Support for Bhopal - UNISON delegation marks 30th anniversary of disaster

The Chairs of UNISON Scotland’s International Committee, Sam Macartney and Health & Safety Committee, Scott Donohoe are taking part in a delegation to Bhopal, India, to mark the anniversary on 3rd December 2014 to mark the 30th anniversary of the industrial disaster that has killed 25,000, left 120,000 chronically ill and continues to maim subsequent generations. See details at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/international/bhopal.html

Sam said: "The UNISON delegation supports the Bhopal Medical Appeal as part of UNISON's ongoing commitment to international issues around the world.

"The Bhopal campaign continues its major support for victims workers and communities in India seeking justice from Union Carbide, now Dow chemicals , to take responsibility for its actions in causing this major disaster in 1984. UNISON fully supports the communities and workers in this endeavour.

"The UNISON delegation will seek to gain the knowledge and personal experiences from workers and communities who lived through this harrowing time and support them to gain justice and retribution. Lessons must be learned and UNISON can help to raise the profile of this campaign and help to get the message out that health and safety and workers rights cannot be denied."

How you can help

Sam and Scott are urging Scottish branches to undertake the following steps in order to help mark the anniversary, advance the campaign and keep the fight alive for decent health and safety here:

• Hold an event on 3rd December 2014 (or as close as possible) to mark the anniversary, try and get members and employers involved;

• Raise Bhopal at Health & Safety Committees;

• Consider making a donation to the Bhopal Medical Appeal

• Invite Sam or Scott to speak at a Branch meeting following their trip;

If someone in your Branch would like to get involved in ongoing campaigning around Bhopal then please encourage them to hook up with University & Colleges Union activist Eurig Scandrett at 07539 305176 or EScandrett@qmu.ac.uk .

Sam Macartney and Scott Donohoe will be in Bhopal, India, to mark the anniversary of the disaster on 3rd December 2014. They will post updates here during their visit.

What happened in Bhopal?

On the night of December 2nd, 1984, a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, began leaking 27 tons of the deadly gas methyl isocyanate. None of the six safety systems designed to contain such a leak were operational, allowing the gas to spread throughout the city of Bhopal. Half a million people were exposed to the gas and 25,000 have died to date as a result of their exposure. More than 120,000 people still suffer from ailments caused by the accident and the subsequent pollution at the plant site.

Since the disaster victims and their families have been campaigning for justice from Union Carbide, now part of Dow Chemicals, and the Indian authorities. They are demanding Dow Chemical accepts responsibility, makes adequate financial reparations to victims and their families and that the site is fully and safely cleared up.

When our own Health & Safety structures are under attack it is worth remembering that an injury to one is an injury to all. A current campaign slogan is We all live in Bhopal, reminding us that if corporations can get away with disregarding health and safety in Bhopal they can get away with it elsewhere.

Sam and Scott are urging Scottish branches to undertake the following steps in order to help mark the anniversary, advance the campaign and keep the fight alive for decent health and safety here:

• Hold an event on 3rd December 2014 (or as close as possible) to mark the anniversary, try and get members and employers involved;
• Raise Bhopal at Health & Safety Committees;
• Consider making a donation to the Bhopal Medical Appeal;
• Invite Sam or Scott to speak at a Branch meeting following their trip;