The International Transport Workers’ Federation has issued the following statement:21 April 2008. For immediate release
Chinese arms ship latest: unions mobilize to stop weapons transfer
Global union federation the ITF today reported that the An Yue Jiang, which left South African waters to avoid an injunction and trade union action against its cargo, later steered away from possible landfall in Maputo (where the local ITF-affiliated union was also on alert). The ship has switched off its transponder (which broadcasts its exact location), but the ITF believes it could try to make for Luanda, Angola next, and may be running low on fuel. The ITF is alerting its member unions in the area and seeking an assurance from the Angolan government that it will not attempt to assist the transhipment of the load to Zimbabwe. The ITF believes that the vessel should dock at the nearest suitable port, irrespective of whether or not its cargo is impounded, take on fuel and return to China.
ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said, “The ITF, our member trade unions and the ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) are doing everything we consider necessary to stop this dangerous and destabilising shipment reaching Zimbabwe. We will continue to do so, we hope with the support of the regions’ governments, but without them if necessary.”
“This materiel must not reach Zimbabwe, a country whose people are crying out for food and freedom, not bullets.”
He concluded: “As well as mobilizing our colleagues in the region we are reiterating our message to Cosco, the Chinese Government, the officially approved All China Federation of Trade Unions, and the Chinese Seamen’s and Construction Workers’ union – which has been showing indications of growing independence from the national authorities – that they should think of the safety of the ship’s crew. The way to do that is to dock, whether or not the arms are seized, assure the vessel is seaworthy, and then return it to its home port.”
The ITF is a global federation of 654 unions from 148 countries representing 4,418,455 workers worldwide.
ENDS
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