English
25 May, 2021When 60 participants from ten mining unions in seven CIS countries met on 20 May, the need for ratification and proper implementation of ILO Convention 176 on health and safety in mines was discussed.
Four countries out of the total 34 that have ratified ILO Convention 176 are found in the CIS region: Armenia, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
Belarus ratified C176 in 2020. Unions are calling for an improved public control mechanism, as injury rates are still very high and official statistics often underestimate the numbers.
Unions from Ukraine reported a lack of social dialogue and noncompliance with C176, ratified in 2011. There is a law restricting labour inspections and a shortage of personal protective equipment. As a result, injury and fatality rates are very high. Unions are demanding that the government and employers take full responsibility for health and safety in the mines, including proper funding to make it a priority.