Ole, I think you were at the membership meeting, when I pointed out that all Cosco ships on this coast are under ITF contract. The contracts are breached every voyage. ITF contracts contain protective language (Dockers Clause). It states emphatically, that the crew of said vessels are never to do the work of an established Dock force without prior permission.
Every week in LB Cosco (The Chinese Government through SSA) short orders lashers. They usually order 6-10 on the finish day. The crew does the majority of the work at sea. If you inspect a portage bill (Wage Sheet) you will see that no extra compensation is made to these crew. The ITF suggested in fact encouraged that we as the affiliate take a position requesting the cancellation of these contracts.
The officers know of this, No action.
The ITF wants to help us maintain our jurisdiction. They want to protect the lives of these seafarers. If they had a simple letter from us demanding the withdrawal of those contracts they could lever through the Hong Kong affiliates compliance. We have the opportunity through the ITF to Protect our jurisdiction protect these seafarers who have no voice, and to make a positive image through the media of ILWU.
In Australia the MUA uses the ITF as a tool and also the means to provide for the needs of the oppressed. Remember the Columbus Canada, The first scab loaded ship to hit the West coast during their lockout. That action was put together by two ITF inspectors (Also Longshoreman) who grabbed the opportunity. The MUA has not forgotten our help, too bad we aren’t building in China. We need to be less miopic and see the bigger picture. We are involved in a global movement against labor and for big business. The fight is on and we are sitting still.
Rudy Vanderhider 36737
