ITF Unions in Maersk
Maersk suspends crew notices
20 February 2008
Specialist maritime newspaper Tradewinds has reported that Maersk has suspended redundancy notices issued to 200 Danish stewards and ratings pending a decision by a labour court on whether it is in breach of an agreement with unions.
According to Tradewinds, the court, which adjudicates disputes between employers and unions, will consider a union claim that Maersk, by not giving “reasonable” notice, is in violation of a “peace” clause in the industry’s collective bargaining agreement. Maersk will be represented at the hearing by the Danish Shipowners Association (DSA)
If the court finds Maersk is in violation, it could impose a fine on the company.
Tradewinds quotes Henrik Berlau of the 3F union as saying the case is more about establishing a principle than seeking to win higher payouts.
The report continues by stating that Maersk said earlier this month it was replacing the stewards and ratings on its Danish-flag containerships and tankers with “international” crew who will, in fact, be recruited from the Philippines. It notes that the move has been criticised by unions as putting the interests of shareholders before those of employees.
Source: www.tradewinds.no
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