SHARPS urged Samsung Electronics to allow workers to organize themselves. (image: SHARPS)
SEOUL, May 15 (Korea Bizwire) – To an announcement that Samsung Electronics would compensate those affected by the sickness and deaths of some of its workers, with “sincerest apologies,” the Supporters for the Health and Rights of People in the Semiconductor Industry (SHARPS) group responded that the company must allow workers to organize themselves.
SHARPS said on May 14 that it welcomes the company’s change of heart but insisted that the company accept the 11-item demand the group had requested earlier.
SHARPS is a civil society organization advocating workers’ health and human rights. The group demanded, as one of the 11 items, that Samsung guarantee SHARPS to audit and supervise whether the company is fulfilling its promises for the next three years.
According to a statement published by the organization in its website, “Within six months after the negotiation is completed, Samsung must offer detailed implementation plans for the demand items 3 to 7 and guarantee that we could inspect whether the promises are being fulfilled for the next three years.” This is what the advocacy group has asked for since late last year.
Following are the the demand items 3 to 7.
(3) The company must release information on chemicals and radioactive materials used in the plants in a transparent manner so that the workers applying for workers compensation can use it without restriction.
(4) The company must allow independent investigators to make a comprehensive examination on chemical and safety/health management status of the plants and publish the results to the public.
(5) The company must establish a chemical material safety health board whose members consist of the workers, local residents, and environment, health, and safety professionals
(6) The company must conduct a third-party audit once a year on its management of safety/health issues and retiree cancer treatment.
(7) The company must not obstruct the workers’ attempt to establish trade unions so that they can have full rights to participate in the decision-making process related to safety and health.
Written by Sean Chung (schung10@koreabizwire.com)
Business (Follow us @Biznews_Korea)
