For several years, the Transport Workers’ Union (AKT) has claimed that the lashing and unlashing of bars on container ships in Finnish ports should be performed by its own stevedores, even though usually a vessel’s own crew performs the lashing and unlashing. After several disputes with the Finnish Port Operators Association and the consequent convictions, AKT started boycotting directly selected shipping companies. The case came before the Labour Court, which dismissed AKT’s claim and held that AKT had violated the industrial peace by putting pressure on shipping companies so that they would order bar lashing work from port operators.
Partner Matti Komonen from HPP Attorneys Ltd, has written an article on this matter. The update titled “Labour Court overrules stevedores’ effort to take over container bar lashing” has been published in the International Law Office’s newsletter.
