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Transport workers are often the hidden workforce in global supply chains. They experience serious abuses of their rights and working conditions, yet everyone depends on them for the movement of every bit of cargo along the chain.

Fourteen men and ten women participated in an ITF workshop in Singapore from 30 May to 1 June, where they shared experiences, discussed the challenges facing unions in the region, learnt about union organising and leadership development, and addressed how young workers could get more involved in

They strongly welcomed the ILC’s conclusion, in response to union pressure, that the International Labour Organization (ILO) arrange a tripartite meeting to identify what needs to be done to promote decent work in global supply chains.

Last year the New York Times began publishing The Outlaw Ocean, an ongoing investigation into what happens far from land. It revealed exploitation, crime, slavery and violence, and lifted the lid on a sometimes fatal lack of accountability at sea.

The ITF, in co-ordination with the ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation), is urging member unions to organise solidarity actions from now until 1 July, ahead of the sentencing on 4 July of Han Sang-gyun, president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).

The campaign theme – At sea for all – recognises that seafarers are indispensable and invites people everywhere to ‘show their appreciation for the seafarers that quietly, mostly unnoticed, keep the wheels of the world in motion’.

Captain Mangouras’ sentence – for ‘recklessness resulting in catastrophic environmental damage’ – overturns the previous judgement by the provincial court of La Coruña (Galicia), which had cleared him of any responsibility for the Prestige disaster in 2002.

“Right now our thoughts are with his family and friends, but I know there is nothing I can say to relieve the tragedy that has befallen them.

ITF seafarers’ section secretary Jon Whitlow addressed the meeting’s audience of TTIP negotiators.