In a landmark meeting hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), representatives from governments, employers, and workers convened to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities within the building materials industry, particularly cement. The assembly resulted in a set of conclusions and recommendations aimed at fostering decent work while advancing environmental sustainability and social justice.
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Frank Hagemann, Director of the ILO Sectoral Policies Department, emphasized the crucial juncture the industry faces. "The building materials industry is a cornerstone of the global economy and now stands at a critical crossroads, facing rapid technological changes and a significant carbon footprint," he stated. The agreed conclusions are designed to help the sector transition toward a low-carbon economy while meeting growing housing and infrastructure demands.
Key measures outlined in the meeting include:
- Support for Sustainable Enterprises: Emphasis on creating an enabling environment for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to adapt to the industry's transition.
- Employment Classification and Health Monitoring: Recognising the importance of accurately classifying employment relationships and monitoring occupational diseases linked to new building materials.
- Gender Equality: Commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for women and men in the workforce.
- Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: Recognition that investing in worker skills is essential for adapting to evolving industry requirements and driving innovation.
- Social Protection Systems: Highlighting the need for robust social protections to build resilience for all workers during the transition.
The conclusions underscore the importance of embedding living wages in business operations and promoting the ILO Tripartite Declaration concerning Multinational Enterprises. They also highlight the need to ensure that public procurement adheres to labour rights, social dialogue and the fundamental principles of rights at work.
As the industry evolves, these strategies will be crucial in balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibilities, paving the way for a sustainable future in the building materials sector.