Europe: European dockers’ protest against deregulation of EU harbours.

Demonstrations of dock workers took place in several European cities yesterday against EU plans to deregulate harbours.

There was a 24-hour strike in the ports of Barcelona and Rotterdam, the world’s largest port. The press reported that police made arrests at Rotterdam. In both cities there were international demonstrations.

The action was called by the International Dockers’ Council and the European Transport Workers’ Federation.

Dock workers are protesting an EU directive that would end rules that require shippers to use local union labour. This would mean big business would be able to hire unqualified and low paid workers to do expert and often dangerous dock work.

Le Havre, France, was also blocked on Monday. Other EU states, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal saw dockers’ protests.

Photos from the main dockers’ protest in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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