Maersk Staff Down Tools

A DANISH Shipping Company, MAERSK LINE on Friday, witnessed an industrial action as its workers laid down their tools in protest against what they termed management's uncooperative attitude.

In the event, MV CLAES MAERSK with general goods that berthed at the Tema Port on September 13 and scheduled to leave the same day had to depart on Sunday, September 5, 2002.

When the Chronicle visited the yard of the shipping line, electricity supply was switched off causing all operations to cease.

The workers who locked the gates to the container terminal and the administrative office, were tight- lipped over what their grievances were.

However, a management source hinted that negotiations for better conditions of service were underway and that there was no need they could continue with the negotiations under duress.

The source stated that workers who did not fall under the Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU) belonged to an association whose executives were at a meeting with the managing director.

At least 30 trucks loaded with empty containers remained parked outside the yard and their drivers demanded ?1 million for a day for delay of their 40-footer containers while 20-footer container was going to attract ?500,000 per day.

Work, however, resumed on Saturday.