Rallies at two Japanese shipowners offices during ITF action week

Two Japanese shipowners face rallies outside their offices as the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) launches a week of action in East Asia, Seatrade Asia online reports.

In the second East Asia action week this year joint teams of ITF inspectors, and seafarer and docker trade unionists will make ship visits to check and enforce pay and working conditions in ports in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Russia.

Dowa Line’s head office in Tokyo and Kotoku Kaiun headquarters will both face rallies after coming under particular scrutiny in an earlier action week in February.

“The campaign in this region focuses on the safety condition of lifesaving appliances, cargo work equipment, working terms and conditions for crew, and applying ITF acceptable agreements for flag of convenience vessels,” said Fusao Ohori, ITF coordinator for Japan.