The seafarers section of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed support Spanish dockers’ unions in their fight against the liberalisation of the Spanish port system following the royal decree adopted by the Spanish Parliament.
ITF seafarers’ section chair, Dave Heindel, said the decree, which was passed by a narrow majority – 174 in favour, 165 against and eight abstentions – demonstrates that the Parliament disagrees if and how the reform will benefit Spain, Spanish ports or its citizens.
“In addition to the royal decree potentially having a devastating impact on the port workers, there are no guarantees of any improvement in the services or economic return to Spain’s coastal communities where the ports are located.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Spanish dockers and their unions in their fight to protect their jobs, and we strongly urge the Spanish Government to reconsider their decision, which has no other purpose than to attack the workers,” Heindel added.
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