Workers in Peruvian ports have begun to organise a mass movement in defence of the public port system, which is threatened by the plans of Alejandro Toledo’s Government. Under the slogan “No to privatisation,” the workers have begun a campaign to collect signatures throughout the country and on Friday 26th, numerous events will take place to protest against what they feel is a direct attack not only on their jobs but also on the sovereignty of Peruvian ports. The International Dockworkers Council (IDC) has expressed its total solidarity with the Peruvian trade unions and has asked the Government to withdraw this controversial plan, which would only lead to higher unemployment and paralysis in its ports.
The Peruvian dockworkers are demanding that the Government revoke the Ruling of the Supreme Court which promotes privatisation of the ports, dispensing with ENAPU - the national ports company - and the workers’ trade unions. Opposition to the Government’s plans has taken the form of a campaign to collect 250, 000 signatures for presentation to the Peruvian Congress.
The move towards privatisation of the ports comes at an extremely critical point in Peruvian politics after the serious internal conflict within the Government after the forced resignation of Fernando Olivera from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pedro Pablo Kucynski, the signatory of the Resolution which aims to impose privatisation on the ports, is one of president Alejandro Toledo’s last resorts for applying the recipes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which in Peru involve putting an end to public ownership and a reduction of the gains made by workers in social policies. This has led to the Peruvian dockworkers’ trade unions’ decision to present a determined opposition to this plan.
The Supreme Court’s Ruling does not only breach the current National Port System Law, but it also makes a mockery of the entire Peruvian port system. Only ENAPU and the Port Authorities currently have the necessary powers to change the management of ports - powers which have been completely overridden by the attitude of Toledo and Kucynski.
International support
The first shows of solidarity with the Peruvian dockworkers have come from their nearest neighbours. Chilean and Argentinian workers have decided to support the fight to defend the Peruvian ports and lead the international solidarity. In Buenos Aires on 26 August, dockworkers will gather in front of the Peruvian embassy to show their support for their colleagues in Peru. This event will coincide with a general mobilisation in all the Peruvian ports, from Paita in the north to Ilo in the south, in which the workers will show their desire to defend the Peruvian port system.
The IDC, which represents more than 50, 000 dockworkers all over the world, reiterates its commitment to the defence of workers’ rights and reminds all concerned that an efficient port system can only be built on dialogue and mutual respect. The marginalisation of dockworkers’ trade unions does not bode well for a plan that aims to boost the ports’ growth. The port system must take its workers into account. That is obvious. Any change in the port management system carried out behind the workers’ backs is destined to fail, as can be seen in cases in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, where the IDC also has an organised presence. It has been possible to guarantee the stability and economic growth of the port wherever business and government have listened and respected workers. However, the imposition of untimely measures - such as that proposed by the Toledo Government - has only led to greater tension and conflict. There is still time to put things right in Peru.
