The ITF is today launching a campaign against union busting in the US port of Charleston. The Federation will also be supporting the ‘Charleston Five’, who face prosecution for protesting against plans to replace union staff at the South Carolina port.
The campaign calls on all ITF affiliates worldwide to undertake any action they can lawfully take to express their solidarity with the Charleston workers.
In October 1999 shipping line Nordana suddenly began to use non-union labour from a local company, WSI, after 23 years of employing stevedores represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). During picketing that followed five ILA members were arrested and court cases against them are pending.
At the same time Nordana and WSI sued the ILA, although Nordana subsequently abandoned its civil action following intervention by the ITF.
The ITF also succeeded in persuading Nordana to return to negotiations with the ILA. These resulted in an agreement being reached. During this period the ILA has been supported by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
During meetings in London this week of the ITF Dockers Section Committee addressed by ILWU President, James Spinoza, and John Bowers, ITF Dockers Section Chair and President of the ILA, this latest initiative was decided upon.
The ITF is also expected to support the fund launched by the ILA to pay for the legal defence of the five arrested workers.
John Bowers stated: “In January last year a peaceful protest by ILA members was disrupted when more than 600 riot police used clubs and tear gas.
“The ugly aftermath of that confrontation was that five of those protestors now face criminal charges. It is sad to report that the end of the labour dispute did not result in complete peace in the port.”
He continued: “The ILA is continuing to call upon our worldwide labour, business and government contacts to bring a successful conclusion, with justice and honour, to the wrongly accused Charleston Five.”
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson, direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260. E-mail: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers’ Federation - ITF: HEAD OFFICE, ITF House,49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS, Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733, Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871, Email: mail@itf.org.uk
