Job Security


“Dockers’ unions remain in a strong position despite the crisis because employers and governments need skilled port labour to run efficient ports. This labour is especially important in times of recovery and future economic growth.”


Dockers are working in a highly competitive industry where employers are constantly seeking to increase profits and cut costs. The global economic downturn has put an even sharper focus on greater efficiencies and saving money in the short term. These actions have a direct impact on dockers’ job security as operators seek to reduce their costs by casualisation of the workforce. In many ports registered, trained and experienced labour is being replaced by unskilled, casual and unskilled labour, often provided by sub-contractors.

At the same time, the global network terminal operators are seeking to expand by opening new terminals, taking full or part ownership of publicly owned terminals or bidding for concessions as ports are privatised. We want to ensure that cost-cutting and privatisation do not threaten port and dock workers’ job security, terms and conditions, trade union rights and safe working practices. We emphasise the importance of long-term skilled labour to the safe and efficient running of ports.

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