TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF DOCKWORK

ETF DOCKERS READY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF DOCKWORK

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On 25-29 June 2017 the first-ever meeting of ETF Young Dockers took place in Antwerp, followed by a an automation seminar for ETF members.

The Young Dockers meeting was attended by 40 participants from 8 European countries, who discussed their priorities and visions as well as their engagement in the labour movement and in the ETF. ITF affiliate ILWU Canada was also present to share their experience on organising and mobilising young workers.

‘For many of the young Dockers attending the meeting this was the first direct experience with the ETF and the first contact with militants from other countries’ said after the meeting ETF Dockers’ Steering Committee member Marc Loridan, from BTB-ABVV.

The debates held during the meeting show that they have clear political views and priorities. Young dockers are our present and we need to closely involve them in our movement. Together with them, we need to ensure a sustainable future for ports and port work’.

Commenting on the automation seminar ETF Dockers’ Chair Terje Samuelsen declared ‘The ETF Dockers’ Section has been working on automation and digitalisation already for many years and some of our affiliates have very advanced policies to deal with these processes. However, automation is not an issue that can be dealt with only at port or even national level: it needs a European approach’.

‘That is why we gathered over the last few days: in order to be able to shape the future of dockwork trade unions and their members need to be aware of what has already been done and what changes are to be expected’.

ETF Dockers’ Steering Committee member Niek Stam, from FNV Havens, added ‘We are convinced that port automation is an issue not only for port workers. Job losses in ports mean less income in port areas and less tax-payers, and this will have consequences for local and national economies. At the same time developments in shipping require higher public and private investments. All concerned institutions and stakeholders shall gather to build policies to shape the future and tackle the consequences of increased automation’.

At the end of the meeting Thomas Mendrzik, Chair of the Maritime Section within ETF German affiliate ver.di, said ‘We are still very proud to be dockers and want to give a future to our professions! It is not a matter of denying technological progress, but to force governments, employers and all actors in the maritime logistics chain to take their responsibility on the effects of automation on port workers’.