The Tugboat Captains are refusing to perform operations in the Canal because they have serious concerns regarding health and safety after the ACP’s unilateral decision to reduce the number of crew on the tugboats. This is compounded by concerns they have previously raised regarding the excessive overtime being required of Tugboat Captains, which has led to fatigue and is having a grave impact on their health and wellbeing. The same concerns were also raised by the independent National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) in their findings https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAB1737.pdf which uncovered that the cause of the collision was due to fatigue because of excessive working hours.
The ITF is astonished and disappointed that the ACP has taken such an adversarial position against the workers and the Union de Capitanes y Oficials de Cubierta (UCOC) when all they want is to ensure safe operations in the Canal. The ITF strongly encourages the ACP to withdraw the sanctions and enter into a constructive dialogue with the unions
ITF Condemns the Panama Canal Authority issuing sanctions against Tugboat Captains
news
Press Release
ON THE GROUND
news
Glenton “Glen” Wood
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of Glenton “Glen” Wood, a towering figure of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and a deeply respected trade unionist across
news
Stephen Abima
It is with deep sadness and fond memories that the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has learned of the passing of Stephen Abima, former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Transport
news
Press Release
ITF condemns Black Sea vessel attacks and calls for protection of seafarers
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned the latest attack on vessels operating in the Black Sea, warning that seafarers must never be treated as targets in conflict and