ITF sounds warning after Rotterdam port verdict

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation)  has warned that today’s written decision by the  Rechtbank Rotterdam court – which found in favour of the city’s Port Authority – should not lead to two terminals at the port’s new Maasvlakte 2 site being rushed prematurely into operation.

The court case had been brought against the authority by port operator Europe Container Terminals (ECT).

Paddy Crumlin, ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers’ section, explained: “This decision should not be taken as a green light to expansion without dialogue. There is a clear need for discussion around a phased implementation of Maasvlakte 2. That must include a dialogue involving all stakeholders, including the representative workers’ union, FNV Havens, and it must cover areas such as job creation, job stability and sustainability. Without that process, the future of one of the world’s busiest and most successful ports – and one with a record of good labour relations – will be put at risk.”