Workers Solidarity Movement

In 2009, a group of workers in Dublin Port fought an 8-month long strike against forced redundancies and pay cuts.  The workers and their local community showed bravery and determination in what was a difficult struggle.  Their employer, Marine Terminals Ltd. (MTL), was eventually forced to come to an agreement with the strikers.

On 27^th August 2009, a number of the strikers participated in a peaceful ‘floating picket’ aimed at highlighting their dispute.  The image which appeared in several national newspapers and in many online publications of the picketers’ tiny boat dwarfed by the Stena Line Ferry showed clearly the bravery of the action, and was very effective in highlighting the dispute.

Now over 18 months later, one of the dockers involved in the dispute has been arrested and charged in relation to this ‘floating picket’.  63-year-old Gerald McDonnell is facing 3 charges under the Maritime Safety Act.  If convicted he could face a fine of up to €250,000.

This prosecution is clearly a vindictive act by the Irish state and is designed to act as a threat to other workers who take effective action in standing up for their rights.  The stand taken by Gerard and his co-workers was an important one not just for themselves but for all workers who find themselves being threatened with redundancy, pay cuts and threats from their bosses.  This fact was clearly recognised by their community and by large sections of the wider trade union movement who took part in solidarity protests and marches at the time of the strike.

Gerard will be appearing in court on Wednesday 16^th March.  It is important that as large a presence as possible is outside the court to show our solidarity with him.  Please do your best to attend and please spread the word to your friends and colleagues.

Assemble at the “Criminal Courts of Justice”, Parkgate Street, Dublin at 10a.m. on Wednesday 16^th March

Remember – An Injury to One Is The Concern of All 

See http://www.wsm.ie/content/scabs-out-dockers-mass-trespass-mtl-striking-workers& http://www.wsm.ie/content/strike-support-march-shuts-down-mtl for previous WSM coverage of some solidarity protests