Unionists aiming to hold Maersk on the path

Satisfaction with Maersk-ITF meeting in Copenhagen but some problems still to be solved.

30 April 2007

"I think the Maersk Union Network is already a great success. If we succeed it may be a role model for union networks in the future."

The words of Bilal Malkawi, ITF Arab World Representative, paints a picture of the optimistic atmosphere at the Maersk Union Network conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

At the conference, 55 trade unionists from six continents were able to share experiences with the Danish transport giant, plan future activities, and get a direct dialogue with company senior vice president, Knud Pontoppidan.

	Knud Pontoppidan, AP Moller-Maersk Senior Vice President

Maersk: Interested in dialogue
"We’ve always had a good relationship with unions in Denmark, and we are always interested in constructive dialogue, that can be useful for both parts", Knud Pontoppidan stated at the conference press meeting. He endorsed ITF Executive Board President Randall Howard's words, "We very much welcome the positive moves made by the company in entering this process with us. We know we are liable to hit obstacles. There is no guarantee of success. But we are impressed with the good faith and trust which has already developed between us", Howard said.

Focus on new code of conduct
A.P. Moller-Maersk recently published a corporate citizenship document emphasizing workers’ right to organise and bargain collectively. A lot of participants focused on how the network can ensure that the company lives up to this new policy, as some unions still discover difficulties working with Maersk.

Hope raises in Jordan
One of the places where the workers are looking forward to a better relationship with Maersk, is the port of Aqaba in Jordan, "For several years, Maersk has denied to enter into collective bargaining with us. But a few weeks ago we received a letter from Maersk stating that they are now ready to negotiate a contract with us. I am sure this is a result of the work of the Maersk Union Network", Mohammad Khrisat, General Secretary of the Port Workers Union of Jordan said.