A Call for Prevention and Accountability

The Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) is intensifying its efforts to promote workplace safety and health, advocating for enhanced prevention measures against accidents and occupational illnesses. This renewed push comes as the International Labor Organization (ILO) marks World Day for occupational Safety and Health, observed annually on April 28th as 2003. The CGT views this day as a crucial opportunity to hold employers accountable for prioritizing worker well-being.

Government Conference and CGT’s response

Acknowledging the concerning rise in workplace fatalities, the government convened a conference on April 28th to address the issue. The CGT acknowledges this move but emphasizes the need for concrete action beyond mere discussion. Recent data reveals a disturbing trend: in 2023, 759 workers tragically lost their lives due to workplace accidents. This figure represents a continued increase since 2020,raising concerns about the prioritization of profit over worker safety.

According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), investing in occupational safety and health not only protects workers but also boosts productivity and reduces costs associated with accidents and illnesses. Despite this, many companies still fail to adequately address workplace hazards.

CGT’s Key Demands for Improved Worker safety

Beyond symbolic gestures, the CGT is demanding specific, actionable measures to safeguard workers’ health and safety.These demands include:

• Reinstating CHSCTs in all companies: The CGT advocates for the return of Health, safety and Working Conditions Committees (CHSCTs) in all companies, emphasizing their vital role in identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
• Strengthening Labor Inspectorates: The union calls for increased resources and staffing for labor inspectors to enhance their ability to enforce safety regulations and hold negligent employers accountable.
• empowering CSEs on Safety Matters: The CGT insists on mandatory information and consultation of Social and Economic Committees (CSEs) regarding employee safety and occupational accidents and illnesses (AT-MP).

Pension Reform and its Impact on Worker safety

The CGT draws a direct connection between its demands for improved worker safety and its opposition to the recent pension reforms. The union argues that raising the retirement age and reducing early departure options will inevitably lead to older workers remaining in physically demanding and possibly hazardous jobs for longer, increasing their risk of accidents and injuries. This April 28 undeniably makes the link with the CGT proposals for the repeal of the pension reform, and the return to retirement at 60 with early departures at 55, the CGT stated.

this perspective aligns with studies suggesting that older workers might potentially be more vulnerable to certain types of workplace injuries due to age-related physical decline. therefore, the CGT believes that a return to earlier retirement ages is essential for protecting the health and safety of older workers.