‘Fabulous that shipbreakers now have a say’

Vidyadhar Rane, trade union leader in India

Vidyadhar Rane, General Secretary of the Indian shipbreaking union Alang Sosiya Ship Recycling and General Workers Association (ASSRGWA).

First impressions

Arranging for clean drinking water

‘In 2004, it was the first time a delegation from IndustriALL Global Union and I had visited a shipbreaking yard in Mumbai. I had never been there before, even though it was close to my office. The working conditions were truly horrible. As befits a good trade union man, I gave a talk about the trade union, decent wages, pension, and social rights. Half-way through my story, one the workers interrupted me and asked, ‘Could you also arrange for us to get clean drinking water?’ That broke my heart. And it was then that we got started. Owing to our good relations with the port authorities, we managed after two months to arrange for safe drinking water. Making such a difference as a trade union truly inspired me to work within the shipbreaking industry.’

Biggest obstacle

Fear for joining the trade union

‘In Alang, the largest shipbreaking yard in the world, the workers are mainly migrants employed on contract basis, without any say at all and with no protection. Because they were too afraid, it was incredibly difficult getting them to become active in the trade union Through contacts on the work floor, however, we were able to anticipate the needs of the shipbreakers. After plodding along for over a year, our trade union, the Alang Sosiya[CF2]  Ship Recycling and General Workers' Association (ASSRGWA), was established on 11 November 2005. It is the only trade union in the world for shipbreakers, and I am proud to announce that we currently have 18,000 members.’

Breakthrough moment

Cooperation and safety training

‘I think it is fabulous that shipbreakers now have a say. In particular, the cooperation between the trade unions in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan within IndustriALL is very special, and resulted in the ratification of the Hong Kong Convention. The safety training the FNV provided in cooperation with us has also helped the workers significantly. They now understand how a ship has changed in the forty years after it was constructed, and how to demolish it in a safe manner. We have seen a significant decline in accidents, which is great.’

Personal contribution 

From trade union organisation to lobby

‘In Mumbai, we started with issues such as drinking water and safety materials, and paid many visits to the shipyard. We wanted the workers to learn about the trade union and their rights. We also negotiated with shipyard owners and the authorities, and did this successfully, because the Mumbai shipbreakers joined our union in May 2004. Next, we went to Alang. IndustriALL and the FNV helped us immensely with financial and technical support. We also engaged in lobbying activities with the government regarding the minimum wage. In addition, in cooperation with IndustriALL and the FNV, we fought for ratification of the Hong Kong Convention with the governments of India and Bangladesh.’

Effect of the Hong Kong Convention

From a dangerous industry to a green one

‘This industry has changed from being a dangerous industry to a green one. However, although the trade union fights for the shipbreakers, the effective implementation of labour laws remains an issue. The special thing is that, by now, the Indian government has become a forerunner in the field of responsible shipbreaking, or rather, ship recycling. They realise that recycling is the future because it provides employment and is good for the economy. We are advancing step by step.’

‘At first we were laughed at’

Six people died in an explosion in Alang, which was incredibly sad. We made every effort to arrange compensation for their survivors, and had lengthy discussions for over a year with the authorities. Eventually we succeeded, and the first survivors pension in the shipbreaking industry was paid to the families of the deceased workers. At first we were laughed at because of the combination of pension and shipbreaking. However, it is possible now to go to the police and file a complaint. Money is also paid as compensation in the event of accidents.