to: Zenkoku Kowan (National Federation of Dockworkers Unions of Japan)

Dear Comrades
19 November 1997

We wish to congratulate you on your decision to continue the fight against port deregulation with your 24 hour nationwide strike this week.

In 1989, the Thatcher Government abolished the National Dock Labour Scheme, deregulating the dock industry in Britain. Most of the problems confronting us in Liverpool today stem directly from the failure to mount a successful defence of the Scheme at that time. All dock workers in Britain have paid the price for that failure.

Where we were faced with a determined British government whose privatisation, deregulation, and anti-trade union legislation have been exported throughout the world, you face a combined onslaught from the US and Japanese governments in league with the major shipowners. In the name of "free trade" they are quite prepared to trample over any agreements you have managed to negotiate.

However, you can count on one key factor beyond your own determination and organisational strength. While in 1989 dockers failed to co-ordinate their activities, today there is a global movement developing in the dock industry. Indeed, Zenkoku Kowan have played and continue to play a leading role in that movement.

Just as you have participated in the recent boycott of the "Neptune Jade" which began on the US West Coast in support of our campaign for reinstatement, you deserve the support of all dockworkers in your own fight for survival.

You can be confident that your situation will be reported in full to the European dockworkers conference to be held in Barcelona on 29-30 November. For our part, we will support your efforts in whatever ways are open to us.

Yours in solidarity,

Jim Davies
Sec./Treasurer
Merseyside Port Shop Stewards