My name is Matt Simonds and I speak on behalf of the International Trade Union
Confederation, representing more than 300 nationa l centres in 153 countries,
and who acts here as the spokesperson of the Workers and Trade Unions Major
Group
Chair,
This CSD cycle deals with economic sectors which are critical for development
throughout the world. All these sectors share the need for an in-depth
`sustainability revolution` in order to truly integrate a socially fair and
environmentally-friendly approach and achieve sustainable economic
development. Ambitious and strong regulations and the respect of labour rights
are fundamental elements of the equation that need to be better incorporated in
CSD decisions.
Chair, your text puts on the table a certain number of issues which we have
strongly demanded last year and in the Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting,
such as the need for the precautionary principle and the `no data, no market`
principles when dealing with chemicals, the importance of ILO Standards and the
protection of workers from fatalities, injuries, accidents and diseases and the
promotion of workers training. We very much encourage governments to
maintain and strengthen those references.
Nonetheless, Chair, trade unions would like governments to consider certain
issues that are missing or inadequately treated in the current negotiating text.
When one reads the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable
Consumption and Production, it is difficult to understand the omission of Just
Transition. We are all aware of the challenges such a transformation could
present for workers and communities, and in Cancun at the UNFCCC, last year,
all governments recognised the importance of this framework. If the goal of the
10 year framework of programmes is to achieve prosperity while transforming
consumption and production practices, Just Transition is the perfect road to
reach this objective.
When it comes to transport, workers and trade unions believe that public
transport systems and public investments are fundamental for achieving longterm
sustainable development, create decent work, achieve sustainable mobility
and protect the environment. The importance of public investment and decent
work in the transport sector should therefore be better incorporated in this CSD
decision.
Lastly, Chair before giving up the floor, I must remind the room of the crucial role
that workers and their trade unions play in all sectors and especially in the mining
sector. When the text mentions the participation of stakeholders in mining
development, it simply cannot omit trade unions. They make mining safer for
workers, communities and their surrounding environment.
Thank you very much for your time and attention
