Hutchinson is a Hong Kong–based global stevedoring giant with a network of port operations that comprise 319 berths in 52 ports, spanning 26 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.

Hutchinson is also renowned as a union busting company. Whether in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia or Pakistan, it directly works to target, victimize and isolate labour activists. Currently two Pakistani dock workers, Marvia Islam (Union president) and Moeed Murad, have been in jail since mid March due to their union activities.

APC spoke with Surya, the deputy president of SP JICT trade union, in Jakarta, Indonesia about their continuing fight for the right to organize and for a safe workplace. Between 2016 and 2018, five workers have been killed at this port, while through 2018, there have been more than 10 incidents per month.

Asia Pacific Currents provides updates of labour struggles and campaigns from the Asia Pacific region. It is produced by Australia Asia Worker Links, in the studio of 3CR Radio in Melbourne, Australia

Image: Argo Sakurai/Flickr

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