Port workers will stage stoppages across Europe tomorrow, September 25, to drive home their message to the EU that everyone from unions to port owners rejects its port reform plans.
They will be taking part in a continent-wide day of action called by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which from the beginning has protested against the EU’s attempts to steamroller through its plans. The reform plan has also been strongly opposed by the UK Government, the Federation of European Private Port Operators, the European Sea Port Organisation and other stakeholders.
ITF-affiliated unions participating in the action day will be responding to the organisation’s call to take lawful action to draw the EU’s attention to the breadth of opposition to its proposed directive (aimed at further increasing competition in and between ports) and the dangers that it would create. The actions taken will vary from strikes, to stoppages, to safety discussions, lasting from two to three hours. Details of the activities chosen can be found at http://www.itf.org.uk/ports/index.htm
Kees Marges, Secretary of the ITF Dockers Section, stated: “It’s almost unbelievable that we should have reached this point, seven months after we first approached the EC and indicated our strong opposition. All along we have made clear that we are not against competition, but we are against the steamrollering through of a half-baked, unloved and undemocratic directive. Commissioner de Palacio’s stubborn personal crusade to push this through flies in the face of industry-wide protest and all norms of communication and dialogue.
“We have gone from being a lone voice to one joined by a chorus of dissent. Even national governments are shying away from the proposed directive, and I think this may be the first time that port operators and owners will welcome the cessation of work on their premises, they are so deeply worried by it.”
The ITF and its European regional arm, the ETF, have warned that the introduction of measures proposed in the draft directive would encourage shippers to demand lower tariffs and prices via unsafe working, relaxed safety standards and the use of untrained personnel - leading to the creation of dangerous and sub-standard ports.
Kees Marges continued: “It’s time to prove that safety comes before commercial interests - whatever the site or form of transport.”
The ITF action day is intended to send the strongest possible signal to the European Parliament (meeting in October) and the EU Council of Ministers that the current proposed directive should be replaced with one that is the result of proper consultation. Actions will be held in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.
ENDS
