‘I thought, let’s start small’
Ruud van den Bergh, retired FNV Trade Union Official
Ruud van den Bergh (right) and Joop van Oord (left) during a safety training session in India
‘We will see what happens’
‘I had no idea if we could help the shipbreakers, but during our first visit to an Indian shipyard, the plan arose to train active trade unionists to become safety trainers. We wanted to make employees aware of health and safety at work, and especially to enter into talks with their employers. However, it was impossible to know how they would respond, particularly in an environment where labour relations differ so much from ours. I thought let’s start small and just see what happens.’
Biggest obstacle
Resistance within the FNV
‘Resistance actually came from our own organisation, the FNV. My colleagues did not understand what I was doing in India and thought I was on holiday! Some people regarded international work as a hobby or a waste of time, while I actually considered it to be highly important. In addition, they were afraid that it might just cost too much money, or that we would make too big a commitment to complex international processes. As a result, I needed to overcome resistance not only in India but also in the Netherlands.’
Breakthrough moment
The penny dropped with employers
‘I met[CF1] with a secretary of an employers’ association during one of our later visits to India, and we had a long talk. At a particular moment, he turned to Rane, our local trade union contact person, and said, “But then you will need to help us.” That was the moment the penny dropped. The employers then opened up to cooperate with the trade unions in order to improve safety and working conditions. It made us feel we had actually achieved something.’
Personal contribution
Organising training sessions
‘My contribution was mainly to organise courses and training sessions. We wanted not only to inform people there but also to provide them with the tools needed to work more safely and to pass on that knowledge. In this respect, the train-the-trainer concept was crucial. We made sure that information was transferred to local active trade unionists so that they in turn could train their co-workers. The FNV has played a major role in providing us with the means to achieve this. On behalf of the FNV, I was able to support the interests of the Shipbreaking Union in Europe as well as within IndustriALL Global Union. It was essential for us to be on location, and that we put into motion the dialogue between employers and employees and between shipbreakers and the EU.’
Effect of the Hong Kong Convention
Fewer fatalities and injuries at shipyards
‘The Hong Kong Convention has really had a significant impact on the shipbreaking industry. Under international pressure, the focus on workers’ safety and the environment has increased significantly. This entire process of course requires patience and perseverance, but more and more shipyards are complying with the convention’s requirements. This means that ships are being demolished in a safer and more environmentally friendly manner. There are now fewer fatalities and injuries, and steps are being taken to employ permanent staff instead of day labourers. It has really helped to improve many people’s lives.’
Goosebump moment
‘A very special moment was when we returned to India and were given a warm welcome. One of the men who had attended our course had saved two co-workers from a burning ship by throwing a blanket on them. That was exactly what he had been taught to do during the course, and he attributed his actions entirely to this fact. That was a true goosebump moment. It showed how significant an impact our training has had.’