The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has issued the following news brief. It also is available on the ITF web site here A long-term global campaign to put an end to the downgrading of the ports industry was endorsed by delegates of the Dockers’ Section Conference in Singapore in July.
The ITF campaign, which saw its launch at the conference, focuses on opposing “ports of convenience.” These could include ports based in states that fail to ratify and apply International Labor Organization and industry-specific conventions or those that do not recognize or sufficiently consult trade unions. Ports that allow cargo handling by seafarers or non-union labor may also be defined as ports of convenience.
This latest campaign will see ITF affiliated dockers’ unions establish minimum industry standards, following international consultation. Those refusing to adhere to those standards could be labeled “ports of convenience.”
Kees Marges, ITF Dockers’ Section Secretary, commented, “Dockers’ unions can no longer leave it to politicians and decision-makers to create international standards regarding the employment of port workers. Persuading ports to accept and implement our standards could come about through consultation or negotiation with ITF affiliated port workers’ unions.”
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