ITF Highlights Trade Union Issues at APM Terminals in Latin America

Workers at certain APM Terminals, part of AP Møller-Mærsk, are still facing certain challenges in their everyday work, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) told Maersk during the group’s annual general meeting held yesterday.

These, in particular, relate to the industrial relations of terminals located in Latin America, the ITF said, stressing the need for these to be addressed.

The challenges were identified following a recent meeting of ITF affiliates in the region held in Buenos Aires.

“As investigations are currently ongoing, we would be unable at present to disclose details on the issues,” an ITF spokesperson told World Maritime News when asked for a comment on the type of issues that needed to be tackled.

“Positive industrial relations do exist in many Maersk workplaces around the world. It is now vital that this applies to all regions and workplaces. The ITF also wish to see Maersk implement best practice when engaging third pay suppliers and contractors,” the union federation said in a release.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Maersk to improve the relationship with our affiliates that are mutually beneficial for both parties. A growing world economy with demand for trade worldwide is important for the health of the company’s shipping and ports business, and a profitable company is good for its workers,” ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel commented.

APM Terminals’ presence in Latin America includes facilities in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.

In March this year, the company marked the first year of operation of its Lázaro Cárdenas terminal in  Mexico, which is the country’s first semi-automated terminal.