Week of action reaches midpoint

Week of action reaches midpoint with continued gains

The ITF maritime week of action today reached its midway point, with participants reporting scores of ship visits across northern Europe.

ITF inspectors, dockers and union volunteers are checking ships in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the UK (see www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/1328 or the action week’s web page at www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/newa.cfm for more details).

Steve Cotton, ITF Maritime Coordinator, commented: “This has been another first class day, with vessels checked and given a clean bill of health - or targeted for further action if things onboard are going wrong. Across Europe we’ve got inspections and rallies taking place at an increasing pace.”

Initial reports of developments for the third day include (as of 17:00 BST):

Poland: Six ships visited so far today in Gdynia, Gdansk and Szczecin, including the Panamanian flagged, Greek owned M/v Eleni. Boarded by a team of 15 volunteers from NMS NSZZ ‘Solidarnosc’, Dockers Section NSZZ ‘Solidarnosc’ and Polish Seafarers’ Union. Port State Control contacted, expanded inspection ongoing. Negotiations with Greek company, with the Master and Greek superintendent.

The Netherlands: Continuing actions on board vessels calling Rotterdam without an agreement. M/v CMA CGM Maya was not operated by the dockers. Company agreed to sign up the ship with German union Verdi, Similar situation on the M/v EWL Central America. Negotiations with shipowner ongoing. Dockers’ representatives boarded the M/v Bruarfoss because of suspicion of cargo handling by seafarers. The company was warned about the possibility of repercussions if the situation is not rectified. A press release follows (below) in Dutch.

UK and Ireland: Rally held outside the Celtic Terminal in Dublin port. RMT welcomed the 'massive step forward' gained through recognition of the union by Maersk subsidiary Norfolkline. A press release on this follows (below).

Estonia: Two ships visited so far today

Belgium: 10 vessels visited so far today in Antwerp and Ghent

Russia: Six vessels visited so far today

France: Rally and stoppage of M/v Normandie. Meeting with Celtic Line ongoing.

Lithuania: Four ships visited so far today, one agreement to be signed.

For more details of the week of action please see the dedicated area at www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/newa.cfm

where you will find a list of national and port participants. Press releases will follow throughout the week.

ENDS

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