Health and Safety and Globalization: CUPE 10 th H&S Conference October 24, 2008 St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador Cathy Walker Former H&S Director, CAW-TCA

What is Globalization? A Race to the Bottom? Does it mean workers are forced to work harder to keep up? Are we injured more as a result? Are we exposed to more toxic substances? Are our H&S regulations under threat? Why?

A Race to the Bottom?

Does it mean workers are forced to work harder to keep up?

Are we injured more as a result?

Are we exposed to more toxic substances?

Are our H&S regulations under threat?

Why?

How Do We Respond? How do we fight back?

How do we fight back?

Is there such a thing as International Working Class Solidarity? Japanese workers, May Day, 2007

Japanese workers, May Day, 2007

First we have to answer: Who are our enemies? And who are our friends? ?

Who are our enemies?

And who are our friends?

?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe?

As workers, we’re exposed to the same harms, regardless of what country we work in.

And the fundamental cause of these harms is the same. What is it? It’s the boss It’s our economic system And now, it’s globalized

It’s the boss

It’s our economic system

And now, it’s globalized

Our workplaces may look the same

GM Shanghai:

GM Oshawa looks pretty much the same

Or our workplaces may look very different

But our OHS Hazards Are the Same Back injuries, strains and sprain injuries Falls from heights Electrocutions Cave-ins and explosions Cancer and respiratory disease Needlestick injuries Risk of violence

Back injuries, strains and sprain injuries

Falls from heights

Electrocutions

Cave-ins and explosions

Cancer and respiratory disease

Needlestick injuries

Risk of violence

How do we learn about working conditions in other countries? Read, watch TV and movies, use the internet Go there and talk to unions and workers Invite them to come here Share experiences, struggles and knowledge

Read, watch TV and movies, use the internet

Go there and talk to unions and workers

Invite them to come here

Share experiences, struggles and knowledge

Two examples Factory workers in China Health care workers in South Africa

Factory workers in China

Health care workers in South Africa

Pelonomi Hospital, South Africa

Health Care Unions Denosa (Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa) Sadnu (South African Democratic Nurses Union) Samwu (South African Municipal Workers’ Union) Meshawu (Municipal, Education, State, Health and Allied Workers Union) Pawusa (Public and Allied Workers Union of South Africa) Nehawu ( National Education Health and Allied Workers) Hospersa (Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa) Nupsaw (National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers)

Denosa (Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa)

Sadnu (South African Democratic Nurses Union)

Samwu (South African Municipal Workers’ Union)

Meshawu (Municipal, Education, State, Health and Allied Workers Union)

Pawusa (Public and Allied Workers Union of South Africa)

Nehawu ( National Education Health and Allied Workers)

Hospersa (Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa)

Nupsaw (National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers)

What are some H&S Issues in South Africa among health care workers?

Same as here, and more so Back injuries, strains and sprains Patient violence Stress Short-staffing Infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS TB

Back injuries, strains and sprains

Patient violence

Stress

Short-staffing

Infectious diseases:

HIV/AIDS

TB

HIV/AIDS in South Africa, setting the stage for an epidemic Separation under apartheid meant men worked in mines for most of the year with only one or two trips home per year Family dislocation over decades

Separation under apartheid meant men worked in mines for most of the year with only one or two trips home per year

Family dislocation over decades

HIV/AIDS today in South Africa About 20% of adult population affected About 31% of pregnant women affected Far more prevalent in black population, especially bread-winners 1.2 Million orphans About 5 Million people have HIV/AIDS

About 20% of adult population affected

About 31% of pregnant women affected

Far more prevalent in black population, especially bread-winners

1.2 Million orphans

About 5 Million people have HIV/AIDS

Enormous stigma about HIV/AIDS

Unions leading the fight against HIV/AIDS

What can we Canadians do? Talk about our successful campaigns to reduce needlestick injuries, ensure sharps are handled properly Congratulations to CUPE for doing such a great job!

