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Job security for port workers

Long-term skilled labour makes for safer and more productive ports

Dockers work in a competitive and increasingly privatised industry. Operators cut costs by hiring unskilled and casual labour, often provided by sub-contractors. This can put lives at risk as untrained workers take on the dangerous job of cargo handling. Dock work is heavily reliant on communication. This is greatly improved by having a regular, organised workforce who are familiar with each other.

The ITF supports its affiliates’ fight to protect:

  • job security
  • terms and conditions
  • trade union rights
  • safe working practices

We emphasise the importance of long-term skilled labour to the safe and efficient running of ports.

For more information contact the ITF dockers' section at dockers@itf.org.uk

Stand up for your rights

Have your members been affected by privatisation or the casualisation of dockers' work? Email dockers@itf.org.uk 

Read the ITF resolution on job security