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Solidarity for Japan maritime campaign
17 September 2009
ITF unions are backing a campaign in Japan for improved working conditions on board vessels operated by an anti-union shipping company.
The ITF-affiliated All-Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU) and the National Council of Dockworkers’ Unions of Japan led a protest rally on 11 September outside the headquarters of the shipping firm, Dowa Line, in Tokyo, Japan. They were demanding decent employment conditions and negotiations towards an internationally recognised labour agreement. The rally was part of activities taking place during the ITF’s East Asia week of action; during the week conditions on board flag of convenience (FOC) vessels were inspected and owners encouraged to sign ITF agreements guaranteeing seafarers’ pay and conditions.
In a show of solidarity, some 53 protest letters from supporters and unions - representing more than a million transport workers in 33 countries - have been sent to the company in response to the ITF’s online campaign.
Dowa, which operates a fleet of bulk carriers, has to date been reluctant to negotiate with the JSU, in stark contrast with the vast majority of other Japanese owner-operators of FOC vessels; 85 per cent of them are covered by ITF approved agreements guaranteeing minimum standards for their crews.
Graham Young, ITF maritime operations, commented: “The ITF is deeply concerned that vessels owned and operated by Dowa are not covered by any international labour agreements. Dowa’s anti-union stance is undermining the principles of social dialogue and creating unfair competition through reduced standards.”
More information: http://www.itfglobal.org/solidarity/dowa.cfm
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