The dockers were dismissed from the Madagascan port of Toamasina – which is operated by ICTSI (International Container Service Terminals, inc) for being members of the SYGMMA (Syndicat General Maritime de Madagascar) union.
After joining SYGMMA they faced intimidation and retaliation from management – who gave them two options: leave the union or lose their jobs. They refused and were sacked. Most are struggling to survive. The Court of Madagascar recognised that SYGMMA had the right to organise at the Port of Toamasina. To date, none of the 43 workers who were dismissed for union activity have been reinstated.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers’ section, stated: “The Government of Madagascar is on notice that the global union movement is standing with the Toamasina port workers.”
He promised: “We will not rest until these workers get justice. These protests will send a clear message – these workers must be allowed go back to work”.
Take action now and sign a protest letter. Learn more about the men’s struggle here and don’t forget to follow the protests on Twitter using the hashtag #justice4dockworkers and on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/ITFAPAC
