After months of intense negotiations, the Dock Workers’ Union of Liberia records historic win.
Dockers at the Freeport of Monrovia have stood firm in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with APM Terminals Liberia, resulting in a landmark win.
Members of the Dock Workers’ Union of Liberia (DOWUL) at the APM terminal have been locked in intense negotiations and undertaken short bursts of industrial action for months – and their collective determination and unity has paid off with a range of improvements to their pay and conditions.
“This is an historic win for DOWUL and for all Liberian workers who continue to demand fairness, justice, and respect in the workplace – I would like to thank the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Dockers’ Section for their unwavering support and solidarity right through the negotiations and strike,” said Ballah Kpadeh, DOWUL General Secretary.
“We are proud to be part of the ITF, and the ITF-APMT Dockers West Africa Network is critical in our struggle for workers' rights in our region.”
Dockers at the ITF affiliate have been central to huge improvements made at the terminal in recent years, which has seen a notable boost in efficiency and profitability, making it one of the most productive terminals in West Africa.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF Dockers’ Section Chair and ITF President, said: “This is an outstanding achievement by our sisters and brothers in Liberia. Africa is a continent torn apart by decades of imperialism, but despite the many challenges, the ITF under my leadership remains firmly committed to advancing workers' rights in the region.”
Improvements won by DOWUL include a 100 percent increase in educational assistance, 50 percent increases to transportation and food allowances, bonuses based on years of service and an early retirement offer for those aged 50 years old who have more than 10 years of service.
“This is a crucial win not only for DOWUL, but for the entire international dockers’ movement,” said ITF Dockers’ Section Coordinator, Enrico Tortolano.
“As multinational companies record astronomical profits and achieve increased productivity levels, it's essential this translates into better pay, pensions and conditions for the workers. This new CBA shows the power the ITF and its affiliates have when we act collectively and refuse to yield to corporate pressure.”
ENDS
About the ITF: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers’ lives, connecting more than 730 affiliated trade unions from over 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers globally. We are the voice for more than 16.5 million transport workers across the world.
Media contact: Mark Dearn +44 7738 832 413 media@itf.org.uk
