The International Dockworkers’ Council (IDC), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) are planning to organise an hour of activities on international dockers’ action day on July 7 at 8 am local time.
Under the slogan “Defend Dockers Rights,” the Global Day of Union Action is an opportunity for port workers to call for improved health and safety in the workplace, an end to job deregulation, respect for bargaining rights and collective agreements, the need for universal labour standards in GNTs, the concerns over automation processes in terminals, and social justice.
The organisations said that the aim of the day is to raise awareness with the public about the contribution dockworkers make to the world economy, as well as the risks they face at work every day, and to highlight the growing attacks on working conditions in ports.
“This is the first time the world will carry out a collective action which highlights the contribution of dockworkers to the world economy, and which speaks to the professional risks involved in their work. This action will display the resolve of these works to defend not only the security of their jobs, but also their working conditions, dignity, and collective bargaining power,” Jordi Aragunde, IDC general coordinator, said.
“This day is a reaction to the fact that attacks on dockers aren’t going away, they’re escalating all the time all over the world. The international dockers’ community isn’t going to stand for poor conditions, automation without union consultation or downgrading of the professional status of dockworkers,” ITF president, Paddy Crumlin, said.
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