International support for SATAWU 18-04-08

 

ITF: South African dockers act against Zimbabwe arms shipment

The International Transport Federation has expressed its firm support for its South African transport workers' affiliate SATAWU, following the unions' declaration that its port members will not unload the cargo of the Chinese vessel An Yue Jiang, which is due to dock in the port of Durban, with a cargo of arms destined for Zimbabwe.

The union met with Durban port managers this morning to discuss the situation. It has also declared that none of its members in the trucking sector will move the cargo, which is due to be moved to Harare by road.

SATAWU, a member of the COSATU trade union national centre says the An Yue Jiang, which is owned by Chinese shipping giant COSCO, must return to China with the arms on board, and a peaceful solution must be sought to the political instability in Zimbabwe.

The ITF's FOC Inspector in Durban, Sprite Zungu, is set to go onboard to investigate the situation and make links with the Chinese crew, who are members of the Chinese Seafarers' Union (CSU). The ITF is in contact with the CSU.

"This is an significant act of solidarity with Zimbabwe's working people. The ITF fully, strongly and uncategorically supports SATAWU's actions and will be following this case with the closest of interests," said General Secretary David Cockroft.