In the Wake of Oslo Attacks, A Path Forward for Labor?
“For all dead comrades, not a minute's silence, but a life of struggle."
—Olav Magnus Linge, Norway's Socialist Youth
The labor movement has always derived its power from its ability to mobilize people as a collective whole. But that potential to catalyze social action, and to resonate across lines of color and nationality, is precisely what makes the movement a political target around the world. And that's why the attack on young progressive activists in Norway was both shocking and yet not unpredictable.
When taking aim at the Utøya summer camp of the Labour Party Youth Movement (AUF), the killer knew exactly what he was destroying: the next generation of young people who would challenge right-wing ideologies. Though it was a relatively mainstream political gathering, the camp symbolized the kind of inclusive society that extremists like Anders Behring Breivik view as a key obstacle to their agenda of engulfing Europe in racist barbarism.
The attack could have been directed at a cultural symbol of “foreignness” in Norway—an immigrant neighborhood or a religious institution, perhaps. But what made the camp a more ideal target was that it encouraged transcendence of cultural allegiances and envisioned a society that could move past ethnic and sectarian conflict. That is, labor was attacked because its strength stems from solidarity rather than divisiveness and exclusion--the political currency the far-right trades on.
The bloodshed in Oslo appears to have injected fresh urgency into campaigns for workers' rights and social equity. The Norwegian trade union coalition, LO, has posted statements of support from other unions around the globe, including some in places where assaults on economic and human rights are more routine, like Palestine, Syria and Colombia.
In a collection of solidarity messages on the International Transport Workers' Federation website, Victor Moore of Australia's Rail Tram and Bus Union said the victims “shared a dream of hope for the future and support for the cause of labour.” Reflecting on labor's history of youth organizing, he added:
we remember also the many sacrifices and acts of courage by youth across the globe in support of democracy and trade union rights. Trade union solidarity knows no borders and is a powerful force for hope and change.
M. Raghavaiah, general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen, said the “barbarian acts” resonated with past attacks in Mumbai, which spurred citizens and workers' organizations “to come together and put up an act of substance” by aiding in the post-crisis recovery.
Although Breivik, who had been linked to the right-wing Progress Party, saw Labour as a whole as too tolerant of immigrants and Muslims, the AUF was known for more radical leanings than the mainstream Labour Party. According to Britain's Socialist Worker Party paper, the AUF often publicly criticized the government's policies on issues like Norway's refugee community and involvement in the Afghanistan war under NATO.
Representatives of the International Socialists are reportedly planning a mass mobilization in the wake of the attacks that will include Oslo's LO, with hopes that AUF members will also “continue their political activities in honour of the victims. ... We want a demonstration in solidarity with the AUF, but also for a multicultural society, tolerance and unity against racism.”
In the wake of such unimaginable horror, a path forward through direct action is difficult to contemplate, particularly when many unions in highly industrialized countries tend to focus on bread-and-butter workplace issues. Yet some hope the Oslo attacks could reinvigorate militant labor activism.
To socialist commentator Dave Stockton, it isn't the state of Norway per se that needs protection from the right, but rather, “the values of international solidarity,” which encompass Norwegian Muslim communities as well as peoples struggling against oppression in Palestine and across the Middle East. In the labor movement at home, Stockton pointed to “the need to organise our own stewards, our own security, our own defence against the far right who will aim to use the crisis to rally ever more enraged people to their ranks.”
So far it's not clear what shape this united front would take, but the discussion does give new valence to strategic mass mobilization. And it sheds light on ongoing threats that fueled the political climate from which Breivik emerged.
The Socialist Worker pointed out that among the many groups and outlets that inspired Breivik's rhetoric (on both sides of the Atlantic), the ultra-right wing English Defence League had a special place. Weyman Bennett of London-based Unite Against Fascism told the paper, “There’s a network of Nazis across Europe who support and sustain racists like Breivik. What happened in Norway shows we have to redouble our efforts against the racist ideology of Islamophobia.”
Writing from London, author and activist Alan Woods said labor's most effective tactic against the extreme right would be organizing on the street, rather than alignment with the official law enforcement response. Norway's government, he argues, has pivoted to the right along with other European leaders, and an act of terror should not drive people to duck obediently behind the state.
The Labour leader, having correctly emphasized that this was an attack against the Labour Movement, then went on to say that the matter should be left in the hands of the police. This is a mistake. The state cannot be relied upon to provide effective defence against the fascists. The state intelligence services have ignored the activities of fascist groups, and a section of the state always has fascist sympathies. …
The Labour Youth, the Youth Wing of the trade unions, and the Youth of the Socialist Left party should immediately link up to form self-defence committees, linked to the trade unions and the shop stewards committees....
The organised working class must learn to depend only on itself. Only the Labour Movement can combat the menace of fascist and right wing groups. But to do so effectively, it must respond to every fascist provocation by mobilizing the full might of the organised working class. The Norwegian Labour Movement is very powerful. It must use its power to teach the fascists a lesson. The Norwegian trade unions should call a 24-hour general strike to protest this attack.
