Read this article in:
14 August, 2005ICEM News release No. 33/2003
T he 20-million-member ICEM, the leading global union federation of the chemicals industry, applauded language adopted in a report at a UN International Labour Office (ILO) conference in Geneva 27-31 October. The ICEM was fully involved in deliberations and drafting of the report with representation from 16 affiliates from separate nations taking major leadership on the document.
The ILO's Tripartite Meeting on Best Practices in Work-Flexibility Schemes and Their Impact on the Quality of Working Life in the Chemical Industries produced balanced language that ensures labour rights in temporary and contract work, workload balances, outsourcing and women's participation and work schemes in today's chemical world. Conference participants included 20 representatives of labour organisations, 20 from employers groups and 28 government officials.
"We are well satisfied with the results of this conference," stated Michael Mersmann, global chairman of ICEM's Chemical and Bio-Science Section. "Now it is important that we implement this policy and much will depend on future work with the employers through ILO guidance." Mersmann, from IGBCE in Germany, served as chair and spokesperson of the workers' group.
Specifically, the proposals adopted include securing fundamental rights including the right of temporary and contract workers to organize into unions; defining accurately various work-load balances; respect for collective bargaining agreements when outsourcing; a realization of the benefits to both workers and employers for allowing flexible work schemes for women; and the positive effect general work flexibility can have on employment stability and job satisfaction.
Regarding workload balances, the report puts a premium of conditions of work, how work in the chemicals industries is organized, strict assurances of health and safety, equality and training and development opportunities, as well as adequate remuneration and striving to maximize worker potential in the industry. Labour, employer and governments are called on to recognise the positive effects work flexibility has on lifestyles especially when combined with multi-skilling and life-long training.
The ILO conducts such conferences in some 20 separate industries, with each industry sector meeting once every four years.
The ILO's Tripartite Meeting on Best Practices in Work-Flexibility Schemes and Their Impact on the Quality of Working Life in the Chemical Industries produced balanced language that ensures labour rights in temporary and contract work, workload balances, outsourcing and women's participation and work schemes in today's chemical world. Conference participants included 20 representatives of labour organisations, 20 from employers groups and 28 government officials.
"We are well satisfied with the results of this conference," stated Michael Mersmann, global chairman of ICEM's Chemical and Bio-Science Section. "Now it is important that we implement this policy and much will depend on future work with the employers through ILO guidance." Mersmann, from IGBCE in Germany, served as chair and spokesperson of the workers' group.
Specifically, the proposals adopted include securing fundamental rights including the right of temporary and contract workers to organize into unions; defining accurately various work-load balances; respect for collective bargaining agreements when outsourcing; a realization of the benefits to both workers and employers for allowing flexible work schemes for women; and the positive effect general work flexibility can have on employment stability and job satisfaction.
Regarding workload balances, the report puts a premium of conditions of work, how work in the chemicals industries is organized, strict assurances of health and safety, equality and training and development opportunities, as well as adequate remuneration and striving to maximize worker potential in the industry. Labour, employer and governments are called on to recognise the positive effects work flexibility has on lifestyles especially when combined with multi-skilling and life-long training.
The ILO conducts such conferences in some 20 separate industries, with each industry sector meeting once every four years.