10 October, 2011
A tripartite regional workshop on improving safety and health in mining was held in Lima, Peru on 26-27 September, with participation from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Mexico. The well-attended meeting studied ILO Convention 176 in detail, with near consensus on the importance of ratification and proper implementation. ICEM Mining Officer Glen Mpufane and Health, Safety and Sustainability Officer Brian Kohler, were speakers.
Peru is rich in natural resources, and is one of 25 countries to have ratified the important convention. Peruvians have the right, outlined in the country’s Constitution, to protect their health, including at work. Addressing the meeting, Peru's Deputy Minister of Labour Pablo Checa reiterated the importance of ILO Convention 176. However Peru is a strong example of the importance of effective implementation of Convention 176 and Recommendation 183 subsequent to ratification. The latest studies show a continuing lack of health and safety in mines, and there is much work needed to build a culture of prevention in Peru.
The meeting clearly illustrated problems facing precarious workers and workers in informal mining who are exposed to many health and safety risks; concerns about diseases, not just accidents. Precarious workers were shown to strongly need clear governmental authority and regular inspections, to be safe at work.
Martin Hahn of the ILO, chairing the meeting, and others, attempted to bring the meeting to a conclusion with consensus on a text of recommendations from the participants. The adoption of a meeting resolution calling for ratification of ILO Convention 176 was blocked by a handful of participants, led by employer representatives. ICEM's Glen Mpufane and Brian Kohler objected strongly to the lack of a strong outcome. Employer representatives would not agree to a statement calling for ratification of ILO 176.
As any tangible result from the meeting was blocked by the group of employer representatives, the mining unions drafted a declaration and presented it to the ILO Regional Director. The unions declared the following:
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In the context of strengthening the global trade unions, our organizations will be working hard to build trade union unity of the mining unions in our region
- Promoting the signing and ratification in all the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, of ILO Convention 176 on safety and health in mines.
- Ending outsourcing in our industry, and declare that it is a mechanism of job insecurity.
- Reducing working hours in mining occupations.
- Supporting the development of regulated small-scale mining.
- Actively participating in the bills in each of our countries.
- Promoting sustainable production methods, allowing sustainable development friendly to environment and communities.
- Finally, declaring freedom of association as a fundamental right.