The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi
has today launched a campaign to ban the import, supply, and
use of engineered stone in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We
are urging the Government to do the right thing and save
workers’ lives by banning engineered stone, an extremely
dangerous product that causes the fatal lung disease
silicosis”, said NZCTU President Richard
Wagstaff.
“Engineered stone is the asbestos of our
times. It is not an essential product and there are many
safe alternatives already in the market.
“Silicosis
is a debilitating disease that cannot be cured. The evidence
is clear that the only solution is to stop workers from
being required to process engineered stone, which exposes
them to the dangerous silica
dust.
“Brooke van Velden has the power
to save workers’ lives. All she needs to do is follow
Australia’s example and implement a total
ban.
“There is broad support for this
campaign. Last year the CTU joined with 18 other
organisations, including public health experts and health
and safety specialists, and called on the Minister to
act.
“Aotearoa has a terrible record when it comes
to work-associated deaths. The Government has the
opportunity to help turn that around by banning engineered
stone. It’s time they stepped up on behalf of Kiwi
workers,” said Wagstaff.
The NZCTU have today
launched a public
petition calling on the Minister to implement a full ban
on the import, supply, and use of engineered
stone.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
