The IBF High Level Officers meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden on 12 of March 2013, considered, inter alia, the industrial dispute at the US West Coast which has led to a lockout of dock workers supporting a lawful action by the ITF affiliated ILWU.
Both parties agreed a joint statement to continue commitment to the adherence to the Non-Seafarers Work clause under IBF agreements. Specifically, both parties considered the interpretation of the existing text in Article 4 of the IBF Framework TCC Agreement (Non-Seafarers Work) and respective text in the IBF Special Agreement, and mutually agreed that such work traditionally or historically done by Dock workers may include opening and closing hatches.
