International Dock Work Conventions

in the era of post-globalization

Angelopoulos J.[1], Chlomoudis C.[2], Dalvadani E.[3]

[1] Corresponding Author. PhD candidate, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece. email: jang@unipi.gr

[2]. Professor, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece. email: chlom@unipi.gr

[3] M.Sc. in Maritime Studies, email: efidalvadani@hotmail.com

May 2013

2

Abstract Summary

Significance of Dock Work

Post-Globalization

The Three ILO Dock-Work Conventions

Ratification Status

Ratification Benefits

Demonstrating the ratification of C137, C152 on a virtual port

3

Abstract Summary

We assess of the significance of the “dock-work” factor

Studying the three I.L.O. conventions pertaining to dock work (C032, C152 and C137), we argue that they can form a positive model for the integration of work rules on a global scale for eligible ports

We highlight the goal of the three conventions is to regulate the effects of globalization on issues such as the safety of employees and the protection of professional life by the introduction of new work methods in ports

We assess the current state of acceptance and degree of implementation of the three conventions

We argue for the mutual benefits for port stakeholders arising from their implementation, aiming for the further development and improvement of the port industry from the perspective of globalization governance, in the era of post – globalization

We demonstrate the effects of implementation if the ILO conventions in a virtual port

4

Significance of Dock-Work

Contemporary literature supports that the labor and capital cost comprise most of the ports’ total cost. Labor has been measured to be 53% of the total port / terminal expenditure structure.

In the absence of reliable data, the factor labor, is substituted by superstructure data, such as number of cranes and straddle carriers, since it has been found that they are a suitable proxy for the former.

The majority of port labor related quantitative data is derived from port efficiency measurement studies

Quantitative parametric assessments are fairly consistent

5

Post-Globalization

The absence of a non-regulating environment, created many problems, both on local and international level. It seems that issues such as environment, employee, entrepreneur and public safety involved each segment of the transportation process, cannot be solved autonomously by market forces.

We propose a support mechanism for the globalized economy through parallel evolution and configuration of governance rules, by strengthening international organizations in order to affect the flows of globalization, for the benefit of common development, with employee and environment protection

We define this phase as a “Post-Globalization” era for the economy. It is defined as governance driven phase in agreed, by port industry stakeholders, regulatory rules

Post-globalization, production and supply of port services in an open competitive market, can only be governed by global regulations

6

The Three ILO Dock-Work Conventions

7

Ratification Status

A

B

C

• 9 countries have ratified all three ILO Conventions• 3 countries ratified both C152 and C137, signaling that port labor was

consistent with international labor standards• 2 countries ratified C032 and its revision C152 ,in order for dock work

to be in line with contemporary hazard protection• 4 countries that ratified C032 did not adopt C152 but only C137,

emphasizing on enhancing labor protection from new dock work methods

• 8 countries have ratified only C137 and 10 only C152. In these countries dock work is only partially compatible with international labor standards

• 28 countries have ratified only C032• 1 country denounced C137 because of having reached agreement

with trade union syndicates.

8

Ratification Benefits

Employees

• Efficiency increase • Reduction of accidents • Income stability • Feeling of security that increase productivity

Employers

• Reduction of unexpected costs (accidents)• Obligation to a fixed monthly income or unemployment benefits• Liability is emphasized in case of accidents because Port Authority has

the right to investigate the accident’s circumstances and the preventive measures that should have been implemented.

Terminals

• Enhancement of competitiveness• An asset for port’s reputation and its services• Improvement of working conditions

The ultimate goal of these regulations is development and improvement of the port industry from the perspective of globalization governance , in the era of post -globalization

9

Demonstrating the ratification of C137, C152 on a virtual port

Operational Implications on ‘Idealtypus’ Port:

Recruitment Every four years with specialized criteria (point system)

Employee required qualifications

Graduates of all levels of education, knowledge of English; also various social factors are taken into account

Employee Training Mandatory, six-month training at the School of Dockers; also continuous training through seminars

Registry and Supervision

Dockers record in registry, three supervisions, in the case of demand increase

Shift Scheme Three shifts, two hours before confirmation of attendance

Salary System Fixed income + 20 wages / month, bonus depending on terminal, no productivity bonus

Staffing Requirements Crane staffing: 6 dock workers + 1 if required, Supervisors: 1 foreman + 1 if required, Car terminal staffing: One dock

worker per 30 cars

Health and Safety Committee Health and Safety consisting of representatives of workers and employers and technical who provide written assessment of occupational risks. Existence of emergency

plans and drills

Social Security State security, enhanced benefits

Working Hours 7.30 hours, overtime just twice a month, and if state

Contracts Collective agreement in accordance with general legislation

10

International Dock Work Conventions in the era of post-globalization

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION