Words from participants at the Maersk Union Network conference in Copenhagen April 23-24

Chuck Mack, Port Division, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, USA:

"After experiencing a lot of problems with Maersk, we are now discovering a new open attitude towards workers demands and unions. We see great potential in this attitude in order to get better working conditions and more union organising among the drivers of the Maersk companies."

Erasmo Flores, SINAMEQUIPH, drivers union of Honduras:

"We used to have good relations with the local Maersk management. But with a new Danish manager entering the scene last year, we’ve had a series of problems and strike actions. Some union members are now without a job after the conflict. I very much hope that the Maersk Union Network and the corporate management can help to solve that situation."

Garry Hart, Transport and General Workers Union, Great Britain:

"It's sometimes seems to be easier to get a dialogue with the top managers of Maersk than with the leaders on a lower level that often don’t dare to go against the top management.

All Maersk employees are asked to visit the Maersk company Svitzer’s HQ in Bristol to watch the company video and learn about the company’s values. But it’s not always as easy as that to get a dialogue Maersk on a national level when you're representing the union."

Åge E. Barheim, off shore inspector, Industry Energy, Norway:

"For many years we’ve had a fine relationship with Maersk. We have an excellent contract and we don’t experience more problems with Maersk than with any other employer. We have 500 members working for Maersk."