The Role of Organized Workers in the Regulation of Nanotechnologies

Abstract

While many of the chapters in this book examine the economic differences between countries, the economy also structures unequal relationships within the workplace. Guillermo Foladori and Edgar Zayago Lau call attention to one such historical relationship that forms an important part of the context of the regulation of nanotechnology: the relationship between workers and managers. Past experience has taught workers not to trust management to watch out for their best interests when it comes to risk. Workers also have been relatively neglected in the technology assessment process, even though they are more likely than the general public to be exposed to new substances and production processes at a time when risk is unknown. Foladori and Zayago Lau point to the important role of nongovernmental organizations in calling attention to risks. Their analysis suggests that action by unions is another possible route to the more even, and therefore fairer; distribution of risks from nanotechnology.-eds.