15th September 1997
The international action in support of Liverpool sacked dockers took place last week. It had a powerful impact on port employers and shipping companies the world over.
These continuous actions are aimed at bringing a just and long term settlement to our two-year campaign. The Liverpool dockers fully understand and have always recognised that their campaign for justice will only be concluded through a negotiated settlement reached directly with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company.
However, there are international dimensions of this historic dispute, and serious long term repercussions for trade in the port of Liverpool. For that reason, we are calling , once again, upon Mersey Docks together with all affected parties including shipping companies such as Hapag Lloyd, ACL and CAST, to take part in joint negotiations. These negotiations would form the basis of a settlement to this long and damaging dispute.
Further, the Liverpool dockers wish to indicate that they would welcome
the involvement of all interested parties including international trade
union leaders together with representatives from the port and shipping industry.
