ITF tells Maersk: Here’s the evidence you wanted; now act

By on Feb 15, 2010

The ITF has now provided AP Moller-Maersk with further proof of its claims that one of the shipping line's Indian subcontractors has been getting away with violent attacks on its workers since April 2007

The ITF is once again asking the Danish company to cut all ties with the subcontractor

At the end of last year the ITF, backed by Indian trade unions, demanded that the company sever all relations with SC Thakur, which it believes is behind three bloody assaults culminating in the latest attacks on October 23rd, 2009, when three members of the Transport & Dock Workers' Union (TDWU) were beaten by Thakur supervisors

The victims had all made court depositions regarding the company's failure to pay their provident fund (social security/pension) contributions They were also told to leave the union As with previous attacks, reports have been made to the police, to Thakur and to Maersk subsidiary GTI (Gateway Terminals India) The police have consistently failed to take any effective action

Maersk's response at the time was that the accusations must be proved before it would take appropriate action

An independent report passed by the ITF to the company on Friday provides strong evidence to suggest that the accusations can indeed be proven, and dramatically underlines Maersk's failure to carry through on its promises

ITF Assistant General Secretary Stuart Howard commented: "We've heard the excuse that not enough was known about the attacks This is now untrue This case has dragged on for three years Maersk has no choice but to act Immediately"

"Maersk's continuing relationship with this company has to end It is totally unacceptable, it is incompatible with Maersk's status as a signatory to the UN Global Compact and it is, frankly, pretty disgusting on human grounds No matter how powerful and well connected SC Thakur is, Maersk have to be brave, grasp the nettle and tell them their relationship is over"