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Workers’ rights must be respected on land and sea, ITF tells Maersk

[ March 19, 2024   //   ]

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) said that trade unions must be consulted as shipping company Maersk’s expanded its activities into shoreside logistics at the company’s AGM in Copenhagen on 14 March.
ITF said that Maersk’s expansion into land-side logistics presents opportunities and risks, with the expansion of already complex contracting chains increasing the likelihood of unseen labour and human rights abuses.
ITF maritime coordinator, Jacqueline Smith, said: “When the ITF and Maersk have worked well together, the result has been beneficial for both of us. As Maersk expands, now more than ever it’s vital that it works with trade unions to protect its new and future workers from abuses of their hard-won rights.
“We know only too well that complex supply chains spanning land and sea can hide workers and the abuses they face. If Maersk is serious about the values it trumpets, now is the time for it to live up to its words with actions.”
ITF says research shows that extended contracting chains can lead to more downward pressure on pay, conditions, health and safety. Supply chain complexity, particularly in inland transport, often obscures the impact of these pressures on workers and allowed transport suppliers to avoid responsibility for addressing risks and abuses.
It adds that at a time when supply chain ‘human rights due diligence’ laws are increasingly coming into force or being tabled, greater cooperation between Maersk and trade unions will both protect workers and ensure Maersk become a recognised leader in supply chain accountability – rather than facing legal liability for harms its workers may suffer.
The ITF is concerned about the fate of workers across a number of transport operations Maersk is involved in. For example, Bremerhaven port, Gateway Terminals India and Colombo harbour terminals in Sri Lanka – all of which Maersk holds stakes in – the ITF and its affiliates have concerns including upholding collective bargaining agreements in the face of automation, the provision of health care for employees’ spouses and children, and the failure to provide proper facilities for women – in stark contrast to Maersk’s commitment to promote women in the maritime industry.
ITF Maersk Network Chair and 3F National Secretary for Maritime, Karsten Kristensen, told the Maersk AGM: “Tick-box exercises deeming workers as the most valuable asset in a company are not enough. Meaningful action by the employer, including empowerment of the workforce through positive dialogue with trade unions will, without doubt, also contribute to the success of the company.”

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