26 June, 2024An explosion at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) on 13 June left two workers with burns. It is the second explosion in six months at the same factory - the first killed 21 workers - and the union is calling for improved health and safety provisions.
The first explosion in December 2023 killed 21 workers. According to Indonesia’s National Industrial Workers Union Federation (SPN), the explosion on 13 June happened when two workers were using cutting tools to repair a liquid outlet from a melting furnace.
The union condemns the accident. Iwan Kusmawan, IndustriALL Indonesia Council and SPN chairperson, says:
"We demand a thorough investigation of the second explosion and the payment of medical treatment for the two workers. IMIP must immediately improve health and safety practices to prevent further accidents. The Indonesian Law No. 1 Year 1970 must be revised to strengthen safety inspection provisions."
On 23 June, the union held a candle light vigil in solidarity with the victims.
In April, IndustriALL sent an international delegation to visit the victims’ families, as well as members of the mining union. A commemoration was held in conjunction with International Workers' Memorial Day to honour the workers who had been killed and injured at the company.
Says Kan Matsuzaki, IndustriALL assistant general secretary:
"The nickel industry in Indonesia is rapidly expanding, yet occupational safety and health (OSH) standards have been woefully neglected in numerous workplaces. The government and employers should urgently work together with unions to set up joint OSH committee, improve labour inspection system, and implement fundamental workers’ rights fully on the ground.”
Tsingshan is a multinational company headquartered in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China. The company manufactures stainless steel products including pipes and tubes used in oil and gas, petrochemical and ship building industries.
Photo credit: SPN