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Port workers support organising in global network terminals
30 September 2008
Unions representing workers at the world’s largest port terminal operators took firm steps forward recently as they planned future strategies and vowed to increase workers’ organisation along major transport chains.
Fifty port workers’ representatives from APM Terminals, Hutchison, Dubai Ports World and PSA International gathered in Antwerp, Belgium, on 18-19 September. During the event they welcomed organising successes achieved in key ports across all the global port operating networks, reaffirmed their shared aim of setting standards in all ports and terminals worldwide, and planned for future achievements.
The meeting agreed a declaration of solidarity covering workers in all global network terminals (GNTs). ITF Dockers’ Section Chair, Paddy Crumlin of the Maritime Union of Australia, explained: “We are seeking global dialogue but at the same time, we are prepared to fight for workers’ rights and good safety practices. The GNTs need to demonstrate good governance in their global relationships with their workforce. Unions here have made a strong commitment to support each other to stamp out any threats to ports workers and to their communities – and to work together to build labour solidarity throughout the transport chain.”
“In these uncertain times, dock workers stand resolutely together with all transport workers, whose efforts keep the wheels of the global economy turning,” he added.
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