Talk about our successful campaigns to reduce needlestick injuries, ensure sharps are handled properly

Congratulations to CUPE for doing such a great job!

Provide education and training on OHS Rights Right to participate Right to know Right to refuse unsafe work

Right to participate

Right to know

Right to refuse unsafe work

Visit their workplaces, help with inspections

Provide Support and Encouragement

Establish Solidarity with the workers and with their unions

Let’s turn to China When you think about workers in China, what do you think of?

When you think about workers in China, what do you think of?

Working Conditions in China Some are terrible, rescued child worker

Some are terrible, rescued child worker

China’s Mining Disasters

Horrific for Families

And some workplaces are excellent, comparable to Canada

GM: Excellent health and safety

China is a Big Country With many different types of workplaces and many different health and safety challenges

With many different types of workplaces and many different health and safety challenges

Hebei Provincial Federation of Labour in Canada

Visit to Hebei Provincial Union in China

Visiting Chinese workplaces, modern postal facility

Visits to famous places, eg. Dr. Norman Bethune tomb

Dr. Norman Bethune Canadian Hero in China

Discussing mutual OHS problems

Common issues with common solutions

Common history of struggle

1926 General Strike in Shanghai

Unions’ role and function in Canada Workers had to fight to establish unions There were many strikes, many successes and many setbacks Today there are still lots of struggles to be fought and won In a capitalist society, employers have the power But unions help to redress this imbalance of power in favour of workers

Workers had to fight to establish unions

There were many strikes, many successes and many setbacks

Today there are still lots of struggles to be fought and won

In a capitalist society, employers have the power

But unions help to redress this imbalance of power in favour of workers

OHS reps are chosen by the workers in the workplaces they represent

Occupational Health and Safety Laws There are both safety provisions

There are both safety provisions

And health provisions to protect workers from diseases

Workers’ struggles have produced better laws In 1974-5 in Ontario, miners struck Elliott Lake uranium mines over health and safety issues This led to a Royal Commission to study the problem in 1976 Recommended Occupational Health and Safety Act, became law in 1979

In 1974-5 in Ontario, miners struck Elliott Lake uranium mines over health and safety issues

This led to a Royal Commission to study the problem in 1976

Recommended Occupational Health and Safety Act, became law in 1979

Better regulations, too In 1986-7, hundreds members of our union at Toronto area aerospace plants, McDonnell Douglas and DeHavilland refused to work for weeks over the right to know about workplace hazards (chemicals) Cleaned up their workplace and set the stage for new law

In 1986-7, hundreds members of our union at Toronto area aerospace plants, McDonnell Douglas and DeHavilland refused to work for weeks over the right to know about workplace hazards (chemicals)

Cleaned up their workplace and set the stage for new law

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Tri-partite committee (labour, employers and government) drafted the WHMIS system WHMIS became law in 1988 across Canada: labelling of chemical containers Material Safety Data Sheets (detailed information) worker education and training

Tri-partite committee (labour, employers and government) drafted the WHMIS system

WHMIS became law in 1988 across Canada:

labelling of chemical containers

Material Safety Data Sheets (detailed information)

worker education and training

We get better health and safety laws where unions are stronger United States with only 15% Canada with about 30% Sweden with about 90%

United States with only 15%

Canada with about 30%

Sweden with about 90%

Health and safety laws are better in Sweden and worse in the United States, compared with Canada In Sweden, health and safety committees have the power to make decisions, not just recommendations In Sweden, workers are in a majority on health and safety committees

In Sweden, health and safety committees have the power to make decisions, not just recommendations

In Sweden, workers are in a majority on health and safety committees

Rights in the USA In the United States, there is no right to refuse unsafe work nor are health and safety committees required, except in a few cases

In the United States, there is no right to refuse unsafe work nor are health and safety committees required, except in a few cases

In every country, the most important thing is Unions must be on the side of the workers at all times It is our role to defend workers collectively and individually In the workplace In the community In the country And internationally

