A UNION bloc, led by the Seafarers International Union (SIU), which represents Great Lakes and coastal sailors, is protesting the opening up of cabotage to foreign-flag ships with coming of the Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
"The Government of Canada has taken the decision to destroy the Canadian shipping industry with a trade agreement that will throw thousands out of work. Are we ready to go backwards and promote unregulated shipping?" said the communique.
"This free trade agreement will allow EU beneficially owned Flag of Convenience vessels and European flag to trade freely between Canadian ports without restrictions on origin of crew or level of wages and working conditions," said the group.
"This will have a severe negative impact on the Canadian maritime industry by doing away with our cabotage laws," said SIU James Given, also chairman of Canadian Maritime and Supply Chain Coalition (CMSCA).
"This is the most serious threat that we have ever faced in our industry," said Mr Given.
"We can be sure this agreement will halt the Canadian maritime transport sector's growth. Communities and regions that depend on this industry will be destroyed," said the press release.
Once this agreement is in place, it will not take long before the rest of the Canadian transportation sectors are affected, including, air, road and rail," it said.
The CMSCA is made up of union leaders from ILA, ILWU, Alliance du St-Laurent, CUPE, United Steelworkers, Canadian Labour Congress, Teamsters, European Transport Workers' Federation, BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union, International Association of Machinists, Maritime Union of Australia and the AFL- CIO.
WORLD SHIPPING
13 September 2014 - 06:51
Canadian Seafarers protest EU trade deal opening cabotage to foreign flags
A UNION bloc, led by the Seafarers International Union (SIU), which represents Great Lakes and coastal sailors, is protesting the opening up of cabotage to foreign-flag ships with coming of the Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
WORLD SHIPPING
13 September 2014 - 06:51
Canadian Seafarers protest EU trade deal opening cabotage to foreign flags
This news 8434 hits received.
These news may also interest you