Dockers unite against Dutch automation plans

This comes as ITF-affiliated union FNV Havens expressed its concern over the potential loss of employment and reduced working conditions as a result of an increase in automation and the expansion in capacity from Rotterdam World Gateway – a joint venture of four shipping lines and global network giant Dubai Ports World – and the construction of Maasvlakte II.

“When taking decisions on port expansion neither the administration nor the port authority in Rotterdam has taken into account the impact it could have on employment, on normal working families in this city,” said Niek Stam, national secretary of FNV ports in the Netherlands.

FNV Havens said it wants to work with employers and the port authority to try and find joint answers to the problems workers are facing, but “management just don’t seem to be interested”.

“Our priority is dialogue and all parties moving forward positively together. Another issue is to secure a collective bargaining agreement for workers at RWG to secure a level playing field in the industry. That’s why we’re holding this rally,” Mr Stam added.

The rally started at 10.30 GMT on Wednesday from Willemskade Rotterdam to Wilhelminaplein and ended at 14.00 GMT.