Tug Workers Sound the Siren: Troy Pearson's Story
Troy Pearson and Charley Cragg were killed at work in the early hours of a February morning last year. They were towing a barge for Rio Tinto in remote northwest Canada in rough, icy conditions.
Troy and Charley’s deaths are a tragedy, but their story is not unique. Unions say they are part of a global picture of a towage industry in crisis.
Unable to withstand downward pressure on rates from the major shipping lines at a time of record container volumes, tug operators are choosing to attack tug workers' rights, pay and conditions to survive this global race to the bottom: tug crew are being asked to work longer hours for less pay. Some are not being paid overtime. As fleet maintenance budgets are cut, workplace accidents and near-misses are becoming more frequent.
Tug workers are reaching breaking point. Their families are worried. Now, through their unions and the ITF: tug workers sound the siren.
Will you sound the siren with them by sharing this video?
#racetothebottom #WeAreITF #ITFinlandnav