Ports:
Other issues

European Union - The proposed directive of the European Union on market access to port services, which under certain circumstances would allow self-handling of cargo in ports by crew members led to serious reactions and mobilizations. The need for new security measures in ports requires close collaboration on this issue between governments, employers and workers and all other stakeholders in the port industry at a global level.

Environmental protection - Environmentally friendly port developments and operations are for the benefit of portworkers and the society as a whole.

Ports and the transport chain - Ports play an important role as a link in the seamless transport chain and therefore any consideration of port-related issues should be linked with all modes of transport (sea, inland waterways, road, rail, air, pipelines).

Gender - The proportion of women workers in cargo handling operations is estimated to be less than 2%, however, for those involved in office work is considerable but no reliable information is available. In the case of ITF (International Transport Workers Federation) affiliates the overall proportion of women workers in ports is estimated to be around 13%.

Sectoral Meetings

• Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Security, safety and Health in Ports (December 2003): Adopted a draft code of practice on security in ports, a draft code of practice on safety and health in ports and a resolution concerning resolution concerning the codes of practice on security and on safety and health in ports.
  
• Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Social and Labour Problems Caused by Structural Adjustments in the Port Industry (May 1996): The Meeting adopted two resolutions and a set of conclusions that provide the direction as to the activities of the ILO concerning structural adjustment issues in the port sector, which include the promotion, ratification and application of relevant international labour standards, the provision of technical advisory services to ports undergoing structural adjustment, technical cooperation and training.