like Uganda’s death penalty law and increasing criminalization in countries such as Iraq and Indonesia underscore the ongoing challenges. Furthermore, workplace and healthcare protections for LGBTI+ individuals remain limited, with only 77 countries offering employment protections and just 53 offering healthcare coverage.

Personal accounts from IndustriALL affiliate members shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTI+ workers. A representative from the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) spoke about the lack of policies to protect LGBTI+ individuals and discrimination in employment. In Sri Lanka, a participant shared how queer identities are often dismissed and how LGBTI+ people are forced into marginalized sectors.

A representative from the Associated Labor Union (ALU) in the Philippines discussed the progress made with laws like the Safe Spaces Act, while also addressing the stalled SOGIE Equality Bill, which would offer comprehensive protections against discrimination.

A participant from CNQ Brazil highlighted the need for integrating LGBTI+ issues into union agendas and fostering awareness to overcome cultural biases.

A representative from FEASIAS in El Salvador spoke about the creation of safe spaces for LGBTI+ workers and collaborating with feminist movements to prioritize LGBTI+ issues within unions.

The United Steelworkers (USW) representative emphasized that unions must create spaces where LGBTI+ workers feel safe and supported.

The ILGA Trade Union pre-conference outcome report also highlighted recommendations that were identified by IndustriALL members such as LGBTI+ issues being included in collective bargaining agreements, youth involvement being prioritized, and more importantly that LGBTI+ issues should not be confined to women’s committees, as they are broader gender issues.

Moving forward, IndustriALL is committed to supporting affiliates in organizing and bargaining for LGBTI+ workers' rights. It will continue its collaboration within the LGBT coordinating committee (GUFS & ITUC) and will use its website to share resources on LGBTI+ workers, CBA language, and promoting diversity and safe workplaces. Additionally, IndustriALL will focus on raising staff and affiliates awareness trough awareness-raising programs. The organization will also develop an inclusivity checklist to help unions identify areas for improvement and ensure more inclusive workplaces.

By building regional and global networks, organizing focus group discussions, and enhancing visibility, IndustriALL aims to strengthen its impact on LGBTI+ workers' rights and foster greater inclusivity within the labour movement.

Todos los trabajadores necesitan un sindicato y los sindicatos necesitan a los trabajadores

La secretaria general adjunta de IndustriALL, Christina Olivier, hizo hincapié en la responsabilidad del movimiento sindical mundial de proteger los derechos de todos los trabajadores, independientemente de su orientación sexual o identidad de género.

“Como federación sindical internacional, es nuestra responsabilidad representar y proteger los derechos de todos los trabajadores”.

El secretario general de IndustriALL, Atle Høie, añadió: 

“Ya era hora de que hiciéramos esta reunión. Todos los presentes son conscientes de que las y los trabajadores LGBTI+ están en todas partes. Todos los trabajadores necesitan un sindicato, y nosotros necesitamos a los trabajadores”.

El seminario proporcionó una visión global de términos clave como orientación sexual, identidad de género, expresión de género y características sexuales, y subrayó la importancia de entender estos términos en los contextos locales. Esto es esencial para involucrar a las organizaciones y promover un discurso y políticas inclusivos.

El informe Laws on Us 2024, elaborado por ILGA World (Asociación Internacional de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Trans e Intersex), pone de relieve tanto los avances como los retrocesos en el panorama jurídico mundial que afectan los derechos de las personas LGBTI+. Ha habido progresos, como la reducción de la cantidad de países que penalizan los actos sexuales entre personas del mismo sexo. Sin embargo, los retrocesos, como la ley sobre la pena de muerte en Uganda y el aumento de la criminalización en países como Irak e Indonesia, evidencian los retos persistentes. Además, las protecciones en el lugar de trabajo y la atención médica para las personas LGBTI+ siguen siendo limitadas, ya que solo 77 países ofrecen protecciones laborales y solo 53 ofrecen cobertura médica.

