One and a half thousand dockers in the Netherlands are voicing their opposition to controversial plans by the Dutch government to deratify a key international convention that puts port workers’ rights on the industry agenda.
The protest organised by Dutch ITF affiliate FNV Bondgenoten is taking place in The Hague today and coincides with the Dutch parliamentary debate on denouncing International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 137. As well as promoting the establishment of a dockers’ registration system, the convention’s provisions ensure consultation with dockers’ representatives over technological changes.
Dutch Social Affairs and Labour Minister Aart Jan de Geus announced the plans early last year. Legal proceedings brought against the government by FNV Bondgenoten led to a Dutch court ruling in October 2004 outlining the government’s obligation to implement the convention. However, the government refused to back down and began proceedings to denounce the convention.
According to Frank Leys, ITF Dockers’ Section Secretary: “The convention is important to encourage the development of new technology while involving consultation between employers and employees. The system of registration also plays a crucial role in helping to maintain safety and social standards. We are concerned that this backward step will encourage the replacement of qualified dockers with inexperienced cheap labour.”
ŠITF
Regards,
Richard.
www.havenforum.nl
