SDU Opposes Ports of Swedens New Union Policy

Port of Gothenburg Employers organization Ports of Sweden (Sveriges Hamnar) has decided to adopt a new policy regarding dockworkers unions, the Swedish Dockworkers Union (SDU) informed.  Under the new policy, the SDUs influence in all Swedish ports would be reduced to a legal minimum, the union claims. In addition, the new policy reduces the unions role in negotiating working hours and work conditions, and prohibits representatives of the SDU to carry out activities of the union during working hours, the union adds. Reacting to the announcement, the SDU said in a statement that the new policy is likely to have dramatic consequences. The new policy follows the ongoing conflict between terminal operator APM Terminals and the SDU caused by a change in the companys personnel policies. Despite protests by stevedores, the terminal operator started layoffs and the implementation of new work patterns in early April. Described as being aimed at increasing the terminal’s productivity, the measures are expected to result in cuts of 100 dockworker jobs before and during the summer. World Maritime News Staff