We're used to seeing strikes and demonstrations in the day-to-day business politics of unions, while grassroots organizing is increasingly distanced from bureaucratic leadership structures. Can labor effectively militate toward ideals of justice, democracy and equality in the face of terror? Now that so many youth have perished in the name of those principles, labor can turn a time of mourning into a moment for reaffirming its purpose.
FROM ASIA PULSE (AUSTRALIA):
***GARUDA PILOTS SHOULD BE JUDGED BY INT'L STANDARDS: ITWF
2 August 2011
JAKARTA, Aug 2 Asia Pulse - Pilots should receive international standard appreciation and not be compared with those overseas, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) coordinator said.
ITF coordinator for Asia Pacific Hanafi Rustandi said in Miami when he was contacted from here on Saturday that Garuda Indonesia airlines should have consulted the Garuda Pilots Association (APG) before deciding to hire foreign pilots.
Garuda pilots on July 28 staged a strike for a number of reasons, among others, Garuda`s step to recruit foreign pilots, difference in pay standards and clogged communications between the pilots and management so that a collective labor agreement has remained unsigned since 2009.
"ITF fully supports the equality in salaries and welfare improvement the pilots are aspiring to," Hanafi said in Miami when he was contacted from Jakarta.
Referring to the collective labor agreement which had not yet been signed between the management and the workers, Hanafi said the agreement was a "sacred` book for the workers and the management.
Garuda pilots staged a strike on July 18, 2011 causing a number of flights to be delayed but later in the day they decided to end their strike after the minister for state-owned enterprises mediated.
The pilots were demanding an increase in their salaries to an amount equal to those of foreign pilots in Garuda.
The pilots demanded an increase because the amounts of their salaries were not equal to foreign pilots who were contract workers.
The salaries of foreign pilots were considered far higher than those of local pilots. A foreign co-pilot is paid US$7,200 or about Rp61 million per month while a local captain pilot only gets a total income of Rp40 million per month.
On July 21, 2011, the APG had asked the management of Garuda to heed their demand for a wage increase, giving it time until July 28, to meet their demand. If not, the pilots would stage a strike.
(ANTARA) cg $all $id $air
JAKARTA, Aug 2 Asia Pulse - Pilots should receive international standard appreciation and not be compared with those overseas, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) coordinator said.
ITF coordinator for Asia Pacific Hanafi Rustandi said in Miami when he was contacted from here on Saturday that Garuda Indonesia airlines should have consulted the Garuda Pilots Association (APG) before deciding to hire foreign pilots.
Garuda pilots on July 28 staged a strike for a number of reasons, among others, Garuda`s step to recruit foreign pilots, difference in pay standards and clogged communications between the pilots and management so that a collective labor agreement has remained unsigned since 2009.
"ITF fully supports the equality in salaries and welfare improvement the pilots are aspiring to," Hanafi said in Miami when he was contacted from Jakarta.
Referring to the collective labor agreement which had not yet been signed between the management and the workers, Hanafi said the agreement was a "sacred` book for the workers and the management.
Garuda pilots staged a strike on July 18, 2011 causing a number of flights to be delayed but later in the day they decided to end their strike after the minister for state-owned enterprises mediated.
The pilots were demanding an increase in their salaries to an amount equal to those of foreign pilots in Garuda.
The pilots demanded an increase because the amounts of their salaries were not equal to foreign pilots who were contract workers.
The salaries of foreign pilots were considered far higher than those of local pilots. A foreign co-pilot is paid US$7,200 or about Rp61 million per month while a local captain pilot only gets a total income of Rp40 million per month.
On July 21, 2011, the APG had asked the management of Garuda to heed their demand for a wage increase, giving it time until July 28, to meet their demand. If not, the pilots would stage a strike.
FROM SCOOP (NZ):
***International Bargaining Forum Reaches Three Year Agreement
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 10:45 pm
Press Release: Joint Press Release |
2 August 2011
Joint press release: International Bargaining Forum Reaches Three Year Agreement
The IBF (International Bargaining Forum), which comprises representatives of the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation), on behalf of seafarers, and the JNG (Joint Negotiating Group,) on behalf of employers, reached a final agreement during its negotiations, held in Miami on 27th and 28th July.
The conclusion, which has been hard fought by both sides, has resulted in a three year deal being applied to all IBF agreements with effect from 1 January 2012 and includes an incremental pay increase over the three year period. A 2% increase will be applied on 1 January 2012, a further 2.5% increase will be applied on 1 January 2013 and the final 3% increase will be applied on 1 January 2014.
Under the terms of a new methodology as agreed between the parties during 2010, the percentage increase will be applied to an element which includes both pay and union funding; however the specifics of the application of the increases between Officer and Rating categories and funding elements, will be decided at Local Negotiations between individual Union Affiliates and the Employers.
