Rotterdam lashers’ strike wins new agreement

Dockworkers from FNV Havens win improved pay and conditions after bringing Port of Rotterdam to standstill with biggest ever strike.

Concerted strike action by lashers from International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliate, FNV Havens, has won a new agreement which will guarantee the safety, health and pay of lashers now and in the future.

https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/rotterdam-lashers-strike-wins-new-agreement

The lashers’ organising and action, the biggest ever seen in the Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s busiest and largest port – brought the port to a standstill last week.

After 10 companies sought to ban the strike in the Dutch courts, it was instead ruled that lashers were to return to work for four days this week while negotiations for an agreement were renewed.

By last night – Thursday – an agreement in principle was reached with employers International Lashing Services B.V. and Matrans B.V.. FNV members approved the agreement today, bringing the strike to a successful end: the lashers’ won a 17 to 20 percent pay rise over the next three years, in addition to agreements on safe work and making lashing more attractive for young people.

“With this new agreement, won through our workers’ collective organising and strength, FNV Havens members have made lashing in the Netherlands a safer industry now and in the future,” said Niek Stam, FNV Havens leader and ITF Dockers’ Section First Vice Chair.

“The job of a lasher is tough, physical work that can impact on health – that’s why it’s crucial that this essential work is attractive for the young people we need to come into the industry.

“It’s only right that companies ensure that lashers’ work is balanced to ensure that they can retire in good health and receive the wages they deserve. And we’ve won that outcome thanks to our members, our colleagues in the Port of Rotterdam and everyone who stayed in solidarity behind our members’ cause.”

In Rotterdam, a container is handled every three seconds, meaning that on every day of the strike some 25,000 containers could neither be loaded or unloaded. At the peak of the strike last week, there were thirty container ships unable to unload and left waiting in the Rotterdam anchorage area.

The failed appeal to the courts by port companies argued that the strike was irresponsible due to the impacts it would have on supplies of goods throughout Western Europe.

Enrico Tortolano, ITF Dockers’ Section Coordinator, said: “This powerful win from the lashers at FNV Havens sends a strong message right across the world: dockworkers won’t be taken for granted in the Netherlands or anywhere else. And if they are, they will organise, fight for their rights and win.

“The work done by lashers is crucial to all of us. It keeps the world’s supply chains moving, meaning that we depend on lashers for everything from food to medicines – their demanding work deserves fair reward.”