A strike at the Port of Hong Kong which has lasted 40 days is now over.
Members of ITF-affiliate the Union of Hong Kong Dockers, who have been fighting for improved pay and working conditions, have voted to call off their industrial action. The union has accepted a deal stipulating improved wages and further negotiation on working condtions as well as assurance of no retaliation against workers who participated in the strike. The full statement from the UHKD is included in a press statement available here >> (http://www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/8949)
Responding to the news, ITF president Paddy Crumlin commented: “The Union of Hong Kong Dockers, supported by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, has won a real victory: a pay rise and promises of continuing dialogue on working conditions and health and safety. Their bravery has been rewarded. We in the ITF and the wider union movement are proud to have been able to mobilise the international support they deserved and needed.”
He continued: “We trust that Hutchison Port Holdings will now address the issues around the dignity and working conditions of the workers at the port.” Sharan Burrow, general secretary of the ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation), added: “This is an important result for the dock workers of Hong Kong. We congratulate them on their resilience and determination to get a fair deal, and we are proud to have been able to give international solidarity in their quest for justice at work.”
Over 8500 letters of protest were sent to Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT) during the dispute via a LabourStart campaign, as well as thousands of messages of support to the union. International delegations including those from the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and FNV Bondgenoten have helped to secure the positive outcome for strikers. A planned visit by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) will also still go ahead this week.
Get more on how the dispute unfolded on the ITF HK campaign page >> (http://www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/campaigns-3714.cfm)
