World dockers back London Gateway Solution
World dockers back London Gateway
Solution
World dockers’ union representatives
meeting in London today unanimously backed the involvement
of Unite the Union at the London Gateway
terminal.
Speaking from the meeting of the ITF’s
dockers’ section committee, which brings together ports
union leaders from around the world, ITF president and
dockers’ section chair Paddy Crumlin stated: “The
situation is simple. London Gateway is a major DP World
project. DP World is firmly on record as valuing the
contribution of workers and unions. Unite the Union is
equally committed to a positive outcome at London Gateway.
The company should be talking to them right now about how to
achieve that.”
ITF dockers’ section secretary
Sharon James added: “There is a clear pathway to
successful labour relations at London Gateway. Unite are on
that pathway already. The ITF invites DP World to join
them.”
The meeting passed the following
resolution:
This meeting of the ITF Dockers’
Steering Committee, comprising seventeen dockers’ unions
affiliated to the ITF, meeting in London on 17 April
2013;
Notes that
London Gateway is a flagship terminal being developed by DP
World.
Notes that
Unite the Union has sought to engage DPWorld in a meaningful
discussion over union recognition at London Gateway, most
recently in a meeting with London Gateway management on 16
April 2013, and also on several previous occasions in the
past 12 months.
Expresses
concern that the management
of London Gateway has not opened any constructive
discussions with Unite the Union, and that this may be
evidence of an intention to exclude trade unions from the
terminal.
Notes that
on the basis of previous discussions with DP World global
management, that the ITF has received assurances that DP
World values co-operative relations with trade
unions.
Calls for
the ITF Dockers’ Section, including all affiliated unions,
to support any necessary lawful action to ensure that
DPWorld London Gateway respects the principles of
co-operative industrial relations and trade union rights.
Notes that this
will require DPW London Gateway toallow full access for
Unite the Union to its employees, and to demonstrate good
faith in all elements of the union recognition
process.
ENDS