APSN | Australian union supports striking HK dockworkers

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Australian union supports striking HK dockworkers

Agence France Presse - April 16, 2013

Hong Kong dockworkers strike attracts huge solidarity - Labor Notes. April 12, 2013
Anger at Hong Kong chief fuels demands for free vote - Sydney Morning Herald. January 3, 2013
Tens of thousands protest against Hong Kong leader - Associated Press. January 2, 2013
Migrant workers rally over Hong Kong working conditions - Agence France Presse. December 16, 2012
Hong Kong's long-running Occupy camp cleared - Associated Press. September 11, 2012

A delegation of Australian maritime workers has flown to Hong Kong to join local dock workers in strike action.

The Kwai Tsing dockworkers are protesting against conditions which the Maritime Union of Australia says are "akin to slave labour".

The Union of Hong Kong Dockers began their strike action last month after barely receiving a pay rise in more than 10 years. They also cited, among other abuses, having no toilet facilities on site and therefore being forced to urinate out windows and defecate in their cabins.

Mick Doleman from the Maritime Union of Australia told Radio Australia's Connect Asia program members were horrified when they learned about the dockworkers' working conditions.

"Our members in this country are in full support of these workers," he said. "To garner decent treatment in their work place, decent wages and conditions relevant to their own economy and to be treated appropriately by their employer."

Mr Doleman says the union will be using its international influence at the negotiating table to get better conditions for the dock workers.