Resolution Expressing Solidarity with Samsung Workers’ Struggle for Justice

Whereas, there  is a growing international concern over the working conditions of workers in the electronics industry, particularly among workers in the factories of Samsung  Electronics in South Korea and Vietnam;

Whereas, the reported exposure of Samsung workers in South Korea to toxic chemical substances used in the manufacture of mobile phones, TVs and other electronic products has been linked to serious illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, leukemia, and other life-threatening diseases;

Whereas, the Supporters of Health and Rights of People in the Semi-Conductor Industry (SHARPs) has documented various health problems in over 300 employees of Samsung in South Korea of which 144 have already died;

Whereas, the EcoWaste Coalition is deeply concerned about the plight of workers in Samsung, especially those who have reportedly contracted occupational diseases and perished due to their exposure to undisclosed toxic chemicals used in the production processes;

Be it resolved that the EcoWaste Coalition expresses its solidarity with the affected Samsung workers and their families and with SHARPs in their continuing quest for justice.

That the EcoWaste Coalition supports the call for the protection of workers’ rights, health and well-being in Samsung facilities in South Korea, Vietnam and elsewhere.

That the EcoWaste Coalition demands corporate accountability and urges the electronics industry to provide their employees with a safe working environment, particularly by:

--making a full disclosure of the chemicals used in product manufacturing and their associated health hazards in line with the workers’ right to know

--substituting toxic substances and materials with safe ones that will not cause harm to health and the environment

--providing workers with medical care, occupational health and safety trainings, protective gear, adequate ventilation, etc. 

Adopted on 27 June 2018 during the General Assembly of the EcoWaste Coalition held in Quezon City, Philippines