Dockers in Mosjøen are in dispute over claims that their employer, Mosjøen Industri Terminal (MIT), a subcontractor at Alcoa's facility, has failed to pay money owed to them for their work and that they have been illegally locked out since early May.
Meanwhile an ongoing dispute in the port of Risavika is showing no sign of resolution. Workers there have been on strike for nine months over alleged attempts by employers to override International Labour Organization regulations that protect the status of dockers and subsequently restrict who can unload and load cargo. There have been a number of solidarity actions carried out in relation to this.
In response to the situation in Mosjøen the Norwegian Transport Workers' Union (NTF) has now subpoenaed MIT for the unpaid bills and illegal lockout and is expecting a court date in the coming weeks.
ITF president and dockers’ section chair Paddy Crumlin said: “We have been and will continue to support dockers in Norway. Whether it be in court or by way of international solidarity, we and dockers’ unions around the world will be right behind these workers as they deal with any attempts by employers to undermine their position as professionals with the right to secure, protected work for a decent wage."
