Paul Bastian (AMWU)
Australia
"I think it’s a good thing. Its important that IMF affiliates work together to remove the largest single industrial killer that wreaks devastation on victims and their families across the world."
Liv Christiansen (FF)
Norway
"Asbestos has been banned in Norway for 20 years. It was outlawed because the unions campaigned for its ban. But even today the effects of asbestos are being felt. Therefore, we need a global ban as soon as possible."
Palitha Atukorale (JSS)
Sri Lanka
"A global ban on asbestos is a must. In Sri Lanka, on workers memorial day we launched our own campaign to outlaw asbestos. Unions campaigning on a world basis will strengthen our cause."
Selina Tyikwe (NUMSA)
Republic of South Africa
"Unions must vigorously engage with Governments to achieve a ban on asbestos. There are alternative materials to asbestos and there is no excuse for its use in the 21st century."
Mikhail Tarassenko (MMWU)
Russia
"This is the right policy. But I think for introducing a global ban on asbestos it is necessary to create a fund to support workers in poor countries, because to die from starvation is not better than dying from asbestos."
Carmen Henriquez (CONSTRAMET)
Chile
"Workers have a right to healthy living. This right is universal and indispensable. Because of that the campaign is very important."
Blandine Landas (FGMM-CFDT)
France
"It’s very important that the IMF starts this campaign in close cooperation with national unions. For national unions it`s fundamental that their priorities are brought to an international level. That’s the main challenge for the IMF."
