Trade unions and cleaner production: perspectives and proposals for action.
Despite their reputation for linking progress and security to dirty smokestacks, many trade unions around the world have designed and fought for sophisticated environmental policies--many of which promote a radical restructuring of production in order to prevent environmental harm. This article surveys trade union perspectives on cleaner production and offers examples of trade union action for cleaner production in the United States and around the world. Two general conceptual frameworks arising out of union writing on the subject--the "Transition Position" and the European-based "Harmony of Interests"--are elaborated. The article concludes with recommendations for employee participation in pollution prevention activities and ideas for a trade union agenda on cleaner production.
Roelofs
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UMASS Lowell, MA 01854, USA.