Akinobu Itoh, GS of All Japan Dockworkers Union (left) and Jim Nolan
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| At Liverpool Struggle 10th Anniversary meeting 24 Sept. 2005 Akinobu Itoh, GS of All Japan Dockworkers Union (left) and Jim Nolan |
Comrades of Merseyside Dockers, family members, and all the people here today. On behalf of dockers in Japan, let me give you my warm greetings in international solidarity.
My name is Akinobu Itoh. I am General Secretary of the All Japan Dockworkers Union. This is my second visit to Liverpool and I am very happy to be here again to see you.
The Liverpool Struggle added a new page to the history of international dockers’ solidarity.
Let me put 4 points here:
First, the Liverpool Struggle has been held up as a symbol of dockers’ fighting against deregulation, privatisation and casualization. On the 20th of January, 1997, dockers of 27 countries got together for international solidarity action. It was around this time that Japanese dockers started to fight against deregulation in their own country. The workers in the 50 ports joined actions, downed tools and had meetings. The workers who supported the Liverpool Struggle in Japan were also at the core of the struggle against deregulation. The dock work has been deregulated for the past decade in Japan, but we have remembered the Liverpool Struggle, have kept fighting, and have at least delayed deregulation.
Second, the Liverpool Struggle created a new stream of industrial dispute. New tactics of international teamwork successfully stopped the load of the Neptune Jade. The Liverpool Struggle has been studied and followed by Australian MUA and the ILWU in the US West Coast. It has helped to broaden dockers’ international solidarity.
Third, the Liverpool Struggle has built up an international working people’s solidarity network through the internet. Its real-time communication has helped to create stronger bonds of international solidarity. You can feel your comrades overseas much closer now.
Global shipping companies and global container terminal operators have regrouped themselves at the moment, and have continued to attack dockers. Today, at the 10th anniversary of the Liverpool Struggle, we have to renew our resolution to fight against neo-liberalism and globalisation, and to fight for the international solidarity of dockers.
Fourth, let me lead a chant of Japanese solidarity. I am going to say “Danketsu, ganbaroh!” which means “Let’s fight in unity!” or “Let’s keep going together!” Please chant “Ganbaroh!” after me. Japanese workers do this often at rallies and disputes to show our fighting spirits. We are supposed to repeat it 3 times. Well, are you ready?
Thank you very much.
24 September 2005
Akinobu Itoh
General Secretary
All Japan Dockworkers Union
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japan2world@hotmail.com
