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Workshop
on Chinese Investment in Africa ends
Accra, June 11, Ghanadot/GNA - A two-day workshop on Chinese
Investment in Africa ended in Accra on Wednesday, with a
call on African Governments to involve trade unions when
negotiating agreements with investors.
Participants at the workshop made up of General Secretaries
and Presidents of organizations affiliated to the
International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and
General Workers Unions (ICEM) were of the view that because
the unions were not represented during such negotiations,
workers interests were not catered for adequately.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued after the
workshop, which was organized by the ICEM in collaboration
with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
The objective of the workshop was to look at the negative
and positive effects of Chinese investment and make
appropriate suggestions to stakeholders.
They expressed their concern about the abuse of workers
rights by Chinese Companies, adding that, their "ruthless
exploitation of workers and that of the environment of
communities in which they operate, is now well known
throughout the African Region.
The participants said trade unions should actively lobby
their respective governments to annul all past agreements on
access to raw materials that did not adequately protect
workers, the community and the environment.
The communiqué said Trade Unions should build linkages and
lobby the African Union, Pan African Parliament and regional
bodies to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
They should also ensure compliance with various
international standards entered into by governments and
employers, International Labour Organization (ILO) and
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD).
They said trade unions should encourage positive and
cautious relationship with appropriate nongovernmental
organizations in civil society in areas where Chinese
Investment were posing problems and to also include these
organizations in any campaign to halt exploitation.
The participants commended the South African Dockworkers
Union (SATAWU) for their solidarity action involving a
Chinese armament shipment to Zimbabwe.
GNA
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