21 June, 2011Indian trade unions work at the local level to protect the interests of the country's poorest in the face of industrial development and prepare to meet with Government on national climate change and environment policies.
INDIA: The Indian trade union movement, in particular the Indian National Metalworkers Federation (INMF) and the Steel Metal & Engineering Workers' Federation India (SMEFI) are proving to be a positive force in tackling the development and climate change challenges facing India. Recent international press attention has focused on armed clashes over land rights in Orissa, but away from the publicity both Federations have been active locally to ensure fairness and sustainable development.
Orissa is one of India's poorest states. 47 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line, despite the fact that Orissa has a fifth of India's coal reserves, a quarter of its iron ore and a third of its bauxite. Steel companies have made up to 50 agreements in the state, but often land acquired has been home to some of India's poorest tribal people. They have no education and little opportunity to work in the new plants, so it's easy to see why they are passionate about land rights.
With support from the India Organizing Steel Project, sponsored by IMF/LO and TCO/SASK, local level unions have been providing a safety net for displaced families. INMF and SMEFI have worked together to ensure that tribal people (mainly poor farmers) get access to education and are provided with food, shelter and medical care. INMF has provided local schools, wich over 200 have attended. Many women and children have been able to attend school for the first time. The Federations have now also agreed with the State assemblies on the right to employment for some of the displaced workers.
Sudharshan Rao, International Metalwokers' Federation Regional Representative explains, "We have to develop a two part strategy. We must focus on the social impact of development at the local level, but also engage at the highest levels of the Indian Government on the whole issue of climate change and a green economy."
At the national level unions have continued to build on the IMF Climate Change meeting held last year. They have also developed their relationships with the United Steelworkers (USW) and the Bluegreen Alliance. This year in November the unions will meet for the first time with the Green Task Force established by the Indian Government. They will also continue to demand a strategic approach focused on steel and wind power equipment manufactures. India could create 10.5 million new jobs if the Government's 2008 National Action Plan on Climate Change is fully realized.
Leo Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers stated, "The union movement in India is standing up for some of the world's poorest people and we are happy to have been able to help them develop their approach to environmental and climate issues. Both USW and the Bluegreen Alliance look forward to develop our relationship in order to benefit workers in North America and India."