Dockers from Harwich have travelled to Brussels to protest against legislation which could threaten jobs.
Geordie Landles, of the Transport and General Workers Union at the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe, went to the EU headquarters to show how it would undermine jobs, endanger workers and stunt investment.
The EU wants to make European ports more competitive and a new law has been tabled which would mean Harwich International Port could have to sub-contract out services in the future rather than employing its own staff.
The idea has already been thrown-out by the European Parliament once and its re-appearance has provoked widespread criticism.
Labour's East Anglia Euro MP, Richard Howitt, wants the Bill defeated when it is voted on in January.
He said: "As both port owners and workers together oppose the law, locally and elsewhere in Europe, I am still hopeful that we can win a majority in the European Parliament to reject it once and for all."
Geoffrey Van Orden, the Conservative Euro MP for the region, is also working with the ports to get the pipeline law shelved.
He said ports on England's east coast could be worst affected by such a proposal being passed.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, December 1, 2005
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