Pakistan – sacked shipbreaking workers reinstated25 May, 2016Around 350 shipbreaking workers have been reinstated with wages after a two-day strike led by IndustriALL Pakistani affiliate NTUF. Workers are continuing to demand that the government and employers ensure basic facilities at the country's dangerous shipbreaking yards.
India ratifies Hong Kong Convention29 November, 2019The world's largest shipbreaking country, India, has ratified the Hong Kong Convention. The ratification signifies a major step forward in IndustriALL’s campaign to clean up shipbreaking, the most dangerous job in the world.
Progress and challenges in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking sector15 April, 2025As we approach the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) on 26 June 2025, IndustriALL and its affiliates are pushing to ensure that the transition to a compliant shipbreaking industry does not leave workers behind. In early April, two training sessions, a yard visit and a roundtable discussion took place in Chittagong, Bangladesh, bringing together workers, union leaders, employers and experts to confront the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Safety remains elusive on second anniversary of Gadani shipbreaking accident5 November, 2018One day after the second anniversary of one of the deadliest accidents in the history of the Pakistani shipbreaking industry, there was yet another fire in the Gadani shipyard.
German government commits to ratifying the Hong Kong Convention9 October, 2015Responding to the demand of IG Metall, Germany’s Maritime Coordinator of the Federal Government commits to achieving the swift ratification of the Hong Kong Convention.
Bangladesh: promoting social dialogue to ensure shipbreaking workers’ safety and rights1 November, 2016A round table discussion to ensure shipbreaking workers’ safety and rights jointly organized by IndustriALL and BILS in Chittagong underlined the need for collective efforts to improve working conditions and to protect workers’ rights.
Worst of the worst – shipbreaking in Pakistan 28 December, 2016In an industry characterized by danger and exploitation, only the desperate risk their lives working in the shipbreaking yards of Pakistan.
Another worker killed at Bangladesh shipbreaking yard18 April, 2016Toxic gas inhalation causes death of one shipbreaking worker with another battling for life.
Pakistan: Shipbreaking workers win wage increase14 August, 2017Shipbreaking Workers Union Gadani (SBWUG) called off their strike on 4 August after negotiations with the employers association yielded significant results, including a wage increase.
Turkey ratifies Hong Kong Convention for safe recycling of ships4 February, 2019IndustriALL Global Union welcomes Turkey’s ratification of the Hong Kong Convention for the safe and environmentally sound ship recycling, but says more countries must urgently follow suit.
