Over the past decade, trade unions have repeatedly reported mine accidents and violations of workers’ rights at Freeport’s Grasberg mine in Central Papua. In 2017, the company dismissed 4,220 mine workers, including members of IndustriALL Global Union, triggering violent clashes that resulted in nine deaths following the termination of health insurance coverage.
In a letter to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, IndustriALL General Secretary Atle Høie urged the company to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the sudden landslide at the Grasberg Block Cave. He emphasized that trade unions must be included in the investigation process and called for the strengthening of the occupational safety and health committee and management system.
“Freeport should also engage trade unions in implementing corrective and preventive actions, ensuring that accidents like this one will not be repeated and that mine workers' safety is guaranteed. It is also important that the temporary closure of the Grasberg Block Cave does not affect workers' wages,”
said Atle Høie.
IndustriALL extends its deep condolences to all victims and their families, and stands its solidarity with the mine workers, particularly members of CEMWU and FPE, traumatized by the accident.
IndustriALL will stand shoulder to shoulder with Indonesian affiliates to improve occupational safety and health in mining and continue the campaign for ratification of ILO Convention 176.
Photo: Panorama from high up at Grasberg gold and copper mine West Papua indonesia.
Credit: Richard Jones, Flickr