ITF-affiliated unions in Central America have carried out solidarity actions at Honduran embassies in defence of the human and union rights of workers at Puerto Cortes.
Since the coup d'état in Honduras in 2012, dockworkers have reported a militarisation process in the port, apparently with the aim of forcing full or partial privatisation of Puerto Cortes. On February 1 2013, the government officially announced the concession of the port to the Philippine consortium International Container Terminal Services, although there are legal proceedings implemented by different organisations, including the ITF-affiliated Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Empresa Nacional Portuaria (SITRAENP).
Honduras has ratified ILO Conventions 87 and 98, relating to freedom of association and collective bargaining. However, ITF affiliates SITRAENP and Sindicato Gremial de Trabajadores del Muelle (SGTM) have repeatedly stated that the Honduran government is violating these agreements.
Considering these violation allegations and the refusal of the government to negotiate with unions, ITF-affiliates in Central America decided to carry out solidarity actions before Honduras embassies in the region, delivering a document demanding respect for freedom of association and the current collective agreement as well as their opposition to the unilateral privatisation of port services.
The actions were held simultaneously in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Some members met consuls and embassy representatives and the activities were widely reported by media in the region.
Antonio Fritz, Regional Secretary of ITF Americas said: “Similar processes of privatisation have been done behind the backs of the union and as a result have generated harmful effects, including increases in port fares, which affected port users and lower working standards for Dockers, turning out to deepening social problems in the local community. We consider that it should be a process of honest dialog, clear and observing the national legislation and the ILO Conventions.”
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