The AMWU is calling on members to give generously to asbestos awareness education campaigns in South-East Asia in need of long term funding.

The Mekong-Australia Asbestos Disease Prevention project, established last year by Union Aid Abroad with the support of the AMWU and money from AusAid, has appealed for funding of its National Resource Centre on Asbestos in Vietnam.

AMWU National President Paul Bastian said the project was fulfilling an important role in a region where asbestos continued to be used despite international trade union opposition. 

“Like most parts of Asia, asbestos is still widely used in the Mekong region in a host of industries, particularly as a low cost roofing material. The Canadian Government  and its state sponsored  asbestos lobby continue to influence governments in countries like Vietnam to promote the use of white asbestos.

“This means that the level of awareness of the dangers to health presented by all forms of asbestos, regardless of its colour, is extremely low.

“Joint programs with the Vietnamese Government such as the National Resource Centre for Asbestos are important because they lift the level of awareness in Vietnam and the wider Mekong region. They provide people with the skills to establish safeguards for workers,” Mr Bastian said.

Despite the successful operation of the centre, additional  funding beyond its initial twelve months has not been forthcoming from the Australian Government. In order to continue the work of the centre, long-term funding is now required.

“The AMWU will continue to work with unions and NGOs throughout Asia to see the eradication of this deadly fibre. Our members can make an important contribution by financially supporting this appeal in any shape they can.“

Donations made prior to June 30th will be eligible for tax deductions on 2010/2011 tax returns.

For more information or to make a donation visit: http://apheda.labor.net.au/news/1306131819_11816.html