Unions, Steel Giant Agree to Boost Job Safety for Workers

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/09/17/unions-steel-giant-agree-to-boost-job-safety-for-workers/

by James Parks, Sep 17, 2007

Trade unions from more than 20 countries and Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steel company, have committed to a new program to educate and train employees to raise health and safety standards throughout the company.

The agreement was hammered out at the first world conference of Arcelor Mittal and its unions in Montreal. The conference was hosted jointly by the International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF) and the United Steelworkers (USW). IMF represents the interests of 25 million metalworkers in 100 countries around the world.

Under the agreement, a joint task force of union and company health and safety experts from around the globe will be created to target plants and work to dramatically improve their performance. Marcello Malentacchi, IMF’s general secretary, says:

Occupational health and safety is undoubtedly the single most important issue for working people, irrespective of which region of the world or country in which they happen to live.

It is a proven fact that union workplaces are safer workplaces and we are looking forward to working with the company in not only making health and safety its number one priority but a true reality.

USW President Leo Gerard added:

Arcelor Mittal is one of the world’s most profitable steel companies, but the true test of any great company is not only on the balance sheet but the way it treats its workers. This agreement will demonstrate to Arcelor Mittal employees across the globe that their welfare will be the foundation of the company’s continued success and that solidarity for unions means more than just empty words.