That this Steering Group of the International Dockers’ Committee supports the Liverpool dockers’ initiative of obtaining re-instatement through the mechanism of a labour supply company.
However, this objective may only be achieved following the removal of Drake International and other strike breaking casual labour in the Port of Liverpool. The Liverpool dockers’ pension rights must be protected and extended upon the re-instatement of the Liverpool dockers.
The proposals have been made in a genuine attempt to pursue finally the reinstatement of the Liverpool dockers and return the Port of Liverpool to normality.
Nevertheless, until re-instatement has been achieved, the historic solidarity enacted by longshoremen and dockers throughout the world should continue. Despite the claims of Mersey Docks, the global blockade of the Port of Liverpool is having a dramatic impact upon trade.
This Steering Group asserts its determination to go forward to further develop its global boycott of Merseyside. Various other actions will be considered including direct interventions with shipping consortiums using the Port of Liverpool.
This Steering Group, representative of the historic action of 20 January 1997, re-affirms its opposition to the processes of privatisation, de-regulation and casualisation.