Unions must be on the side of the workers at all times

It is our role to defend workers collectively and individually

In the workplace

In the community

In the country

And internationally

Without Us Occupational health and safety suffer Workers are killed and maimed Workers die slow and painful deaths from occupational disease And these tragedies are repeated around the world

Occupational health and safety suffer

Workers are killed and maimed

Workers die slow and painful deaths from occupational disease

And these tragedies are repeated around the world

How do we learn about working conditions in other countries? Read, watch TV and movies, use the internet Go there and talk to unions and workers Invite them to come here Share experiences, struggles and knowledge

Read, watch TV and movies, use the internet

Go there and talk to unions and workers

Invite them to come here

Share experiences, struggles and knowledge

International Solidarity The Chinese and South African Trade Unions have some real challenges facing them in the years ahead We wish the Chinese and South African labour movements all the best as they cope with h&s hazards caused by globalization The working class needs a defence mechanism – the trade union movement, regardless of the social, economic or political system.

The Chinese and South African Trade Unions have some real challenges facing them in the years ahead

We wish the Chinese and South African labour movements all the best as they cope with h&s hazards caused by globalization

The working class needs a defence mechanism – the trade union movement, regardless of the social, economic or political system.

Asbestos A world-wide health, safety and environmental disaster It’s killed and is killing Canadians And it’s killed and is killing people throughout the world

A world-wide health, safety and environmental disaster

It’s killed and is killing Canadians

And it’s killed and is killing people throughout the world

We’ve known about the hazards of asbestos since the First Century Pliny the Elder reported on Roman slaves having sickened lungs from weaving asbestos into cloth

Pliny the Elder reported on Roman slaves having sickened lungs from weaving asbestos into cloth

Charlemagne used asbestos napkins, 800 AD He threw soiled napkins into the fire and they came out clean

He threw soiled napkins into the fire and they came out clean

Insurance companies stopped issuing life insurance to asbestos workers Cape Asbestos plant in London, England, 1910

Cape Asbestos plant in London, England, 1910

Asbestos insulation sprayers, 1960s and 70s

Union went to Dr. Irving Selikoff: New York and New Jersey asbestos sprayers

Selikoff Examined 1,117 asbestos insulation workers More than 50% already had asbestosis determined by X-Rays For those exposed more than 20 years, 339 of 392 (87%) had asbestosis Lung cancers were 7 times the expected rate Gastrointestinal cancers were 3 times the expected rate

More than 50% already had asbestosis determined by X-Rays

For those exposed more than 20 years, 339 of 392 (87%) had asbestosis

Lung cancers were 7 times the expected rate

Gastrointestinal cancers were 3 times the expected rate

Asbestos stopped being used as sprayed on insulation, halfway through building the World Trade Centre buildings

But of course there was still lots of asbestos in the September 11, 2001 dust

Do you have to be covered in dust to die from asbestos? The answer is “no” Professors CAUT employed at the University of Manitoba have died from asbestos exposure

The answer is “no”

Professors CAUT employed at the University of Manitoba have died from asbestos exposure

Where is asbestos in your workplace? If you don’t know, find out Where is asbestos likely to be found? In this workplace it’s in the cladding around the building. But it can be almost anywhere

If you don’t know, find out

Where is asbestos likely to be found?

In this workplace it’s in the cladding around the building.

But it can be almost anywhere

Around beams

Ceilings (used for noise as well as fire insulation)

In insulation

Deteriorated insulation

Around Boilers

Around Pipes

Asbestos Cement

In Ceiling Tiles Canadian school, 2002

Canadian school, 2002

In floor tiles

When asbestos deteriorates it becomes “friable” (crumbly)

When it becomes friable it is released into the air and you can breathe it in

You can also ingest it

What is asbestos? It is a “natural” fibre found in the ground It is mined and processed and used to be used in a wide variety of products

