‘Dynamic economic and social objectives’ are the aim of the CBA made between the ITF-affiliated Moroccan National Union of Port Workers and global network terminal operator APM Terminals (APMT).
There has been support for workers in Tangiers via an international campaign involving dockers’ unions worldwide, and the agreement is being seen as a victory and a signal that moves towards positive labour relations can be achieved.
The CBA lays out a commitment to social dialogue from both sides and respect for trade union rights and labour laws. Other stipulations include time and pay to participate in union activities and improvements around working conditions, health and safety, wages and training and promotion systems.
Said El Hairech is general secretary of the Moroccan National Union of Port Workers, part of the national UMT trade union centre (Union des Syndicats UMT des Transports). He was previously wrongly imprisoned for charges linked to his trade union activities and was only freed following a groundswell of support from dockers’ unions worldwide. He said: “This CBA embodies what we want, dynamic economic and social objectives. Moving forward we need to establish controls and good governance for social dialogue and the respect of sector standards. The union and management are working towards a common goal here: ambitious economic expansion in the framework of a common perspective on social responsibility.
“Our members have stayed strong throughout this struggle, but we wouldn’t be celebrating the success we are today without the support of the UMT, the ITF, particularly the Arab World office, and the support of hundreds of dockers’ unions. They’ve all contributed to this victory.”
