Sixty-three unions representing dock workers from 29 Asia-Pacific countries are set to form a federation of port workers' unions in their respective countries to network and safeguard the interest of port workers, local media reported on June 22.

The national federations would then be linked globally through the International Transport Federation (ITF) to form a worldwide movement which will be specifically dedicated to protect the well-being and welfare of port workers, said the Malaysian organizer, the Union of Employees in Port Ancillary Services Suppliers (UNEPASS).

The networking would enable port workers to “speak with one united voice which would be heard loud and clear by all concerned,” UNEPASS Secretary A. Balasubramaniam was cited by Bernama news agency as saying.

The participants from the 63 unions, who met late last week in Port Klang, Malaysia, just west of the Malaysian capital, represented 47 major ports in the region.

Among countries represented at the meeting were India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Australia.

They also called on privatised port management and global terminal operators in their respective countries to hold periodic dialogue sessions with trade unions before embarking on large-scale outsourcing or sub-contracting.

The meeting also agreed to continue with the annual ITF flag of convenience campaign to ensure that all ships that harbour at the ports were seaworthy./.