Asia Pacific Dockers To Form Union

PORT KLANG, June 21 (Bernama) -- Sixty-three dockers unions from 29 Asia Pacific countries which met here yesterday, are set to form a federation of port workers union in their respective countries, to network and safeguard the interest of port workers.

The national federations would then be linked globaly through the International Transport Federation (ITF) to form a worldwide movement, specifically dedicated to protect the well-being and welfare of port workers.

The local organiser, Union of Employees in Port Ancillary Services Suppliers (UNEPASS) secretary, A. Balasubramaniam, told Bernama today that the networking would enable port workers to "speak with one united voice which would be heard loud and clear by all concerned."

He said the participants who represented 47 major ports in the region also called on privatised port management and global terminal operators in their respective countries to hold periodic dialogue sessions with trade unions before embarking on large-scale outsourcing or sub-contracting.

Among countries represented at the meeting were India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Australia.

Balasubramaniam said the participants also condemned some unscrupulous port managements which still practised union busting tactics to weaken workers' representation.

The dockers also wanted the management to give priority to safety, health and environment.

The meeting also agreed to continue with the annual ITF flag of convenience campaign to ensure that all ships that harbour at the ports were seaworthy.