Peru's Patricks? Call for solidarity action goes out

Republished from Maritime Union of Australia

Armed troops and police are waging a brutal crackdown against dock workers fighting port privatisation in yet another war on the waterfront, this time in Peru.

Paddy Crumlin, International Transport Workers' Federation president and dockers chair has joined the world outcry over the labour rights violations which include military personnel and police strikebreakers, some dressed as civilians, harassing and detaining dock workers.

"This use of military or para military against dock workers failed in Australian in 1998 when ITF workers of the world showed their solidarity and it will fail in Peru. Sutramporpc Here to Stay!" said Paddy Crumlin who is also National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.

In a circular to the ITF Dockers Section Committee, Frank Leys reports the 585 dockers of Puerto Callao in Peru, members of Sutramporpc downed tools on January 19.

The strike action came after the World Bank gave support for port structuring and privatisation without genuine consultation of the workers and without doubt will also result in the sacking of the organised labour.

"These Dockers are fighting until the bitter end and need your help," said Frank Leys.
The ITF is alerting affiliatiates to at least seven vessels loaded by military strike breakers now on route to world ports.

"I am sure you will give them the appropriate welcome when they call your port," he said.
The ITF has written to the Peruvian President of Peru, Sr. Alan Pérez on behalf the 5 million transport workers, it represents to intervene and cease all Human Rights violations of the port workers.

The union has agreed to resume negotiations with management next Tuesday.
Meanwhile members are urged to send messages of solidarity to "WILMER ESTEVES MORALES"

Meanwhile the ILWU announced a major victory in Costa Rica this summer with Sintrajap (Sindicato de Trabajadores de Japdeva) winning a major battle against State sponsored phoney candidates for their trade union.