Workers from India and Bangladesh travelling to London next week to tell the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) about appalling conditions in the shipbreaking industry will also speak at a press conference where they will supply footage of lethal working conditions.
The press conference will take place at 11:30 on Monday 9 October 2006 at ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR (travel details and map at www.itfglobal.org/about-us/contactus.cfm ) It will be preceded by a brief ceremony (10.15 at Victoria Tower Gardens - South SW1) where they will throw flowers into the Thames in memory of the hundreds who die each year as a result of the injuries, disease and environmental degradation caused by the largely unregulated industry in Bangladesh and India (photos will be supplied gratis to press). Broadcast quality VNR footage showing unprotected asbestos removal and similar work practices will also be available (Beta SP PAL format)
The workers will ask the IMO to speed up reform of the industry, which is economically vital in the regions where it is established, in order to save lives and jobs. They are represented internationally by the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF), with support from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). A full press release will follow on Friday.
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson, direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260. E-mail: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF: HEAD OFFICE, ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR,Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733, Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7357 7871, Email: mail@itf.org.uk Web-page: www.itfglobal.org
Source: ITF (International Transport Workers Federation)