IDC European Zone meeting 2-3 February

Peter Shaw
Swedish Dockworkers Union
15 Mar 2001

The European Zone of IDC held a meeting early in February at the HQ in Barcelona. The primary objective of the meeting was to formulate a common policy, work programme and strategy for IDC’s European section.

The EU-Commission’s proposals (the so called Ports Package) aimed at increasing competition in member ports was seen as the absolute priority issue for the working year 2001.

After lengthy discussion, a work programme was endorsed which included the following:

  1. An immediate written communication with DG-TREN on controversial issues. Appropriate legal specialists will formulate this document in Spanish.
  2. Member Unions contacting political representatives of their respective countries.
  3. Organising at Community level in Brussels where IDC delegations will organise meeting with community officials.
  4. The first delegation is scheduled to meet on the 7/3. It will comprise of the General Coordinator, Julián Garcia, the European Coordinator, Björn A. Borg and Daniel Lefevre (head of the dockers section of CGT France).
  5. Contacting and informing the ITF of IDC’s position on the Ports Package inviting them to coordinate actions.

Present at the Zone- meeting was Kenneth Riley, President of ILA Local 1422. This local is one of several other ILA locals that have obtained official membership of IDC.

Kenneth Riley gave an update on the Charleston issue after which the meeting unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the “Charleston Five”.

A letter to Governor Jim Hodges was immediately formulated whereby the IDC explained its commitment to taking part in actions of solidarity with the Justice for the Charleston Dockworkers Campaign. IDC members will be prepared to act accordingly to the fullest legal extent possible.