1 November 2007: The ITF is deeply saddened to hear the news that Kenji Yasuda, former President of the Japanese dockers’ union Zenkoku Kowan, passed away on 24 October, aged 68. A valued member of the ITF Dockers’ Section Committee,Kenji Yasuda was respected not only for his experience and knowledge of the port industry, but also for his personal commitment and dedication to the struggle for dockers’ rights in Japan and around the world. His contribution to the work of the section was invaluable and he will be missed, particularly by all in the ITF dockers’ family.

The ITF Dockers’ Section has, on behalf of the ITF Secretariat and all affiliated dockers’ unions, expressed condolences to the union and asked for heartfelt sympathies to be extended to Kenji Yasuda’s family.