The IDC doesn’t accept self-handling or the imposition of regulations without prior consultation
“The sole objective of this Directive is the elimination of the European dockworkers’ unions”. The representatives of the International Dockworkers Council (IDC) made this forceful declaration following a special meeting in Paris October 28 to discuss the European Commission’s new proposals for a directive on market access to port services. The European Transport Commissioner, Loyola de Palacio, has pushed through her new proposals less than 15 days before leaving her post. The delegates condemned the absence of consultation in the preparation process of the Directive which was in fact the very same mistake that was made previously, resulting in the Commission being defeated in the European Parliament in Strasbourg less than a year ago.
The IDC categorically rejects “self-handling”, a practice which if included in the new European Directive project will allow large shipping companies to do without professional Dockers and carry out cargo handling using ships’ crews or, even using other land-based staff. The workers remind the Commission that the loading and unloading of ships should be carried out by professional Dockers - the only workforce which can guarantee the necessary quality of service that the industry deserves. To this end, the IDC has always being committed to the training of dockworkers and to following stable employment policies.
Furthermore, the Commission’s Vice Chairman, Loyola de Palacio has not taken the workers’ opinion under the slightest consideration when preparing this new Directive. Not one single trade union representative has been consulted regarding the contents of a directive which, if approved, will affect thousands of workers throughout Europe. The IDC, an organisation that represents Dockworkers in 10 European states and with a worldwide membership of over 60 000, has right from the start expressed its concern over the lack of social dialogue - a lack which breaches the fundamental principles of the European Union.
The Commission seems more interested in creating new business opportunities within the port sector rather than addressing the real issues. The new proposals have been conceived to further the interests of the major shipping companies and will do little in making the European ports sector more effective. What is the price that will have to be paid? The removal of European dockworkers’ trade unions and the subsequent deterioration of conditions of employment and safety and health in our Ports? Rest assured, the IDC will do the utmost in its power to prevent this happening.
