Federation happy pay deal sorted with port firm

The International Transport Workers’ Federation has welcomed a new union agreement that reinstates pay and conditions for workers of two union at ports in Papua New Guinea, but concerns remain over the future of 213 workers still without a contract.
The PNG Maritime and Transport Workers’ Union (PNGMTWU) has signed an agreement with Philippines port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) following months of local worker-led protest and international pressure.
ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers’ section, Paddy Crumlin, cautiously welcomed the agreement and congratulated the union and its members, but he raised concerns over the future of 213 workers still without a job offer in Port Moresby.
“This memorandum of agreement is a significant victory for workers who were looking down the barrel of a 50 per cent wage cut,” Crumlin said.
“The ITF congratulates the PNGMTWU and its members for digging in and demanding the pay and conditions that PNG dockworkers have fought for over decades.
“However, the ITF remains concerned that 213 workers are still without a contract after receiving termination notices from the former concession holder at Port Moresby.
“The transition of these jobs to the new Motukea terminal needs to be urgently addressed by ICTSI.”
The signing of this agreement shadows months of disruption, following the awarding of concession agreements to ICTSI for the operation of PNG’s two major ports in October last year, which had meant a cut in pay and inferior conditions for workers.