The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has issued the following statement. The full text appears below and also may be accessed on the ITF web site hereITF backs SIU in Moran Dispute
Global union federation the ITF today warned US company Moran Towing that it is investigating reports from the Seafarers International Union that Moran is trying to stop the SIU working on behalf of its members employed on the company's tugboats.
The SIU has informed the ITF that it has represented the crews - both officers and ratings - on Moran vessels for decades, yet the company plans to unilaterally withdraw recognition from the SIU for the officers. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire, the SIU has told the ITF that Moran refuses to negotiate over any of the terms or conditions of their employment.
The SIU has firmly stated that it enjoys the continued strong support of the officers, who are very concerned about the potential loss of their bargaining rights. The officers want to maintain their union representation.
The SIU also believes that Moran may have unsuccessfully tried to solicit support from other US ship-docking companies in the area. However all have reached new agreements with the SIU that continue protecting the rights and representation of all crews.
ITF General Secretary David Cockroft commented: "On the basis of these reports it is difficult to see Moran's actions as being anything but reckless and risky. We are putting the company on notice that we and our affiliates – the SIU's sister unions around the world – are prepared to make it clear by all lawful means what we think of this kind of attack on a union and its members."
He continued: "Moran should ask themselves why they want to be the one ship docking company going down this road when they have plenty of competitors that do respect their employees' rights."
The SIU has indicated that if Moran persists in its current course it will take appropriate legal action to protect its members' rights.
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