[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 36 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Page 1721]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.
    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.