Los relatos personales de los afiliados de IndustriALL arrojaron luz sobre los retos a los que se enfrentan los trabajadores y trabajadoras LGBTI+. Vet Tetodom, de la Alianza de Sindicatos de Camboya (CATU), habló de la falta de políticas para proteger a las personas LGBTI+ y de la discriminación laboral. En Sri Lanka, Navado Bennet contó cómo a menudo se desestiman las identidades queer y cómo las personas LGBTI+ se ven obligadas a ingresar en sectores marginados. Melba Tampakan, del Sindicato de Trabajadores Asociados (ALU) de Filipinas, habló de los avances logrados en la legislación, como la Ley de Espacios Seguros, y abordó el estancado proyecto de ley de igualdad SOGIE, que ofrecería amplias protecciones contra la discriminación.

Vinicius Santos Lousada, de CNQ Brasil, destacó la necesidad de integrar las cuestiones LGBTI+ en las agendas sindicales y de fomentar la sensibilización para superar los prejuicios culturales.

Roberto Saldana, del sindicato salvadoreño FEASIAS, habló de la creación de espacios seguros para las y los trabajadores LGBTI+ y de la colaboración con los movimientos feministas para dar prioridad a las cuestiones relativas a este colectivo en los sindicatos.

Brittani Murray, de United Steelworkers (USW), hizo hincapié en que los sindicatos deben crear espacios en los que las personas LGBTI+ se sientan seguras y respaldadas.

El informe de resultados de la preconferencia del sindicato ILGA también destacó las recomendaciones identificadas por miembros de IndustriALL, como la inclusión de las cuestiones LGBTI+ en los convenios colectivos, la priorización de la participación de los jóvenes y, lo que es más importante, que los asuntos relativos a la comunidad LGBTI+ no se limiten a los comités de mujeres, ya que son cuestiones de género más amplias.

De cara al futuro, IndustriALL se compromete a apoyar a sus afiliados en la sindicalización y negociación de los derechos de las y los trabajadores LGBTI+. Seguirá colaborando con el comité de coordinación LGBT (FSI y CSI) y utilizará su sitio web para compartir materiales sobre trabajadores y trabajadoras LGBTI+, terminología para los convenios colectivos y promoción de la diversidad y la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo. Además, IndustriALL se centrará en generar conciencia sobre el tema entre su personal y afiliados mediante programas de sensibilización. La organización también elaborará una lista de verificación sobre la inclusión para ayudar a los sindicatos a identificar áreas de mejora y garantizar lugares de trabajo más inclusivos.

Mediante la creación de redes regionales y mundiales, la organización de grupos de debate y la mejora de la visibilidad, IndustriALL pretende reforzar su impacto sobre los derechos de las personas LGBTI+ y fomentar una mayor inclusión dentro del movimiento sindical.

South Korean metalworkers stage nationwide strike to defend democracy

The KMWU’s decision stems from President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on 3 December amid continuing uncertainty of when another illegal martial law might be declared, and the hope that by taking peaceful strike action, workers can act to bring an end to this crisis with the resignation of Yoon.

South Korea’s democratic foundation was built on the sacrifices of workers and citizens and again workers are rallying to defend these principles. Employees from major companies like Hyundai Motor, GM Korea, and Hyundai Mobis joined the strike, with at least 70,000 workers participating nationwide by mid-afternoon on 5 December.

While an impeachment motion is currently under consideration in the National Assembly, the ruling party has expressed opposition, fueling the outrage of workers. KMWU’s strike aims to demonstrate the collective strength of workers in peacefully upholding democracy.

Government responses have been firm. Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo defended Yoon's martial law declaration and labelled the general strike "illegal," despite South Korea’s ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions protecting workers’ right to strike in defence of economic and social interests. Kim also threatened "strict measures" against unions participating in the action.

Rallies continue daily, including candlelight vigils and marches towards the president’s office. While protesters were blocked by police last night, they remain determined to press further.

KMWU plans for an indefinite general strike if Yoon refuses to step down. The union emphasizes that the events of Tuesday night highlight that democracy can be effaced in an instant of inattention, and given that workers have much to lose in a return to martial law, the need to remove Yoon and bring this crisis to closure.

IndustriALL is in full support of the demand for President Yoon to step down and of strike action. What the President has done unacceptable, and the President has lost all credibility as a democratic leader.

