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Defence of labour rights “shall recognise no national boundaries”
10 June 2005
Mining and maritime unions in the Pacific Rim have pledged to stand in solidarity against global capital and to prevent the role of labour being undermined in the transport network. Like capital, they “shall recognise no national boundaries”.
The unions from Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, US and Vietnam were attending the second international Pacific Rim mining and maritime unions seminar led by ITF affiliates, the Maritime Union of Australia and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union of the USA. Held between 22 and 26 May, the seminar focused on the role of solidarity and global cooperation between unions from both sectors in advancing workers’ rights.
Delegates reacted with shock and anger when news reached them of the brutal torture and murder of the Seafarers’ Union of Burma organiser, Ko Moe Naung, by the military junta. The conference was dedicated to his memory.
On a more optimistic note, unions congratulated the Vietnamese trade union movement on its efforts to organise in the challenging environment of an emerging economy seeking inward investment. The ability to organise should not be a cost paid in exchange for free trade and unchecked investment.
The conference also condemned the immoral practice of flag of convenience shipping with its destructive outcomes for seafarers and the environment. Unions backed the ITF’s campaign against ports of convenience and pledged solidarity to defend and extend the rights and position of seafarers and dockers around the world. Delegates also took a strong stand on the abuse of maritime security measures, which violated human and trade union rights.
“The ILWU, CFMEU and MUA are proud to have put this thing together and we want them to continue in building the strength and character of our movement while sending a clear signal to those commercial and political interests that put profit before people, money before morals and war before peace,” said ITF Executive Board Member and Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin.
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