It is a “natural” fibre found in the ground

It is mined and processed and used to be used in a wide variety of products

Two main Asbestos groups Amphiboles (straight fibres) Serpentine (curly fibres)

Amphiboles (straight fibres)

Serpentine (curly fibres)

There’s not really a lot of difference Amphiboles Crocidolite Amosite Serpentine Chrysotile: 95% of world asbestos Includes Canadian asbestos:

Amphiboles

Crocidolite

Amosite

Serpentine

Chrysotile:

95% of world asbestos

Includes Canadian asbestos:

Excellent Insulation It is a nearly perfect product for insulation It is fireproof and virtually indestructible Great for brake pads and many other products

It is a nearly perfect product for insulation

It is fireproof and virtually indestructible

Great for brake pads and many other products

Indestructible everywhere These indestructible asbestos fibres stay in your lungs forever

These indestructible asbestos fibres stay in your lungs forever

Asbestos fibres in lung tissue

They are inhaled deep into the lung into the tiny air sacs where oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream

Asbestos fibres are so tiny there are a million of them in three centimetres

At the cell level your body tries to protect you from the invading fibres Macrophage engulfing an asbestos fibre And scarring results

Macrophage engulfing an asbestos fibre

And scarring results

What diseases are caused by asbestos? Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) from high exposures

Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) from high exposures

This is what your lung is supposed to look like

Not like this

Today, asbestosis is not an issue for most union members since exposures are not that high

For union members, the major risk is from cancer Which cancers? – a variety Cancer is an issue for even low exposures Why?

Which cancers? – a variety

Cancer is an issue for even low exposures

Why?

We are all made up of cells

Cancer: damage to a single cell starts the clock ticking

Ingest asbestos fibres into our gastrointestinal system

Gastrointestinal cancer

Colon cancer is a common cancer

We can breathe in asbestos fibres

Main asbestos related cancers are: Lung Cancer Mesothelioma This is lung cancer

Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

This is lung cancer

Mesothelioma Of the lining around the lung, pleural mesothelioma Of the lining around the abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma (risk is from high exposure) Mesothelioma is always associated with asbestos And, unfortunately, it is fatal, usually within 6-12 months

Of the lining around the lung, pleural mesothelioma

Of the lining around the abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma (risk is from high exposure)

Mesothelioma is always associated with asbestos

And, unfortunately, it is fatal, usually within 6-12 months

Pleural Mesothelioma Tumour in the lining of the lung It crushes the life out of you There is no cure Often 30 to 45 years after exposure

Tumour in the lining of the lung

It crushes the life out of you

There is no cure

Often 30 to 45 years after exposure

They can operate and take out some ribs and part of your lung to let the tumour grow

How much is too much? Very small amounts over many years can cause mesothelioma Large amounts over a short period (a few weeks) can cause mesothelioma

Very small amounts over many years can cause mesothelioma

Large amounts over a short period (a few weeks) can cause mesothelioma

One bad fire: apparently enough The downtown Air Canada Toronto reservations office had a fire resulting in asbestos insulation falling on clerks’ desks They had to return to work before it was cleaned up A CAW member contracted mesothelioma years later and she died

The downtown Air Canada Toronto reservations office had a fire resulting in asbestos insulation falling on clerks’ desks

They had to return to work before it was cleaned up

A CAW member contracted mesothelioma years later and she died

Pleural Plaques Always associated with asbestos exposure You’re not sick yet Early warning sign

Always associated with asbestos exposure

You’re not sick yet

Early warning sign

Family members of asbestos workers Asbestos exposure from hugging, washing clothes Some contract pleural plaques Some contract mesothelioma, eg. 14 year old son of a CAW member. He died at 16. 1979 study: 679 wives and children 39% had signs of asbestos scarring on lungs

Asbestos exposure from hugging, washing clothes

Some contract pleural plaques

Some contract mesothelioma, eg. 14 year old son of a CAW member. He died at 16.

