ITF says dialogue between Maersk and unions is positive

Representatives of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stated that the dialogue between Danish Maersk Group and unions established by the ITF’s Maersk Network is positive. This was said at the company’s annual general meeting held in Copenhagen on March 28.

The network was formed to promote the needs of workers employed by Maersk, identify priority areas of work and give the ITF negotiating opportunities withing the company.

The ITF representatives informed Maersk about a research that has been carried out amongst ITF affiliates worldwide on the company’s corporate social responsibility policies. The research covered transport workers employed on ships, tugs and in ports.

The research found that positive dialogue and industrial relations exist in many Maersk workplaces.

However, there are still serious challenges in certain areas, in particular with regards to union recognition, and work is therefore needed to share best practice around all the regions of the world, according to the ITF.

“The ITF wants to ensure that, as a major multinational company, Maersk continues to employ workers from all regions of the world, including northern Europe,” the organization said.

Speaking from London, Jacqueline Smith, ITF Maritime Coordinator, commented: “We are pleased that our delegation … has been able to personally deliver to Maersk shareholders the message … that we aim to strengthen our constructive dialogue with the company and are looking to ensure that its corporate social responsibility policies are working.”

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Maersk to achieve an environment throughout its operations that is good for workers and good for its business. A growing world economy with demand for trade worldwide is important for the health of the company’s shipping and ports business, and a profitable company is good for its workers,” David Heindel, ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair, concluded.