Trabajadores metalúrgicos surcoreanos organizan una huelga nacional para defender la democracia

La decisión del KMWU surge de la imposición de la ley marcial por parte del presidente Yoon el 3 de diciembre, en medio de la continua incertidumbre sobre cuándo podría declararse otra ley marcial ilegítima, y de la esperanza de que, mediante una huelga pacífica, los trabajadores puedan actuar para poner fin a esta crisis con la dimisión de Yoon.

Los fundamentos de la democracia de Corea del Sur se construyeron sobre los sacrificios de los trabajadores y los ciudadanos y, una vez más, los trabajadores se unen para defender estos principios. Numerosos empleados de grandes empresas como Hyundai Motor, GM Korea y Hyundai Mobis se sumaron a la huelga, con la participación de al menos 70.000 personas en todo el país a media tarde del 5 de diciembre.

Aunque la Asamblea Nacional está estudiando una moción de destitución, el partido gobernante se ha opuesto, lo que ha avivado la indignación de los trabajadores. La huelga del KMWU pretende demostrar la fuerza colectiva de los trabajadores para defender pacíficamente la democracia.

Las respuestas del gobierno han sido firmes. El ministro de Trabajo, Kim Moon-soo, defendió la declaración de ley marcial por parte de Yoon y calificó la huelga general de “ilegal”, a pesar de que Corea del Sur ha ratificado los convenios de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) que protegen el derecho de huelga de los trabajadores en defensa de intereses económicos y sociales. Kim también amenazó con tomar “medidas estrictas” contra los sindicatos que participaran en la acción.

Las manifestaciones continúan a diario, e incluyen vigilias con velas y marchas hacia el despacho del presidente. Aunque los manifestantes fueron bloqueados anoche por la policía, siguen decididos a seguir presionando.

Si Yoon se niega a dimitir, el KMWU planea realizar una huelga general indefinida. El sindicato insiste en que los sucesos del martes por la noche ponen de relieve que la democracia puede desaparecer en un instante de descuido, y dado que los trabajadores tienen mucho que perder en una vuelta a la ley marcial, es necesario destituir a Yoon y poner fin a esta crisis.

IndustriALL apoya plenamente el pedido de dimisión del presidente Yoon y la huelga. Lo que ha hecho el presidente es inadmisible, ha perdido toda credibilidad como líder democrático.

Moroccan unions tackle health and safety in the textile sector

In recent weeks, industrial accidents in the textile and garment sector have claimed lives and left workers injured. Fires in factories in Fez, Casablanca, and Tangier caused by unsafe practices, including the use of gas-fired boilers, led to the death of one worker and hospitalizations for others suffering severe burns.

These incidents underscore a growing problem in Morocco’s textile, garment, and leather (TGSL) sector, which has expanded rapidly to meet demands from global brands. Despite this growth, health and safety conditions remain clearly inadequate, putting workers at significant risk.

In response IndustriALL affiliate, the Syndicat National de Textile Habillements et Cuirs (SNTHC-CDT), launched a campaign to address the deteriorating working conditions and lack of safety measures. On 15 November, the union issued a call for a national debate to bring together stakeholders to put together a strategy for improving health and safety in the TGSL sector.

The union’s advocacy efforts led to a meeting with the Ministry of Labour in Rabat on 29 November. The meeting, attended by Hicham Sabri, secretary of state, as well as union leaders, including SNTHC-CDT general secretary Ahmed Hassoun, focused on addressing the urgent need for health and safety improvements.

“The meeting was positive as the ministry took note of SNTHC-CDT's request to hold a national debate bringing together all stakeholders in the sector,” said Hassoun. “We also informed the minister about the ACCORD agreement and stressed the importance of its implementation in Morocco. As a result, the Ministry undertook to organise a meeting with representatives of ACCORD, IndustriALL, and SNTHC-CDT to further discuss the possibilities of implementing ACCORD in Morocco.”

The delegation highlighted the role of employers in failing to adhere to health and safety laws and raised concerns about inhumane working conditions in underground facilities. They urged the Ministry to stop these practices and develop a national strategy for implementing effective health and safety measures.

