O-038 Continuing Effects of the Positive Training Program for Improving Working Conditions in Four Countries for 30 Years

Introduction The Participation-Oriented Safety Improvements by Trade Union Initiative (POSITIVE) program has been conducted for trade union members in various countries through action-oriented workshops on multifaceted workplace improvements. The program has been organized in collaboration with the Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF) and local trade unions. The efficacy of the program conducted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal was assessed. Methods The effectiveness of the POSITIVE workshops was evaluated by interviewing local POSITIVE trainers in the four countries and assessing the results of a questionnaire and improvements conducted by workers trained during the last thirty years. This study was conducted from December 2022 to August 2023. Results The POSITIVE workshops proved successful in the four countries during about 30 years. Many trade union trainers trained by the POITIVE program were still utilizing the training materials distributed over the past ten years. Examples of locally achieved good practices were confirmed to be particularly useful. Various positive experiences including implemented workplace improvements were reported by the workers having had participated in the POSITIVE workshops. Many respondents testified that there had been positive changes in the relationship between workers and management after learning the POSITIVE approach. Discussion The POSITIVE training program organized during the past 30 years has led to many workplace improvements reducing work-related risks. As a result of POSITIVE workshops, dialogue with management and co-workers had been facilitated. Conclusion It was suggested that the action-oriented training methods had positive impacts on workplace improvements as well as industrial relations.