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Unions begin East Asia joint action

Unions begin East Asia joint action

Taipei: ITF-affiliated trade unions in Japan, Korea and Taiwan are today beginning an East Asian maritime week of action (7 to 11 September). Accompanied by ITF (International Transport Workers Federation) inspectors their members will pay particular attention to problem areas identified by the unions - especially companies that they see as anti-union and guilty of snubbing attempts at dialogue.

In Japan the main target company has been identified as Koutaku Kaiun Co Ltd, and week of action rallies will be held in Osaka on Monday, Imabari (at the company's head office) on Tuesday and Tokyo and Yokohama on Wednesday. The company's ships will be targeted in Osaka, Yokohama and Tokyo. Dowa Lines is also being put on notice that it is time for it to enter negotiations with unions and the ITF. A rally will be held at its Tokyo office on Friday, attended by Canadian and US inspectors who will announce support for the initiative and concern about the company in their home countries.

Taiwanese trade unionists have named Glory Navigation Co Ltd (Taiwan) as their target company and they will send notice of warning letters, and plan to rally at the company headquarters. The company mainly employs Chinese seafarers on low wages.

Korea will concentrate on local dockers' issues in Pusan and are looking out for Seatrade and Koutaku Kaiun vessels.

Graham Young, ITF Head of Maritime Operations, said: "This action follows on directly from joint meetings in Taiwan that identified the companies and areas that the three countries' unions most wanted targeted. From there we will jointly take that forward both this week and in the coming weeks and months."  [07/09/09]