1979 study:

679 wives and children

39% had signs of asbestos scarring on lungs

Signs and Symptoms of asbestos disease Shortness of breath Chest pain Visible on X-Ray Confirmed at autopsy Lung cancer – at this stage may be no signs and symptoms

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Visible on X-Ray

Confirmed at autopsy

Lung cancer – at this stage may be no signs and symptoms

But what about smoking? Risk of lung cancer from asbestos is 5 times the general population Risk of lung cancer from smoking is 10 times the general population Risk of lung cancer from smoking combined with asbestos exposure is 50-90 times the general population

Risk of lung cancer from asbestos is 5 times the general population

Risk of lung cancer from smoking is 10 times the general population

Risk of lung cancer from smoking combined with asbestos exposure is 50-90 times the general population

So how do we protect union members? Work closely with the health and safety committee members Skilled trades workers are often most at risk They have to work in asbestos-containing areas So they need to know where the asbestos is

Work closely with the health and safety committee members

Skilled trades workers are often most at risk

They have to work in asbestos-containing areas

So they need to know where the asbestos is

We have banned the use of asbestos in major collective agreements We now have to bargain its safe, effective removal

We now have to bargain its safe, effective removal

Work refusals lead to action on asbestos At airports throughout Canada CAW members exercised their right to refuse unsafe work under the Canada Labour Code Through the courage of these women union members, they protected themselves, their fellow workers and the public

At airports throughout Canada

CAW members exercised their right to refuse unsafe work under the Canada Labour Code

Through the courage of these women union members, they protected themselves, their fellow workers and the public

Is there labelling and a map? Asbestos should be labelled There should be a map of where asbestos is found in each workplace But we can’t always trust it If people are working on the ceiling of your work area and dust is falling, insist it be analyzed for asbestos

Asbestos should be labelled

There should be a map of where asbestos is found in each workplace

But we can’t always trust it

If people are working on the ceiling of your work area and dust is falling, insist it be analyzed for asbestos

Insist on asbestos removal by knowledgeable firms and workers

Proper Asbestos Removal Complete enclosure of the asbestos removal area by sealed plastic Only trained asbestos removal workers to be in the asbestos removal area Negative pressure in removal area so no asbestos fibres escape

Complete enclosure of the asbestos removal area by sealed plastic

Only trained asbestos removal workers to be in the asbestos removal area

Negative pressure in removal area so no asbestos fibres escape

What about encapsulation (covering the asbestos)? Eventually, all asbestos will become friable Every time it is disturbed, it gets into the air Remove it competently and the problem is solved If the building is going to be torn down in the near future, crumbly asbestos can be encapsulated

Eventually, all asbestos will become friable

Every time it is disturbed, it gets into the air

Remove it competently and the problem is solved

If the building is going to be torn down in the near future, crumbly asbestos can be encapsulated

Asbestos continues to kill Francis Huggett: $102,450 plus pension; rep Karen Willsey

Closed in 1988, legacy of death lives on.

Holmes Foundry Claims

But what about Canada’s export of asbestos? The Asbestos Institute promotes chrysotile asbestos as “safe” Where is our asbestos used in developing countries?

The Asbestos Institute promotes chrysotile asbestos as “safe”

Where is our asbestos used in developing countries?

Everybody needs clean water, right? But these pipes deteriorate and break, releasing asbestos And usually we export only raw asbestos so someone had to mix the asbestos and the cement, usually by hand

But these pipes deteriorate and break, releasing asbestos

And usually we export only raw asbestos so someone had to mix the asbestos and the cement, usually by hand

And asbestos is used in roofs of houses and huts where it crumbles directly onto the people who live there

Where is this asbestos roof?

Asbestos bags leak

Brazilian worker breaking open asbestos bags

Asbestos use in Peru: half is from Canada

Canadian asbestos in Peru

Working with Asbestos in Peru

Funeral: Asbestos Deaths in Peru

Asbestos Use in India How little protection there is in developing countries for either workers or for the general population.