Further cost items agreed during the negotiations include the introduction of an incentive increase in ITF Welfare Fund rebates to the IBF of an additional 5%, on top of the current 5%, if the number of vessels being covered under IBF agreements increases year on year by 2%, 2% and 1% during the years 2012 to 2014 respectively.
As well as discussing cost issues, the parties to the IBF spent considerable time discussing specific amendments to the Articles of the IBF Collective Bargaining Agreement that included such items as changes to the period that is defined as probationary when a seafarer commences his or her first term of employment with a Company and references to the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
The issue of piracy was debated at great length and a revised text was agreed on warlike operations / high risk areas. The issue of reviewing the extended area and compensation was held over for further dialogue in the near future.
In addition to the specific amendments to the articles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a revised Memorandum of Agreement was signed which contains additional agreements reached during the entire span of the IBF process that are open and currently relevant, with further items added during the 2011 negotiations. These additions include principles to assist Companies with the development of Disciplinary/Grievance Procedures and Bullying/Harassment Procedures and commitments to maintain future Officer supply through Cadet training and the provision of training berths on board IBF covered ships.
Speaking on conclusion of the IBF Negotiations, Dave Heindel, Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, commented: “The last few years have put a great pressure on both sides of the IBF to be seen to be acting responsibly in support of both the Seafarers and those that employ them. The collapse in the world financial market has led to employers wanting to minimise their cost increases in difficult times; and has put pressure on those who represent the seafarers to understand this financial situation, whilst ensuring that they are protecting the interest and livelihoods of their members. The final agreement that we have reached has demonstrated the ability of the two sides to work together being both constructive and representative. This agreement bears testament to the strength of the IBF process and its ability to reach conclusions in difficult times, on difficult issues.”
Giles Heimann, Secretary General of IMEC and Joint Secretary of the JNG commented: “The final outcome reached by the IBF is both a pragmatic and mutually acceptable agreement for both sides. The IBF system has yet again demonstrated the ability of both sides of the table to work closely together in examining the core issues at hand; and through debate, negotiation, respect for each other’s opinions and understanding, a solution has been found, which allows us all to confirm that we have achieved a good result for our constituents.” Heimann continued by saying “Whilst of course, the specific outcome that will be focussed on is the pay increase, we should not forget that the IBF system of partnership focuses on many other issues - during these negotiations, a great deal has been achieved which supports the IBF process into the future, as well as agreeing to the pay settlement.”
FROM STA (SLOVENIAN NEWS AGENCY):
***Delo Says Luka Koper Becoming Prisoner of Politics
2 August 2011
Ljubljana, 02 August (STA) - The daily Delo blasts in Tuesday's commentary
the strike of container crane operators at the port of Koper, saying that
port operator Luka Koper is becoming a prisoner of politics, interests and
strikes instead of being a flagship company.
Luka Koper has managed to make some important steps recently. It avoided
becoming a part of what would be a detrimental logistics holding and
attracted serious investors, which could bring some money for the necessary
and long-awaited development.
The strike at the port is not an ordinary strike, as it involves less than
20% of the employees at the port whose monthly gross pay last year stood at
almost EUR 2,500, Delo says under the headline "Prisoner of Politics,
Interests and Strikes".
In the middle of summer and amongst vacations, the strike broke out without
a legitimate reason or cause, damaging one of the most strategic companies
in the country for half a million euros so far.
But the money is actually irrelevant compared to what lays beneath the
story. The crane operators have the support from the trade union of
national railway operator Slovenske zeleznice, port workers from Italy's
Trieste, the International Transport Workers' Federation, and even from
some (more Italian than Slovenian) politicians.
Slovene Press Agency (STA)
FROM LLOYD'S LIST:
***International Bargaining Forum seals three-year pay deal
The seafarers’ pay deal runs from January, 2012, and increases wages for the IBF model ship by 2% in 2012, 2.5% in 2013 and 3% in 2014.
Settlement reached after tough negotiations in Miami
A NEW three-year pay agreement for seafarers has been secured at the International Bargaining Forum following tough and extended negotiations in Miami last week.
The agreement, running from January 2012 to the end of 2014, increases the pay for the IBF model ship by 2% in 2012, 2.5% in 2013 and 3% in 2014. The IBF agreement applies to ships operated by employers in the Joint Negotiating Group, which negotiated the deal with the International Transport Workers Federation, representing seafarers.
The agreed percentage increase applies to an element including both pay and union funding. Details of how the overall ship level wage increase is applied to specific officer and rating ranks is subject to local negotiations between individual employers and seafarers trades unions. In recent years the shortage of officers has meant that they have fared better than ratings in terms of pay.
The latest agreement also included other items affecting costs. An incentive increase in ITF Welfare Fund rebates to the IBF has been introduced for an extra 5% in addition to the existing 5%. This is dependent on the number of vessels covered by the IBF agreements increasing in each of the three years 2012-2014 by 2%, 2% and 1% respectively.
