ITF targets Dowa

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Tokyo: The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) -affiliated unions targetting Japanese bulk carrier owner Dowa Line for its refusal to sign ITF crew agreements, writes Anderimar Shipping News.
An ITF statement describes the campaign as being for “improved working conditions on board vessels operated by an anti-union shipping company”.
The  All-Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU) and the National Council of Dockworkers’ Unions of Japan led a protest rally on 11 September outside the Dowa's Tokyo headquarters. They were demanding “decent employment conditions and negotiations towards an internationally recognised labour agreement”.
Graham Young, ITF maritime operations, commented: “The ITF is deeply concerned that vessels owned and operated by Dowa are not covered by any international labour agreements. Dowa’s anti-union stance is undermining the principles of social dialogue and creating unfair competition through reduced standards.”