NCJ Number
122494
Journal
Social Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1989) Pages: 116-144
Date Published
1989
Length
29 pages
Annotation
The industrial disaster caused by the accident at the Union Carbine chemical plant in Bhopal, India in 1984 illustrates the antisocial conduct of imperialistic and capitalistic transnational corporations and shows the need for greater control of the activities of these entities.
Abstract
Although the scale of the Bhopal disaster was unique, it was caused by actions and inactions that typify the ways in which corporations often cause death, injury, and ill health to workers and local communities. These actions are sometimes the result of economic calculations by corporate executives and sometimes the result of ignorance, error, or carelessness by capitalist managerial groups. Thus, nations, workers, and local communities must try to force corporations to adopt adequate operating procedures and must develop effective methods of monitoring compliance. In addition, workers must try to gain rights to take part in the monitoring of compliance. Furthermore, efforts are needed to improve occupational safety and health and to engage in the political struggle necessary to change the power relations in the workplace. Notes and 70 references.