    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 9, 1999]
    [Pages 1517-1518]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Convention Concerning Safety and Health in Mines
    September 9, 1999

        Today I am sending to the United States Senate for advice and
    consent to ratification International Labor Organization (ILO)
    Convention Number 176, the ``Convention Concerning Safety and Health in
    Mines.'' I have previously submitted to the Senate ILO conventions on
    employment discrimination (Convention Number 111) and the worst forms of
    child labor (Convention Number 182). Taken together, these steps
    demonstrate the importance I place on the ILO's work and my commitment
    to work together with labor and business interests through the ILO to
    raise labor standards around the world.
        Mining has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous jobs in
    the world. Men, women, and sometimes even children are exposed to
    hazards that can claim their lives or destroy their health. Mining
    employs more than 30 million people worldwide. Although that figure
    accounts for only one percent of the world's entire work force, mining
    is responsible for about 8 percent of fatal accidents at work, or around
    15,000 per year. Despite the considerable advances in safety and health
    throughout this century, mining remains one of the most hazardous
    occupations worldwide.

    [[Page 1518]]

        In the United States, miners are protected by a strong and effective
    Federal statute, enforced by the Mine Safety and Health Administration
    in the Department of Labor. A tripartite panel of American government,
    labor, and business representatives has reviewed the convention and has
    concluded that the United States can ratify Convention 176 without
    changing our laws or regulations. But in other countries, miners may
    lack the legal protections they need and deserve. I urge the Senate to
    give its advice and consent to ratification of this convention, to help
    ensure safety and healthful working conditions for miners the world
    over.
        As an institution, the International Labor Organization plays a
    vital role in our efforts to put a human face on the global economy. My
    administration, led by Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman and joined by our partners in labor and business,
    will continue to support the efforts of the ILO.
        I look forward to working with the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee and the Senate leadership to advance Convention Number 176 and
    the other ILO conventions toward ratification.