Port workers and their unions worldwide are facing enormous changes in their industry. Reforms such as privatisation, deregulation and commercialisation have resulted in massive job losses and changed the nature of port work. In many instances, port workers have taken industrial action to defend their rights and interests.

This resource pack aims to strengthen the response of unions to port reform. It is structured to take unions step-by-step towards developing a strong and focused strategy. It provides information to help evaluate management’s port reforms and to develop union alternatives which are supported by organising and campaigning.

These materials are for:

• Collective bargaining teams and negotiators
• Union education officers
• Shop stewards and worker activists

Each sheet contains Key Questions. By going through the sheets in order, answering these questions, your union should be able to analyse the current situation, develop your proposals and build a strong campaign. If you do not have time or resources to go through the entire pack, it is also possible to identify individual sheets which are relevant to your particular situation.