How little protection there is in developing countries for either workers or for the general population.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat India Manager of an asbestos factory: “Our factory is so safe that our workers do not need to wear masks.” The factory has received an ISO 9002 rating from a British company. Broken asbestos pieces are used to fill up areas as driveways where vehicles enter the distribution area.

Manager of an asbestos factory: “Our factory is so safe that our workers do not need to wear masks.”

The factory has received an ISO 9002 rating from a British company.

Broken asbestos pieces are used to fill up areas as driveways where vehicles enter the distribution area.

There is a water spray on the blade of the circular saw but the worker’s hair is white with asbestos.

These next pictures are from Pakistan From a presentation by Laurie Kazan-Allen from the UK with photos from Noor Jehan of Pakistan

From a presentation by Laurie Kazan-Allen from the UK with photos from Noor Jehan of Pakistan

Assistant Professor Noor Jehan standing with a worker beside an asbestos dump at the Asbestos, Talc and Clay Crushing unit in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan.

Asbestos sheet cutting unit in Mardan City (NWFP) located on the main road in a residential area.

Inside this building is a flour mill; while outside is an asbestos crushing machine and an asbestos dump. The man in the picture has worked for 8 years on this machine and was not convinced of any hazard related to asbestos inhalation or its mixing with flour produced inside the building.

Why does Canada support the production of asbestos? Isn’t is unconscionable? How can our federal government oppose asbestos bans in other countries, including bringing a complaint against the French asbestos ban to the WTO? To understand the position of the federal government, you have to understand the history of the union movement in Québec

Isn’t is unconscionable?

How can our federal government oppose asbestos bans in other countries, including bringing a complaint against the French asbestos ban to the WTO?

To understand the position of the federal government, you have to understand the history of the union movement in Québec

Québec, mining asbestos since 1879

No protection in the early days, King mine 1896

Women also had no protection, 1930 Johnson mine

Yet in 1911, insurance companies stopped insuring asbestos workers Because they were dying of asbestosis and cancer This is a recent asbestos miner showing his X-Ray

Because they were dying of asbestosis and cancer

This is a recent asbestos miner showing his X-Ray

In Asbestos and in Thetford Mines the towns were adjacent to the mines and tailings. St.-Maurice parish, 1950

1949, Premier Maurice Duplessis ruled Québec

Le drapeau fleurdelisé, adopté par Maurice Duplessis le 21 janvier 1948

Duplessis, nationalist or imposter? Fascist or statesman?

Fascist or statesman?

In 1949, miners in Québec were prepared to fight back

Miners in Asbestos and Thetford Mines fought back Against the U.S. corporation, Johns Manville Against the Roman Catholic Church And especially, against Maurice Duplessis They fought for four months The issues were wages, but especially, working conditions, protection from the killer dust, asbestos

Against the U.S. corporation, Johns Manville

Against the Roman Catholic Church

And especially, against Maurice Duplessis

They fought for four months

The issues were wages, but especially, working conditions, protection from the killer dust, asbestos

Asbestos Strike Québec, 1949

Asbestos Strike, 1949 Who was there? Jean Marchand, union leader Gérard Pelletier, journalist with Le Devoir

Jean Marchand, union leader

Gérard Pelletier, journalist with Le Devoir

1949 - 1951, conseiller au Conseil privé

What did the workers think? Globe and Mail, headline, Oct. 2, 2000: “ Pierre Elliott Trudeau, 1919-2000, Still a hero in Quebec after all these years” Rosaire Drouin, miner, speaking of Trudeau, “ He was sort of the ambassador for the union. He explained to us our rights against Duplessis." “ “ He defended the workers. He was good for Quebec and Canada. It's a long time since we've seen a good one like that."

Globe and Mail, headline, Oct. 2, 2000:

“ Pierre Elliott Trudeau, 1919-2000, Still a hero in Quebec after all these years”

Rosaire Drouin, miner, speaking of Trudeau,

“ He was sort of the ambassador for the union. He explained to us our rights against Duplessis." “

“ He defended the workers. He was good for Quebec and Canada. It's a long time since we've seen a good one like that."

