The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) welcomes the victory of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in their fight to protect their work jurisdiction at Ørsted’s offshore wind operations at the Port of New London, Connecticut.
"This is a monumental win for the ILA, Local 1411, and the entire rank-and-file of the union," said ITF President Paddy Crumlin. "Their eight-month campaign, fuelled by unwavering solidarity and strategic action, demonstrates the power of collective action in securing fair treatment and protecting jobs."
Crumlin commended the commitment and dedication of ILA members on the picket lines, as well as ILA leadership, praising their tireless efforts of ITF affiliated unions like 3F Transport, Co-Sea/Dansk Metal, ver.di and the Maritime Union of Australia, and the International Dockworkers Council, alongside support from industry partners including terminal operator Gateway and Siemens Gamesa. The dialogue between the ILA, ITF and industry partners, along with the intervention of Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, were instrumental in resolving this dispute and serves as a model for future projects.
"This victory sends a clear message to employers worldwide: respect workers' rights and engage in genuine dialogue," Crumlin emphasised.
Crumlin thanked the thousands of activists who supported the campaign from around the world, and reiterated ITF’s call on Ørsted to work with unions to advance decent work and deliver the plans we need to both secure jobs and our climate.
“Working with unions, Ørsted can mitigate the effects of climate crisis on workers and ensure that they are central to transforming industry to greener alternatives,” said Crumlin. “Transport workers are vital to Ørsted’s supply chain, and we stand ready to cooperate with Ørsted to ensure the smooth delivery and continued service of their offshore wind projects globally.”
ENDS
Media contacts: media@itf.org.uk
About the ITF: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a global, democratic, affiliate-led movement of 740 transport workers’ unions recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve working lives; connecting trade unions and workers’ networks from 153 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for their members. We are the voice of the 20 million transport workers who move the world.
