International Transport Workers Federation - Piracy – enough is enough

The International Transport Workers Federation has launched a campaign calling on governments to take action against piracy, and is seeking support for an international petition.
Pirate attacks on seafarers have increased in frequency and violence over the past few years. In 2009 more than 200 ships were attacked by pirates and almost 900 crew members taken hostage. Hundreds of seafarers are still being held hostage. The campaign coalition is made up of trade unions, shipowners and insurers. They are calling on governments to find real solutions to the growing problem of piracy, to take immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers, and to work together to secure a stable future for Somalia.
The campaign is backed by Nautilus International and the RMT, and supports TUC policy on the issue (resolution 46, carried at Congress 2009).
The petition is available on the ITF website via this link: http://www.endpiracynow.org/
and more information can be found on the Nautilus International website: http://www.nautilusint.org/News-and-Events/Pages/article.aspx?newsid=109
The aim is to get half a million or more signatures by World Maritime Day on 23 September 2010. Please circulate widely to colleagues and members to help achieve this aim.
Contact: Alice Hood (0207 467 1225 email ahood@tuc.org.uk)
TUC Economic and Social Affairs Department