In wide-ranging negotiations the IBF talks also covered other detailed items, including changes to the recognised probationary period in a seafarer’s first period of employment with a company and a revised text on operations in high-risk areas such as those subject to piracy. However, the issue of compensation was put off for further negotiations.
The IBF also agreed commitments towards maintaining the future supply of officers through recruitment and training of cadets and the provision of onboard berths for trainees on ships covered by IBF agreements.
Employers and unions expressed general satisfaction with the deal, which has been secured at a time when most of the shipping industry is going through tough times, with increasing pressure on operating costs, of which crew wages are the biggest single component.
ITF seafarers’ section chairman Dave Heindel said: “The last few years have put a great pressure on both sides of the IBF to be seen to be acting responsibly in support of both the seafarers and those that employ them. The collapse in the world financial market has led to employers wanting to minimise their cost increases in difficult times and has put pressure on those who represent the seafarers to understand this financial situation, whilst ensuring that they are protecting the interest and livelihoods of their members. The final agreement that we have reached has demonstrated the ability of the two sides to work together.”
Giles Heimann, secretary-general of employers’ organisation the International Maritime Employers Committee and joint secretary of the employers’ Joint Negotiating Group, said: “The final outcome reached by the IBF is both a pragmatic and mutually acceptable agreement for both sides. While of course the specific outcome that will be focused on is the pay increase, we should not forget that the IBF system of partnership focuses on many other issues. During these negotiations, a great deal has been achieved which supports the IBF process into the future, as well as agreeing to the pay settlement.”
FROM TRADEWINDS TODAY:
***Crew pay rise confirmed
Seafarers can look forward to a fatter pay packet after two years of wage talks came to an end.
Negotiators from the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Joint Negotiating Group shook hands on a new pact after a meeting in Miami, it was confirmed this morning.
While the fresh deal will come as little surprise as the news was leaked on twitter yesterday, a statement today did provide further details of the agreement.
Crew pay will pick up by 2% from the start of next year, with a further 2.5% rise kicking in from January 2013 and an extra 3% added the year after.
There are also changes to the terms covering crew working in pirate infested waters, although no details were provided.
Attempts to reach the ITF for explanation were unsuccessful at the time of writing Tuesday.
According to the statement principals will also be required to assist companies with developing disciplinary and anti-bullying procedures.
They must also commit to maintaining officer supply by supporting cadet training and offering berths on their ships trainees.
Giles Heimann, Joint Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Committee, says the final outcome is both a pragmatic and mutually acceptable.
Mermaid Marine diving
Shares in Mermaid Maritime Australia have fallen during the past week as investors got the jitters from ongoing strike action.
The stock fell by around 10% from just over AUD 3.30 ($3.6) per share in the second half of last week before clawing back a little of their value in the past two days.
The 30 stevedores at the company’s base in Dampier, Western Australia are currently on their third walkout over a pay dispute.
The workers, covered by the Maritime Union of Australia, carried out a four day stoppage in mid July and another late last month.
The most recent strike was initially supposed to begin on Friday for 24 hours and be repeated today for 48 hours.
But the workers issued a second statement on Friday saying the action would continue until this Friday if talks do not reach a satisfactory conclusion.
That would effectively shut the company down for up to 10 days.
Mermaid Marine is carrying out work for the Chevron-led Gorgon LNG project on Barrow Island.
The consortium behind the giant project has said that work has not been disrupted by the walkouts.
There is still no sign of a breakthrough in the negotiations.
OTHER LANGUAGES
FROM INFORMARE (ITALY):
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***Raggiunto un accordo triennale in seno all'International Bargaining Forum
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Introdotti aumenti annuali del livello delle paghe del 2%, 2,5% e 3%
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 L'International Bargaining Forum (IBF), l'organismo che si occupa della negoziazione dei rapporti di lavoro dei marittimi, ha raggiunto un accordo triennale a conclusione delle trattative tenutesi la scorsa settimana a Miami. L'intesa, applicata a tutti gli accordi IBF a partire dal 1° gennaio 2012, prevede aumenti incrementali delle paghe partendo dall'applicazione di un aumento del 2% il 1° gennaio 2012, di un ulteriore 2,5% il 1° gennaio 2013 e di un 3% finale applicato il 1° gennaio 2014.
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Le parti, costituite dall'International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in rappresentanza dei marittimi e dal Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) in rappresentanza della parte datoriale (armatori e agenti), hanno reso noto che l'accordo prevede una nuova metodologia di calcolo in base alla quale l'aumento percentuale sarà applicato ad un elemento inclusivo della retribuzione e delle trattenute sindacali, anche se le specifiche per l'applicazione degli aumenti per le categorie degli ufficiali e dei ratings - hanno precisato - saranno decise nell'ambito di trattative condotte localmente dai rappresentanti dei marittimi e dei datori di lavoro.
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ITF e JNG hanno concordato anche un aumento del 5% dell'importo del contributo versato al Welfare Fund dell'ITF, da sommarsi all'attuale 5%, nel caso in cui il numero delle navi coperte dagli accordi IBF cresca annualmente di percentuali pari al 2%, 2% e 1% nel triennio 2012-2014.
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«Negli ultimi anni - ha commentato a conclusione delle trattative il presidente della sezione marittimi dell'ITF, Dave Heindel - è notevolmente aumentata la pressione su entrambe le parti dell'IFB, che hanno dovuto agire responsabilmente per sostenere sia i marittimi sia coloro che danno loro lavoro. Il crollo del mercato finanziario mondiale ha indotto i datori di lavoro ad affrontare il difficile momento minimizzando i loro aumenti dei costi ed ha messo sotto pressione i rappresentanti dei marittimi, consapevoli da un lato della situazione finanziaria e intenzionati dall'altro a salvaguardare gli interessi e le condizioni di vita dei loro associati. L'accordo conclusivo che abbiamo raggiunto dimostra la capacità delle due parti di collaborare in modo sia costruttivo che rappresentativo. Questo accordo testimonia della solidità della procedura IBF e della sua capacità di ottenere risultati in momenti difficili su temi difficili».
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«Il risultato finale conseguito dall'IBF - ha concordato Giles Heimann, segretario generale dell'International Maritime Employer's Committee (IMEC) e co-segretario del JNG - è un accordo pragmatico e reciprocamente accettabile per entrambe le parti. Il sistema IBF ha ancora una volta dimostrato la capacità di entrambi i lati del tavolo di lavorare in stretta collaborazione all'esame delle principali urgenti questioni e, attraverso il dibattito, la trattativa, il rispetto e la comprensione delle opinioni di entrambi, è stata trovata una soluzione che consente a tutti noi di confermare che abbiamo ottenuto un buon risultato per coloro che rappresentiamo».
UNION/LABOUR RELATED MEDIA
FROM FNV BONDGENOTEN:
***Na strijd komt erkenning voor Turkse werknemers UPS
Ze hebben er keihard voor gevochten, de actievoerders bij UPS Turkije. En met succes, want na maanden van brute intimidatie door hun werkgever, krijgen de 162 werknemers de rechten die ze verdienen: ze mogen zich laten vertegenwoordigen door de Turkse vakbond TÜMTIS.
Foto: Michael Cereghino
"Ik ben blij dat UPS akkoord gaat met het geven van inspraak aan werknemers. Je aansluiten bij een vakbond is een mensenrecht", zegt Reinier Stroo, vakbondsbestuurder bij onder andere UPS Nederland.
Ontslag
Het dieptepunt van de strijd was het ontslag van alle werknemers die lid werden van de vakbond. Op dat moment staakten zij al maanden omdat ze de onmenselijke arbeidsomstandigheden meer dan zat waren. De grillige kant van de internationale pakketbezorger werd hiermee feilloos blootgelegd.
Stroo: "Wat daar gebeurde was niet te filmen. We konden niet toestaan dat dit soort schendingen zomaar plaatsvonden bij zo'n bekend westers bedrijf op een afstand van een paar uur vliegen. We moesten iets doen."
Internationale steun
De internationale gemeenschap werd wakker geschud door acties van vakbonden wereldwijd. De International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), de internationale vervoersbond waar FNV Bondgenoten bij is aangesloten, coördineerde over de hele wereld tegelijkertijd acties om aandacht te krijgen voor deze zaak.
Kenan Öztürk, secretaris-generaal van TÜMTIS, is erg blij met de internationale steun. "Deze overwinning is niet alleen aan ons toe te schrijven. Dit is ook het resultaat van de samenwerking tussen alle vakbonden die zijn aangesloten bij de ITF," laat hij weten op de website ITW.
Kaartenactie
Nederlandse werknemers van UPS steunden hun Turkse collega's met kaarten . "Naast die kaartenactie hebben we ook een berg zand voor de deur van UPS gestort zodat de wagens niet uit konden rijden," herinnerd Stroo zich. "Al met al hebben die acties geholpen en is het kwartje bij de directeuren van UPS in Atlanta gevallen. Dit is het bewijs dat dit soort acties wel degelijk het verschil kunnen maken."
TRANSLATION:
After fighting for Turkish workers will recognize UPS
08/01/2011
Edo van der Goot (web editor)
0 comments
UPS truck
They have fought hard for the activists at UPS Turkey. And with success, because after months of brutal intimidation by their employer, get the 162 employees the rights they deserve, they may be represented by the Turkish union TÜMTIS.
Photo: Michael Cereghino
"I am pleased that UPS agreement to give voice to workers. Joining a union is a human right", says Reinier Stroo, trade union official to include UPS Netherlands.
Dismissal
The low point of the struggle was the dismissal of all employees who joined the union. At that time she gave up for months because of the inhuman working conditions were more tired. The jagged edge of the international parcel delivery was flawless thus exposed.
Straw: "What happened there was no shooting. We could not allow such abuses took place in just such a well known Western company at a distance of a few hours of flying. We had to do something."
International support
The international community was shaken by the actions of trade unions worldwide. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the international transport federation FNV which is connected at, around the world simultaneously coordinated actions to get attention for this case.
Kenan Öztürk, Secretary General of TÜMTIS, is very pleased with the international support. "This victory is not only due to us. This is the result of cooperation between all the unions affiliated to the ITF," he lets know the website ITW.
Kaartenactie
Dutch employees of UPS supported their Turkish colleagues with maps. "In addition to kaartenactie we have a mountain of sand deposited in front of the UPS so the cars could not drive," Stroo reminded himself. "All in all, these actions helped the penny and the directors of UPS in Atlanta cases. This is proof that such actions really can make a difference."
FROM THE ILWU:
The following report from Zenkoku-Kowan, the National Federation of Dockworkers’ Unions of Japan presented this report on the earthquake rescue and reconstruction efforts by Japanese dock workers to the ITF Dockers’ section meeting in Buenos Aires that took place on June 13-14, 20011.
A tsunami-ravaged container yard at the Sendai-Shiogama port.
Our country has been badly affected by the big earthquake and tsunami on March 11 and subsequent nuclear accidents at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
In the wake of the disaster, Zenkoku-Kowan received very warm letters of condolences and encouragement from ITF officials including Paddy Crumlin , the ITF General Secretary and Frank Leys, the Dockers’ Section Secretary as well as our sister unions around the globe. The ITF and many of our brother unions kindly offered us financial support too. On behalf of all the transport workers in Japan, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your warm support and encouragement.
Supported by solidarity expressed by our friends both home and abroad, the members of Zenkoku-Kowan who were directly affected by the disaster have been playing an active role in national efforts toward reconstruction.
As a way of showing our appreciation to our friends in the world, we would like to report on the current situation in the disaster-stricken areas and Zenkoku-Kowan members’ rescue efforts and their activities towards reconstruction.
1. The devastating effect of the earthquake and tsunami
At 14:46 on 11 March, an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale struck northeast Japan. The megathrust earthquake triggered a tsunami of up to 10 meters in height, which inflicted serious damage on the northeast region. The epicenter was located off the northeast coast of Japan and five coastal prefectures, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki were affected by the tsunami. The tsunami-hit area stretched 500 kilometers in length. As of 1 June 2011, three months after the quake, the death toll had reached 15,310. 8,404 people are still missing and 100,527 people are living in evacuation centers. 102,271 houses have been destroyed and 63,636 have been partially demolished.
There were 13 ports in the disaster-stricken areas. At most of the ports, seawalls, quays and cargo handling equipment were badly damaged, making it impossible for these ports to operate for a while. Most of the Zenkoku-Kowan’s branch offices in the areas were either washed away or flooded. About 2,000 Zenkoku-Kowan members were mainly living in six of the 13 ports. Eight members were killed are about 200 houses of Zenkoku-Kowan members were all or partially destroyed.
2. Efforts to address the effect of the disaster
A cracked container yard at the Hitachinaka Port.
Immediately after the 3.11 quake, Zenkoku-Kowan set up a disaster relief headquarters, and despite the poor communication infrastructure,Zenkoku-Kowan has been working hard to locate its members. Usually March is the month for annual wage negotiations for most of the Zenkoku-Kowan-affiliated dockers’ unions; central negotiations for various system changes in each sector of the port industry are also held in March. This year, however, we immediately suspended the ongoing negotiations and decided to focus all our energy and efforts on the support of affected members.
First of all, we worked hard to establish good communication networks with people in the disaster stricken areas. By closely communicating with the government and those in the affected areas, we managed to secure a sea route for the transport of relief supplies, while we made temporary repairs on the ports. Thanks to these efforts, within two weeks, all of the 13 ports resumed part of their cargo handling operations. Members in the disaster-stricken areas, some of whom lost families and houses themselves, have played pivotal roles in the rescue work by handling the cargoes of relief supplies with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible.
The work to remove rubble from port areas is nearing an end and ships are gradually coming back to the ports. However, unless local manufacturing regains its strength, the amount of cargo will never return to pre-disaster levels. The disaster-hit port workers are maintaining their employment by working in neighboring ports with a relatively high level of recovered cargo volume. Employer associations are also supporting workers by temporarily lending used cargo handling equipment to ports in affected areas on a long-term basis. In addition, trade unions and port operating companies are collaborating with each other through rescue work councils they jointly set up both at the central and local level (in disaster-stricken areas).
3. Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident
What has worsened the situation is the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Although the nuclear reactors in the plant automatically shut down following the earthquake, the diesel generators, which were supposed to power an emergency core cooling system didn’t work. It has become clear that the fuel rods melted down and dropped to the bottom of their pressure vessels. Now, the melted cores are being cooled down by injected water. At the No. 1 and No. 3 reactors, radiation was released when hydrogen explosions occurred. Particularly, radiation released from the No. 3 reactor, which uses mixed uranium-plutonium fuel, has very high toxicity. Even the No. 4 reactor whose operation had been suspended, leaked radioactive substances from the spent nuclear fuel. Furthermore, high-level contaminated water is being released into the sea. The situation is still uncontrollable. Tokyo Electric Power Co. said that the cooling system would be recovered by the end of the year, but work has not gone smoothly.
ILWU President Robert McEllrath (Back row left) and ILWU Vice President Ray Familathe, (Back row, right) presented a check for $65,000 to representatives of the National Federation of Dockworkers’ Union of Japan (Zenkoku-Kowan) for relief efforts. The money was donated from the ILWU International, the Coast Longshore Division, Hawaii’s Longshore Division and several ILWU Locals. In the front row of the photo from Zenkoku-Kowan are: Shinji Takagi (Vice President of Onahama Local), Jun Hakozaki (VicePresident of Onahama Local), Akinobu Itoh (President), Hideki Niiduma (President of Onahama Local), Nobuhide Sasaki (Deputy General Secretary of Onahama Local).
The government designated the area within a 20-km radius from the plant off-limits and advised residents within a 20-30 km radius to evacuate. There is a possibility that these areas would become uninhabitable for decades to come.
4. Radiation measurements in ports in Japan
There is a possibility that cargo transported from Japan is contaminated with radiation. Radiation checks on cargo from Japan are carried out in a number of countries. There were cases reported that cargo was returned to Japan due to the detection of high levels of radiation.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan developed guidelines on radiation measurement for export containers and ships, under which radiation checks have been carried out since 20 April 2011. With regard to export containers, radiation levels are measured at the terminal gate at a point 1.5m above ground level on four surfaces (fore, aft, right and left) when the tractor is removed. When the tractor is connected, it is measured on three surfaces (aft, right and left). When the measured dose rates of radiation are all less that 0.3 µ Sv/h, the container should be handled as normal. When one of the measure rates is between 0.3 and 5 µ Sv/h, measures for decontamination such as washing should be taken. When the rate is 5 µ Sv/h or more, related organizations must be informed and the container should be removed and isolated. With regard to ships, dose rates are measured at five points in total: four points for the deck and one point in the vicinity of forecastle. Furthermore, radiation levels of seawater within ports are also measured.
Up until now, most of the containers have been handled as normal. There were very few cases where containers were decontaminated. Decontaminated containers are to be exported after the dose rate falls below the criteria. No radioactive substances have been detected in seawater with ports.
Right after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, port workers in Japan measured radiation levels of containers transported to Japan from Siberia. Looking back, the criteria we followed at the time was very high. In order to ensure safety of port workers and seafarers, it is necessary to share information and take appropriate measures.
FROM NAUTILUS:
Flag of Convenience ships: pay deal agreed
Nautilus International has welcomed a three-year pay and conditions agreement covering thousands of seafarers serving on flag of convenience ships.
Due to take effect from 1 January 2012, the Joint Negotiating Group deal between the International Bargaining Forum, on behalf of seafarers, and the Joint Negotiating Group, on behalf of employers, will deliver a 7.5% incremental pay increase over three years. Unions will negotiate at local level on the detailed application of the increases between officers and ratings, as well as on funding elements.
The JNG talks also covered issues including piracy, bullying and harassment, and cadet training. On piracy, a revised text was agreed on warlike operations/high risk areas. The issue of reviewing the extended area and compensation was held over for further dialogue in the near future.
Agreed additions to the IBF collective bargaining agreement include principles to assist companies with the development of disciplinary/grievance procedures and bullying/harassment procedures, as well as commitments to maintain future officer supply through cadet training and the provision of training berths on board IBF-covered ships.
Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson, who took part in the discussions, welcomes the agreement. ‘The outcome of these negotiations is directly relevant to all members, as it helps to set the baseline for pay and conditions in the industry,’ he points out.
‘In recent months, Nautilus has done a lot of work to highlight the issue of bullying and harassment in the shipping industry and we are particularly pleased that the final IBF agreement addresses this and we hope it will enable some positive action to be taken to tackle the problems and establish good procedures.’
FROM THE SUR:
***МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫЙ ПЕРЕГОВОРНЫЙ ФОРУМ
РАБОЧЕЕ СОГЛАШЕНИЕ
На встрече Международного переговорного форума (IBF / МПФ), состоявшейся в четверг, 28 июля 2011 г. в Майями (шт.Флорида, США), представители, назначенные Совместной Переговорной Группой (JPG / СПГ) и Международной федерацией работников транспорта (ITF / МФТ) соответственно, приняли следующее решение:
1. Коллективный договор МПФ представляет минимальные условия, согласованные между Сторонами, и состоит из следующих разделов:
• Соглашение по партнёрству в рамках МПФ / Рабочая программа (“IBF MOA”)
• Рамочный договор МПФ на 2012-2014 гг.
