Port Workers Supporters target Deutsche Bank

dublin | worker & community struggles and protests | news report Monday August 17, 2009 11:22 by Joe Mooney - Dublin Port Workers Support Group supportportworkers at dublin dot ie

Bank owns 49% stake in Peel Ports

Supporters of striking Dublin dockers picket Deutsche Bank, linked to dispute.

A "short notice" protest is being held at Deutsche Bank in the IFSC today, Monday 17th August at 12 Noon. Below is text of press release issued, plus leaflet to be distributed.

Press release:

Dock workers target Deutsche Bank for protest

Deutsche Bank owns 49% stake in Anti Worker Company

The Dublin Port Workers Support Group will today hold a protest at the Deutsche Bank in the IFSC. This protest is in relation to the 7 week old strike at Marine Terminals LTD (M.T.L.) in Dublin Port. Duetsche Bank own a 49% stake in the Peel Ports Group, which now operates M.T.L. and whose actions have been responsible for forcing the Dockers to reluctantly engage in an official strike.

The protest is due to start at approximately 12.00 pm and will continue through the lunchtime period. The striking workers and their supporters will be distributing the attached leaflet to passers-by and to IFSC workers during their break.

The purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the involvement of Deutsche Bank in the dispute, and most importantly, to encourage the Bank to play a positive role in bringing about a resolution before a further escalation occurs.

A spokesperson for the support group said: “We are at a crucial stage in this dispute. Dock workers across the UK and Europe are discussing ways to support the Dublin workers and this may escalate into a Europe wide protest.”

He continued: “We are now on the brink of a major escalation, and the clock is ticking on avoiding this. So far the company has been more interested in it’s own anti worker agenda than finding a resolution. We are calling on the Deutsche Bank to show that they can act responsibly, use their influence and bring about an end to this dispute”.


TEXT OF LEAFLET :

Support Dublin Port Workers

Deutsche Bank own 49% of Anti Worker Company

Dock workers at Marine Terminals LTD are now entering their 7th week on strike. The SIPTU members were forced into this by a ruthless management, notorious for anti union and anti worker actions. MTL is now owned by the UK based Peel Group. They have forced redundancies, with no consultation or transparent process. They have introduced “Take it or leave it” contracts, slashing pay and worsening conditions. Dublin workers could now be forced to work in UK ports at the companies’ discretion. The company will not properly engage with the Irish State industrial relation bodies. In an intimidatory move they have brought into Dublin an “international security company” run by ex- S.A.S. members. While the Dublin workers are locked out of their place of employment, scabs from Belfast, Scotland and elsewhere are doing their work.

Deutsche Bank is linked to this dispute due to their involvement with the Peel Ports Group. Deutsche Bank owns a 49% stake in the group, which they paid £800 million for in 2006 *.
We are calling on Deutsche Bank to act responsibly, and use their influence in the Peel Ports Group to end this dispute. At the present moment, Dock workers in the UK and mainland Europe are planning actions to support the Dublin workers. It is in everybody’s best interest that such an escalation is avoided at this time. This can only be achieved by a less aggressive approach by the company, and a willingness to engage with the workers representatives. Deutsche Bank can make this happen.

Dublin Port Workers Support Group
Contact: supportportworkers@dublin.ie

*(This was acquired through RREEF, the real estate asset and infrastructure management arm of Deutsche Asset Management, the global investment management business of Deutsche Bank.)