Duplessis sent Archbishop Charbonneau to BC because he supported the strikers

1949’s legacy remains. Debating anti-scab legislation in Parliament, October 21, 2003: Mr. André Bachand (Richmond—Arthabaska, PC) “ I am from Asbestos.”… “ The scabs were the main problem during the strike of 1949 in Asbestos. I am not going to call them “strikebreakers” or “replacement workers”; they were scabs. There were fights, and the provincial police were there.”

Mr. André Bachand (Richmond—Arthabaska, PC)

“ I am from Asbestos.”…

“ The scabs were the main problem during the strike of 1949 in Asbestos. I am not going to call them “strikebreakers” or “replacement workers”; they were scabs. There were fights, and the provincial police were there.”

Québec sovereignty movement Quiet Revolution really began in 1949 with the Asbestos Strike

Québec miners 1975 As you can hear in this CBC Radio clip, patients suffering from asbestos-related illnesses experience shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and persistent coughing often excreting blood: CBC Radio clip: 1975, Thetford Mines, Paul Brodeur, etc. http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-75-608-3400/science_technology/asbestos/clip2

As you can hear in this CBC Radio clip, patients suffering from asbestos-related illnesses experience shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and persistent coughing often excreting blood:

CBC Radio clip: 1975, Thetford Mines, Paul Brodeur, etc. http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-75-608-3400/science_technology/asbestos/clip2

Québec mines cleaned up considerably after the PQ nationalized the mines Excellent ventilation Protective measures Still a risk at work, but not an enormous one as before

Excellent ventilation

Protective measures

Still a risk at work, but not an enormous one as before

Tailings are still there Thetford Mines, 2002

Just Transition Needed Relocation assistance for miners and residents Retraining for workers Income continuity Pensions

Relocation assistance for miners and residents

Retraining for workers

Income continuity

Pensions

These countries all have some form of asbestos ban: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil (4 states), Chile, Croatia, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil (4 states), Chile, Croatia, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay

How can we export death to the third world? Chrysotile asbestos – it looks so innocent, but it’s so deadly

Chrysotile asbestos – it looks so innocent, but it’s so deadly

Support the international asbestos ban! Congratulations to CUPE!

Congratulations to CUPE!

It is appalling that this litany of death be allowed to continue I call on all of you with as much sincerity as I can muster Keep the pressure on the Canadian government! Don’t let us continue to mine and export asbestos, killer dust! Ban Asbestos!

I call on all of you with as much sincerity as I can muster

Keep the pressure on the Canadian government!

Don’t let us continue to mine and export asbestos, killer dust!

Ban Asbestos!

I salute each and every one of you that’s ever carried a sign like this:

Useful Web Pages Labour Start : www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/show_news.pl?country=China Global Labor Strategies: http://laborstrategies.blogs.com/ COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions): www. cosatu .org.za China Labor News in Translation: www.cln translations .org All-China Federation of Trade Unions: http:// www.acftu.org.cn / ILO Office for China and Mongolia: www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/beijing / ILO for South Africa: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/afpro/mdtharare/country/southafrica.htm China Labour Bulletin: www. china - labour .org.hk International Ban Asbestos Secretariat: http://ibasecretariat.org/

Labour Start :

www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/show_news.pl?country=China

Global Labor Strategies: http://laborstrategies.blogs.com/

COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions): www. cosatu .org.za

China Labor News in Translation: www.cln translations .org

All-China Federation of Trade Unions: http:// www.acftu.org.cn /

ILO Office for China and Mongolia: www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/beijing /

ILO for South Africa: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/afpro/mdtharare/country/southafrica.htm

China Labour Bulletin: www. china - labour .org.hk

International Ban Asbestos Secretariat: http://ibasecretariat.org/

Thanks very much!