SOUTH AFRICA: Australian unionists lead protest

Maritime Union of Australia WA secretary Chris Cain and other MUA members were joined by members of the US International Longshore and Warehouse Union in an unprecedented protest during the 41st International Transport Workers Federation conference held in Durban, August 2-9. Included in deliberations was an award ceremony for former and present leaders of transport unions. One recipient was William Morris, former leader of Britain's Transport and General Workers Union. Morris was instrumental in helping the Tories smash the Liverpool Dockers in their heroic 1995-98 battle for their jobs. Morris set out to isolate the dockers and their union both locally and internationally, in contrast to many unions throughout the world who fought alongside the dockers. The 500 eventually lost their jobs, but memories of their struggle still run deep within the maritime industry. The award to Morris angered many unionists and resulted in a dignified walkout as the award was presented on the congress's final day. The protesters were supported by many delegates of European waterfront unions and were congratulated by other delegations that were unaware of the protest plans or told by their officials not to participate.

From GLW issue 683