Dockers in the Dutch port of Amsterdam started strike action today (October 14) in a dispute over jobs. 315 were sacked on 9 October following the formal announcement of the "labour pool" bankruptcy. In both Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the labour pools provide a substantial number of the workers for general cargo and container terminals. The ITF-affiliated Vervoersbond FNV (dockers' union) has been in intensive negotiations aimed at the continuation of the labour pool, but they have yet to reach a final agreement. The sackings put the workforce in a state of limbo pending a new owner purchasing the labour pool. There are also discussions concerning a possible merger of the Amsterdam and Rotterdam labour pools. The ITF has told the Vervoersbond FNV that it has the federation's complete support should they require it.
For further information, please contact ITF Dockers' Secretary Kees Marges on +44-171-940 9274.