IndustriALL’s general secretary Atle Høie emphasized the importance of fast action:

“We are deeply saddened by the news of such frequent accidents in the sector in Morocco. We welcome the results of the meeting between the Minister and the SNTHC-CDT, which is part of the union's ongoing efforts and initiatives to address such a serious situation. Time is not on our side. We need stronger actions. An agreement to bring the International ACCORD to Morocco would be a big step in the right direction."

With a commitment from the Ministry to engage with ACCORD representatives, IndustriALL, and SNTHC-CDT, there is hope for meaningful change. The focus will remain on building strong health and safety mechanisms and ensuring accountability within Morocco’s growing textile and garment sector.

Sindicatos marroquíes abordan los problemas de salud y seguridad en el sector textil

En las últimas semanas, diversos accidentes laborales en el sector textil y de la confección se han cobrado vidas humanas y han dejado a trabajadores heridos. Los incendios en fábricas de Fez, Casablanca y Tánger provocados por prácticas inseguras, como el uso de calderas de gas, causaron la muerte de un trabajador y la hospitalización de otras personas que sufrieron quemaduras graves.

Estos incidentes ponen de relieve un problema creciente en el sector textil, de la confección, el calzado y el cuero (TGSL) de Marruecos, que se ha expandido rápidamente para satisfacer las demandas de las marcas mundiales. A pesar de este crecimiento, las condiciones de salud y seguridad siguen siendo claramente inadecuadas, lo que supone un gran riesgo para los trabajadores.

Como respuesta, el Syndicat National de Textile Habillements et Cuirs (SNTHC-CDT), afiliado de IndustriALL, lanzó una campaña para abordar el deterioro de las condiciones de trabajo y la falta de medidas de seguridad. El 15 de noviembre, el sindicato pidió un debate nacional para reunir a las partes interesadas con el fin de elaborar una estrategia para mejorar la salud y la seguridad en el sector TGSL.

Los esfuerzos del sindicato condujeron a una reunión con el Ministerio de Trabajo, en Rabat, el 29 de noviembre. El encuentro, al que asistió Hicham Sabri, secretario de Estado, así como dirigentes sindicales, entre ellos el secretario general del SNTHC-CDT, Ahmed Hassoun, se centró en abordar la urgente necesidad de mejorar la salud y la seguridad.

“La reunión fue positiva: el ministerio tomó nota de la solicitud del SNTHC-CDT de celebrar un debate nacional que reúna a todas las partes interesadas en el sector”,

declaró Hassoun.

“También informamos al ministro sobre el acuerdo ACCORD y subrayamos la importancia de su implementación en Marruecos. Como resultado, el Ministerio se comprometió a organizar una reunión con representantes del ACCORD, IndustriALL y el SNTHC-CDT para seguir discutiendo las posibilidades de implementar este acuerdo en Marruecos”.

La delegación destacó la responsabilidad de los empleadores en el incumplimiento de las leyes de salud y seguridad y expresó su preocupación por las condiciones de trabajo inhumanas en los centros de trabajo subterráneos. Urgieron al ministerio a poner fin a estas prácticas y a desarrollar una estrategia nacional para aplicar medidas eficaces de salud y seguridad.

El secretario general de IndustriALL, Atle Høie, enfatizó la importancia de actuar con rapidez:

“Nos entristece profundamente la noticia sobre la frecuencia de estos accidentes en el sector en Marruecos. Acogemos con satisfacción los resultados de la reunión entre el Ministro y el SNTHC-CDT, que forma parte de los esfuerzos e iniciativas en curso del sindicato para hacer frente a una situación tan grave. El tiempo no está de nuestro lado. Necesitamos acciones más contundentes. Un consenso para llevar el acuerdo internacional ACCORD a Marruecos sería un gran paso en la dirección correcta”.

Con el compromiso del ministerio de dialogar con los representantes del ACCORD, IndustriALL y el SNTHC-CDT, hay esperanzas de lograr un cambio significativo. La atención seguirá centrada en la creación de mecanismos sólidos de salud y seguridad y en garantizar la rendición de cuentas en el creciente sector textil y de la confección de Marruecos.