The chemical industry's responsible care programme viewed from an international trade union perspective

摘要

In many countries there is reduced government commitment to command and control regulation of industry and increasing promotion of voluntary industry initiatives. Employees and communities are therefore concerned that safety and environmental protection are being compromised. A recent global survey was carried out to determine the nature and extent of the knowledge workers and their trade union representatives have of the chemical industry's Responsible Care programme, and the degree of their active involvement in the programme. Following upon the survey, this article makes the point that, given the vested interests involved, trust in Responsible Care and other voluntary industry initiatives must be earned rather than simply demanded, and that credibility must be demonstrated rather than asserted.