The ITF Maersk Network is playing a role in achieving recognition of unions within the global company.

July 2007

Transport workers and unions are making progress with world transport leader A. P. Moller-Maersk. In Europe and the Middle East obstacles are being removed between trade unions and the Danish based corporation. In Great Britain, the Maersk subsidiary Norfolkline recently reckognised the UK maritime union RMT on three cross channel ferries.

The network made a difference
This happened shortly after the issue was raised with Maersk management at an ITF Maersk Network conference in Copenhagen in April. 55 trade unionists from six continents attended this meeting. RMT had fought for recognition for about a year at that time.

"It is probably a combination of the national work, that has been done, and the network’s effort. There is no doubt, that the pressure and dialogue from the Maersk Network has made a difference, Steve Todd", RMT national secretary says.

First ever union in Aqaba, Jordan
"In the Maersk owned APM terminal in the port of Aqaba in Jordan, workers can now for the first time join an official union. The first ever union committe at the terminal was elected on the 2nd of June. 548 out of total 800 workers at the terminal are union members", Bilal Malkawi, regional head of ITF in the Arab World states.

The union had not been able to gain recognition since APM Terminals started operating in the privatized port in 2004.  Frank Leys Secretary of the ITF Docks Section visited workers in the port in 2006 and raised the issue with the company and the Jordanian authorities.