08 Sep 2009
Protest against DOWA LINE, anti-union shipping company in Japan

On September 11th 2009, ITF affiliate the All-Japan Seamen's Union (JSU) will hold a rally outside Dowa HQ in Tokyo for improved working conditions for seafarers on board Dowa line vessels.

Take Action: Send a Protest Letter

Dowa vessels are not covered by ITF agreements that guarantee decent working and living conditions for seafarers. Their anti-union stance is undermining our Japanese unions in their efforts to improve conditions for seafarers on Japanese owned ships.

Dowa Line is a Japanese shipping company, operating a fleet of bulk carriers trading mainly around the Americas.

Let Dowa know that ITF affiliates stand united together in support of our Japanese unions.

Take Action by sending a protest email using the link above, or unions wishing to send a letter or fax to DOWA can use the following details and model letter:
 

MODEL LETTER TEXT
 

Kazuo Takigawa, President
Dowa Line Shipping
DOWA LINE BLDG.,
37-5, Nishi-Shinbashi 2-Chome,
Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-0003 Japan
Fax No +81-3-3433-7983
 

Hiromi Akasaka,
Dowa Line America Co. Ltd.,
The Dowa Building,
476 Hudson Terrace,
Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632 U.S.A.
 

Dear Sirs,

I/we are writing to express our solidarity with the All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU) in their struggle to improve the conditions of seafarers working on board Dowa vessels.

We share in their deep concern that vessels owned and operated by your company are not covered by any internationally recognized labour agreements. Dowa’s reluctance to negotiate with the JSU seems to be in stark contrast with the vast majority of Japanese owner/operators flying flags of convenience (FOCs). We understand that 85% of FOC ships owned/operated in Japan are covered by ITF approved agreements guaranteeing minimum standards for their crews. Unfortunately it would appear that Dowa Line is in danger of undermining the principles of social dialogue and creating unfair competition through reduced standards.

We believe that in order maintain fair global trade it is essential to construct international relations and ensure that seafarers benefit from acceptable labour standards throughout the maritime industry.

We urge you to reconsider your position and enter into discussions with the JSU without delay.

 Yours sincerely,

For more information, please see these related pages: