ICEM rubber conference focuses on economic crisis

ERJ staff report (RD)

Nashville, Tennessee - The ICEM (International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions) World Conference for the Rubber Industries held recently in Nashville, Tennessee, addressed the impact of the global recession on the rubber industry, focusing on the problems and opportunities of the economic crisis, the ICEM said 18 May.

Around 90 trade unionists attended the event from 12-13 May, hosted by US-based United Steelworkers (USW), discussing topics including the global recession, collective bargaining, work relationships, health and safety, global solidarity and a plan of action to address these issues, the statement said.

Commenting on problems in the automotive market and the collapse of the tyre industry, USW secretary-treasurer and ICEM chairman for the rubber industry, Stan Johnson said, “Our opportunity lies in making sure that work and the value of workers is once again important.” Johnson has 22 years of experience in the industry.

ICEM general secretary Manfred Warda said irresponsible corporate conduct has been caused by bad policies, and that corporate greed was behind “casino capitalism.” “Recovery cannot mean the status quo,” Ward said. “A sustainable economy must be created. There is a great need to build trade union unity to combat the excesses of unregulated globalisation,” he added.

The conference centered around problems facing rubber workers and the opportunities for positive change. A number of strategies were put forward during the conference, including improving union rights and union networks, job creation through public investment in the rubber industry and the reform of global financial institutions.

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Press release from ICEM