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Argentinean unions halt tug services to Maersk

2 October 2008

Backing union recognition demand

Maersk and Hamburg Sud vessels were hit by Argentinian union action in support of a struggle for recognition by Argentinean freezer fishing companies.

All SOMU-crewed tug services to Maersk and Hamburg Sud, which transport containers of fish to the export markets, were suspended.

The other unions - Sindicato de Electricistas y Electronicistas Navales (SEEN); Centro de Jefes y Oficiales Maquinistas Navales (CJOMN); and the Centro de Patrones y Oficiales Fluviales de Pesca y Cabotaje Marítimo (CPOFPCM) - declared they would join the strike if any attempt was made to replace SOMU members on the vessels.

The dispute arose after years of fruitless negotiations between SOMU, an ITF affiliate, and the freezer fishing companies. SOMU was stripped of its recognition and bargaining rights during the military dictatorship of 1976-83.

Unions have protested at the action of the fishing companies in refusing to reinstate the workers’ rights. SOMU intends to continue the action until bargaining rights are respected.

Omar Suarez, General Secretary of the SOMU, said: "This suspension of towing services will continue until the union is recognised and a negotiation procedure is in place to protect seafarers, fishers and dockers. We are not against the idea of companies making profits, but we are convinced that workers deserve a fair share."

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