Port workers appeal for job, union retention

Manila North Harbor workers on Monday demanded a memoran dum of agreement that will guarantee zero job cut and recognition of existing unions in light of the port terminal’s looming privatization.

Workers led by Alliance of Port/Transport Workers and Porters in North Harbor (APTWP-NH), Kilusang Mayo Uno, and Anakpawis party-list marched along the stretch of Manila North Harbor to appeal to authorities to spare them from any downsizing plans.

In a statement, Jake Azores, alliance president said that the typhoons have wrought their homes and the looming privatization to wreak damage to our livelihood could make things worst. “We need job security in the face of typhoon aftermath and economic slump, not mass layoffs,” referring to the 25-year Manila North Harbor Modernization Project.

A unit of Hong Kong-listed First Pacific Co. Ltd. has announced on Monday it won a P14.5-billion ($311-million) government contract to develop and manage Manila’s North Harbor port.

Metro Pacific said its unit Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. will develop and operate North Harbor for over 25 years in a project that is expected to cut port rates by up to 15 percent. It was also expected to raise more than P6.8 billion ($146 million) in revenues for the state port regulator Philippine Ports Authority, the company said.

However, Azores said at least 7,000 port workers and vendors risk losing their livelihood, while hundreds of families living in the port area fear demolition of their homes because of the port’s expansion.

North Harbor will be expanded to 70 hectares from 52 hectares so that it can handle more containers and general cargo, listed Metro Pacific Investments Corp. said in a statement.

It will also be dredged to receive tankers and luxury liners, while the port will be fitted with bigger cranes.

North Harbor now handles Manila’s domestic shipping traffic. The project will also involve the construction of a new passenger terminal.

“The modernization of North Harbor would revitalize and enhance economic activities in Manila,” said Michael Romero, Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. chief executive, adding that it would help create a “new and improved image of Manila and the Philippines.”

Under the contract, the port authority will maintain its sovereign authority to levy port charges including wharfage as well as to set rates on cargo-handling charges, the First Pacific unit said. –Ruben D. Manahan 4th, Reporter, Manila Times