James Hardie
In 2004, Australian trade unions focused investors’ attention on James Hardie. The international building products company gained notoriety for failing to make provisions for massive asbestos-related liabilities in Australia. As a result of the trade union campaign, which has involved international collabouration using networks built by the committee, the company decided not to present its annual accounts to shareholders at the company AGM in September 2004, fearing a low level of shareholder approval would prove embarrassing to the company. In December 2004, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and James Hardie signed a memorandum of understanding which includes Australia's largest-ever compensation agreement.
Find out more about the campaign:
International MetalWorkers Federation
International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mind and General Workers' Union