• Специальное соглашение МПФ.
2. МПФ рекомендует членам МФТ и СПГ соответственно принять настоящее Соглашение МПФ в новой редакции, со вступлением в силу с 1 января 2012 г. на период в три года.
3. Настоящее Соглашение МПФ должно быть представлено к пересмотру на заседании Форума, которое должно быть проведено в даты, согласованные обеими Сторонами, что должно быть не позднее, чем за шесть месяцев до 31 декабря 2014 г.
4. Настоящее Соглашение МПФ применимо только к членам МПФ и к судам, находящимся в управлении у членов МПФ, на которых имеется Специальное соглашение МПФ.
Оно не должно применяться к судам СПГ, не занятым в международных перевозках, и к судам, на которые распространяется Афинская политика МФТ и Политика Майями по круизным судам. (Впрочем, «Подход к судам МПФ в рамках Афинской политики МФТ» был согласован СПГ и МФТ).
5. МПФ пришёл к договорённости о том, что, начиная с 2011 г., центральные переговоры по ставкам заработной платы будут основываться на пересмотренной методологии. Результат этих переговоров будет затем применяться через переговоры местного / национального уровня между компаниями, входящими в СПГ, и членскими организациями МФТ.
6. Новая Расширенная методология расчёта Общей стоимости экипажа (ТСС) МПФ: В соответствии с договорённостями, достигнутыми на заседании Форума МПФ в октябре 2010 г., встрече руководящих участников МПФ в феврале 2011 г., и на заседании Форума МПФ в июле 2011 г., переговоры по заработной плате в рамках МПФ должны проводиться в соответствии с нижеследующей Методологией – начиная с 2011 г. и впредь, если только МПФ не примет иного решения:
Оставляя концепцию общей стоимости экипажа как основу, МПФ сводит роль переговоров МПФ центрального уровня к согласованию процентного повышения («кошелька» или «денежного мешка»), которое должно на равной основе применяться к части «А» каждого модельного судна. МПФ также должен согласовывать суммы денежных выплат для каждой должности (позиции) Модельного судна для каждого нового коллективного договора*. В уже существующих договорах ставки не могут быть снижены.
Определения / критерии того, какие элементы шкалы могут относиться к частям «А» или «В», должны согласовываться на переговорах центрального уровня**. В соответствии с этими критериями, распределение средств между теми или иными элементами в переговорах местного уровня будет решаться в переговорах партнёров местного уровня.
Следующие два момента (в настоящее время определяемых на переговорах центрального уровня) будут согласовываться на переговорах местного уровня:
• Соотношение в распределении средств между комсоставом (офицерами) и рядовыми
• Соотношение в распределении средств между выплатными и фондообразующими элементами.
Это будет относиться только к части «А».
* «Новый коллективный договор МПФ» означает колдоговор, который не существовал ранее, или который не был одобрен МПФ до 28 июля 2011 г.
Согласованные минимальные требования по выплатам для любого нового коллективного договора МПФ:
«Ни общая стоимость всех элементов «А» в Шкале, ни стоимость каждой отдельной позиции не может быть ниже соответствующей стоимости в самом низком из существующих и одобренных договоров МПФ (по модельным судам сравнимым по комплектации экипажей)».
** Согласованное определение / критерий элементов «А» Шкалы заработной платы: «Средства, выплачиваемые Компанией экипажам, профсоюзу (профсоюзам), по требуемым профсоюзами льготам, профсоюзным фондам и проектам».
Кроме того, участники МПФ согласились сохранить следующие принципы:
• Коллективные договоры местного / национального уровня должны быть одобрены политическими органами каждого из партнёров.
• Обе стороны сохраняют право включать наблюдателей от Секретариата в любые переговоры местного / национального уровня.
• Содержание всех статей и приложений Рамочного договора МПФ должно быть отражено во всех коллективных договорах, заключённых через переговоры местного / национального уровня между членами СПГ и членскими организациями МФТ.
7. МПФ согласовал следующие положения в отношении стоимости:
• Полная стоимость части «А» каждого коллективного договора МПФ должна повышаться на возрастающей основе, на 2% в 2012 г., на 2,5% в 2013 г. и на 3% в 2014 г.
• С целью привлечения новых судов под покрытие МПФ будет выплачиваться дополнительный возврат в размере 5%, в дополнение к уже существующему 5%-ному возврату, в Фонд благосостояния МПФ, в том случае и до тех пор, пока соблюдается следующий критерий:
• Что общее число покрытых коллективными договорами МПФ судов повысится не менее чем на 2% в 2012 г., на 2% в 2013 г. и на 1% в 2014 г.
8. Компенсация по смерти и инвалидности в Рамочном коллективном договоре МПФ по ТСС будет по-прежнему индексироваться в процентном отношении к нынешним и будущим повышениям ставок, которые могут быть согласованы МПФ.
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