The TruStone Initiative, in collaboration with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), launched a training manual titled “Natural Stone Sector: Rights at Work” on 7 March 2025. The launch was attended by over 40 participants, including trade union representatives from India and Europe, labour and human rights experts, the International Labour Organization (ILO), selected natural stone exporters from India, and importers from Europe.

Developed through a consultative process, the training manual incorporates ground-level training, research, and stakeholder consultations. It includes comprehensive reference materials and is designed to be user-friendly, featuring pictorial explanations. The manual addresses key aspects of work in the natural stone sector, with the overarching goal of promoting decent work. Topics covered include Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Grievance Redressal Mechanisms (GRM), International Labour Standards (ILS), the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD), social dialogue, the Indian labour law framework, and social protection.

A similar launch will take place in India on 27 March 2025 during the annual meeting of the BWI-led National Stone Industry Coalition (NSIC), a multi-stakeholder coalition in India. Representatives from the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) and TruStone are expected to attend.

The TruStone Initiative is a programme of the Dutch and Flemish natural stone sector, established through agreements with the Dutch and Flemish governments, NGOs, and trade unions to promote more responsible production and procurement of natural stone. FNV, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging), is a key partner in the initiative.