On December 2-3, trade unions from around the globe gathered in Brussels for a workshop organised by IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll Europe, with support from the European Commission. The event focused on enhancing the capacity of trade unions to shape and enforce Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) policies in the mining and extractive industries—sectors notorious for hazardous working conditions, complex supply chains, and the suppression of workers' rights.

A Pivotal Moment for Worker Protections 

The extractive industries, despite being a cornerstone of the global economy, present some of the most severe risks to workers. From exposure to dangerous materials, to exploitative subcontracting practices, miners often face threats to their safety, life and dignity on a daily basis. This workshop aimed to empower trade unions to address these challenges by equipping them with tools to ensure that HRDD frameworks are not just corporate formalities but instruments of real change. 

The discussions were framed by significant global and European legislative developments, including the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These laws mark a shift from voluntary to mandatory due diligence, requiring companies to identify, prevent, and address human rights and environmental risks in their operations and supply chains. 

HRDD: A Tool for Transformation 

Participants emphasized that HRDD represents a transformative opportunity for workers in extractive industries. However, this potential can only be realized if unions are deeply involved in every stage of the process. From risk assessments to monitoring compliance, trade union participation is crucial to ensuring that workers’ rights are not sidelined. 

Specific Risks in the Mining Sector 

The mining sector, , exemplifies the complexities of implementing effective HRDD. The sector's reliance on subcontracting, prevalence of hazardous materials, and history of rights suppression makes it particularly vulnerable to abuses. 

One notable challenge is the suppression of union activity, which often silences the very voices needed to advocate for safer and fairer conditions. Environmental degradation caused by irresponsible practices adds another layer of harm, affecting both workers and their communities. 

Building Capacity for Action 

The workshop is part of a broader initiative by IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll Europe to empower trade unions in high-risk sectors. Over the next two years, practical recommendations will be developed to help union representatives engage with multinational companies and push for effective HRDD action plans. 

As HRDD laws gain traction, trade unions are determined to hold companies accountable. The workshop marked a significant step in this journey, equipping union leaders with the knowledge and strategies needed to transform HRDD from a corporate obligation into a mechanism for worker empowerment. 

We have thought about solutions to enhance HRDD in our industries. Skilling, social dialogue (in the subsidiaries and in the parent-company) and cooperation between TUs throughout the supply chain will be key for the improvement of HRs rights in extractive industries.