Georgian dockers take first tentative steps towards new union

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Georgian dockers take first tentative steps towards new union

19 October 2012

Port workers in Georgia are setting up a brand new union in a Georgian port after they were spurred by a successful strike action.

The dockers walked out on strike from 9-10 October in dispute over the use of contracted labour, paid 600 GEL (US$362) per month, significantly less than workers in permanent employment who earned 1000 GEL (US$603); both sets of workers have to purchase their own equipment. They were also keen to highlight the poor working conditions they are having to endure.

Following intervention from the chairman of the Georgian Seafarers' Union Anatoly Chidjavadze and other officials from the Tbilisi Union Confederation, the employer agreed to enter into negotiations on the second day of the strike. The workers agreed to return to work on 11 October, after management said it would consider their grievances, including issues such as pay and working conditions. The workers also began the process of establishing the Poti Port Union, which is set to have a membership of approximately 200. It held its first meeting in the union hotel "Solidarity", located in the town of Kobuleti, which was organised by confederation officials.

Merab Chijavadze, ITF inspector in Batumi, said: ?The dockers have taken their first steps towards setting up the Poti Port Union. After it has been officially established, the union is likely to receive support and help from the Georgian Seafarers' Union and to rejoin the Tibilisi Union Confederation, which came to the workers? assistance during the dispute.?

On Tuesday 23 October Poti Port Union activists will hold a meeting led by representatives from the union confederation and Anatoly Chidjavadze during which they will put together a union charter.

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Source: http://www.itfglobal.org/news-online/index.cfm/newsdetail/8037?frmSessionLanguage=ENG

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