Third East Asia week of action begins today

26 September 2011

Third East Asia week of action begins today

ITF inspectors and members of seafarer and docker unions begin a week of action (26 to 30 September) today at major ports in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Russia. Staggered weeks of action are being held in Indian and Sri Lanka in September, November and December, with inspections taking place this week in Cochin, Chennai, Colombo and Tuticorin.

The action – the third this year – is linked to the ITF’s flags of convenience and ports of convenience campaigns, and will focus on the condition and provision of lifesaving and cargo- related equipment, as well as on crew terms and conditions.

In Japan, checks will be made at the port of Mishima-Kawanoe following reports of injuries, particularly among casual workers working long shifts there. Trade unionists will rally outside the premises of shipowner Kotoku Kaiun, which has refused to sign ITF agreements, as well as in front of the head office of Dowa Line in Tokyo.

In Korea, activities will take place at the ports of Pusan, Incheon and Ulsan, followed by rallies at Pohang, Pusan and Incheon in support of the ILWU union’s struggle to represent workers at the Port of Longview, which is part owned by Korean company STX.

In the Russian Far East the following ports will be targeted: Vladivostok, Nakhodka and Vostochniy.

ENDS

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