Dockers turn violent

A demonstration by European port workers in Strasbourg turned violent yesterday when glass windows of the European Parliament were smashed and three policemen were injured.

MEPs about to attend their monthly plenary session came face to face with about 6,000 angry port workers from around the EU who were demonstrating against a proposed EU directive liberalising port services.

Dockers became violent as soon as they approached the round glass building of the European Parliament, hurling large stones and logs in the building's direction, smashing at least 100 square metres of glass windows.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse the demonstrators. Three policemen were injured during the clashes with one of them described as being in a serious condition.

Among the 6,000 demonstrators were 24 Maltese port workers representing the General Workers' Union.

This week, MEPs will be voting for a second time in less than three years on a directive proposed by the Commission aimed at liberalising lucrative monopolies and introducing more competition in European ports, including in cargo handling.

The main sticking point relates to the liberalisation of handling services which, if approved, would allow ships entering EU ports to use their own manpower rather than local labour.

Known as "self-handling", the Commission is proposing that ship owners would be able to use their own crew to unload merchandise and shift it from one side of the port to the other.

The directive is strongly opposed by dockers' trade unions and has ignited protests throughout Europe. Apart from the Strasbourg demonstrations, port workers in main European ports yesterday downed tools as a sign of protest.

The GWU staged its own actions at local ports last week, bringing them to a halt for 12 hours over two days and delaying seven ships in the process.

The proposals have split the European Parliament's political groups and the European Parliament's transport committee has so far been unable to reach a compromise agreement on the controversial package.

Sources close to The European Parliament told The Times yesterday that the vote, to be taken tomorrow, is too close to call, as many MEPs are still undecided.

The five Maltese MEPs have taken a common stand and are expected to vote against the proposals.

Under current rules, if the Parliament rejects the Bill again, the Commission will have to drop its proposals.