Transformations brought about by rapid technological change have led numerous governments to reconsider the role of the State in the port industry. Many have vigorously pursued divestiture programmes aimed at reducing direct government involvement and stimulating a process of privatizations. The report prepared by the International Labour Office discusses port reform in the global economy, the need for economic reform, containerization and trends in port employment, public sector involvement in ports, divestiture programmes and different forms of port reform, such as improvement of port administration, liberalization/regulation, commercialization, corporatization and privatization. The social consequences of structural adjustment programmes - including employment trends, working conditions, human resources and training and labour management relations - are also reviewed. The relevant ILO instruments are also examined. The report also contains relevant information on the experience of specific ports which have