Stakeholder Roles and Participation in Chemicals Management and SAICM

Implementation

Arturo Barrit

• There are chemicals in every workplace.

• It is killing the workers softly.

• Over 440.000 workers worldwide die each year because of chemicals.

• Millions of workers including women workers suffering occupational diseases and various health problems linked to chemicals.

Trade Unions and Workers

Trade Unions have been at

the forefront of change for over

a century, striving to

improve and enhance working

standards and condition on

behalf of workers.

SAICM Implementation from our perspective•Workers are among the most vulnerable sector due to the fact that many are exposed to chemicals both in the production level and as consumers in the workplaces, suffering from poisoning, cancer, respiratory problems and skin allergies, among others.

• Many undesirable substances exist at the workplace such as PCBs, HCB, chlorinated pesticides and others due to the absence of solutions for information, substitution of materials and the institutionalization techniques and practices that involve trade unions and workers.

• The struggle for safe and decent workplaces cannot be segregated from the fight to protect the environment.

• There are no barriers and the use of hazardous chemicals is polluting our environment.

• Strengthening the integration of workers issues and to promote just transaction mechanism in the phasing out of these toxic and hazardous chemicals and other undesirable substance known to man.

• Involvement of Trade Unions and workers must be pursued within the parameters of the SAICM Implementation specifically in the decision-making processes.

• Trade Unions must have to be proactive in identifying the problems and being part of the solutions.

Participation Opportunities in the Implementation of the National SAICM

• Global, regional and national networks to share information and raise awareness

• Active participation to prevent and manage undesirable substances safely and sustainability at the work place .

• Utilization and dissemination of workers knowledge for cleaner production.

• We have learned that when take initiative much can be accomplished and there are benefits for all.

•We have knowledge and expertise.

• The shift now in the global production of chemicals is from developed to developing countries

• The chemical industry is increasingly globalize and new countries are becoming major producers for the world

• The business is highly research intensive and an ever increasing number of new substances are entering the market.

• While developed countries have difficulties in keeping track of and controlling unwanted effects of new and old substances the situation in developing countries are becoming increasingly precarious.

… and Global Trade

•The global production of chemicals mostly from multinational firms are equipped with well-oiled marketing and advertising machineries.

• A program for education and training for trade unions and workers representatives.

• If there are funding it should also be made available through the UNITAR, and other UN Institutions such as the UNIDO National Cleaner Production Centers

What we need now is a new way of thinking that is founded on empathy rather than selfishness, partnership rather than isolation, sustainability rather than expediency, and indebtedness to the environment rather than expansionism through production and consumption.

Thank you