Joint ITF-Maersk meeting closes

24 April 2007. For immediate release

Joint ITF-Maersk meeting closes with press conference

A meeting between Danish shipping giant AP Moller-Maersk and ITF-affiliated trade unions representing its workers in 22 countries closed today in Copenhagen after what the ITF described as “the first steps in a journey that we hope will benefit both the company and its workers”.

Representatives from 32 unions attended the two day conference, which was hosted by Danish union 3F from 23 to 24 April. Knud Pontoppidan, Senior Vice President of AP Moller-Maersk, addressed the meeting today (24 April) and then attended the closing press conference.

Answering questions from delegates on how the company’s business principles affect future relations with trade unions, Mr Pontoppidan told them: “We are in the early stage of these principles. We are on virgin ground. We’ve tried to develop the business principles as well as we could. We’re starting a journey and making an honest effort. We are listening to any issue that comes up.”

Addressing the press conference that followed, ITF President Randall Howard said: “We believe that in an era of globalised economies trade unions need both to coordinate more effectively among ourselves and to develop constructive relationships with major companies like AP Moller-Maersk who are ready to begin a dialogue which can bring benefits both to workers and the company.

“We very much welcome the positive moves made by the company in entering this process with us. We know we are liable to hit obstacles. There is no guarantee of success. But we are impressed by the good faith and trust which has already developed between us.”

He concluded: “We believe that the future lies with such initiatives. We look forward to future meetings with Knud Pontoppidan and his colleagues.”

ENDS

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