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ITF unions are stepping up their campaign to stamp out union-busting in ports. Attacks on unions are an age-old problem, but they have intensified over the past few years as port restructuring takes place around the globe. Employers are taking the opportunity of restructuring to sideline and even to try and wipe out union organisation.

Port workers intensify campaign
During its takeover of the Marsaxlokk Freeport in Malta in mid-2001, the French-based international maritime company CMA-CMG wanted an undertaking from the unions that they would take no industrial action for five years but resort instead to an appointed private arbitrator. Both unions in the port refused. Tony Zarb, General Secretary of the ITF-affiliated General Workers’ Union (GWU), said: “We made it clear that such matters are not on our agenda. We do not even want to discuss it.”

Anti-unionism can manifest itself in many different ways. It can be obvious and aggressive, for example when an employer threatens unionised workers with the sack or withdraws pay increases or benefits if they refuse to leave the union. It can also be more subtle and less obvious, such as sidelining unions from consultation during restructuring, or changing permanent jobs into casualised ones, which undermines union strength. Of particular concern is the increasing trend for employers to get cargo-handling done by seafarers or by cut-price, non-unionised port companies.

The new European Union Directive on port reforms is a case in point. It entails a deregulation of the dock labour system, proposing to bypass the port registers of dock workers provided for under ILO Convention 137. Despite lobbying from many quarters and a day of action by European dockers on 25 September 2001, the draft directive allows cargo-handling by untrained and unregistered port workers and seafarers. Not only is this a serious safety hazard but it undermines the organisation of a properly trained and skilled port labour force.

Dockers’ international solidarity has a long history in the ITF, going back to the formation of the federation over 100 years ago. More recently it was re-emphasised when representatives from over 50 affiliates signed an “International Solidarity Contract” in June 1997. This committed them to supporting any ITF union fighting attempts by employers to undermine its strength, particularly during port reform.

The renewed international campaign
The renewed international campaign against union-busting aims to galvanise ITF affiliates, now not just on a case-by-case basis but into concerted action.

A key focus is on the core conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) concerning basic trade union rights. The campaign will include educating members, employers and local authorities on these fundamental rights.

Affiliates will take action appropriate to their local circumstances, according to local custom and practice and their own legal situation. Some will engage in lobbying and negotiations; some in rallies, marches and demonstrations; some may take industrial action such as strikes, boycotts, work stoppages, or overtime bans.

The emphasis will be on mobilising local members, so as to build union strength. They will also be encouraged to form alliances with local organisations, collect signatures on petitions, hold exhibitions, and keep the local press informed. Union newspapers, magazines and websites will be used to get the message out.

The ITF Secretariat will keep affiliates informed of each other’s activities, and where necessary encourage them to support with solidarity action.

The fact that many workforces in different ports around the world now share the same employer, the multinational companies involved in ports since privatisation, gives new meaning to the type of solidarity that is possible between port workers.

Charleston victory sets example A recent case from the US illustrates how well solidarity can work. Five dockers from the port of Charleston faced heavy prison sentences after being unfairly charged with rioting when they were merely attempting to defend their jobs against non-union labour. Widespread support from within the US, both locally and nationally, was due to be backed up by an ITF global day of action on the opening day of the trial. In early November 2001, however, the case was dropped, in exchange for a plea of “no contest” to low-level misdemeanour charges. The plea is not an admission of guilt. ITF Dockers’ Section Secretary Kees Marges commented: “The union movement can be proud of these five brave men. “It can also be proud of the unity and solidarity demonstrated by union members in the US and worldwide, which helped to ensure this victory.”