Large-scale strike action may become more common, says labour expert, as B.C. port workers review agreement
More large-scale disputes like the industrial action at British Columbia's ports may be on the horizon, a labour movement researcher is warning, as longshore workers gathered to consider a possible agreement with employers.
The local chapters of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union held meetings Tuesday to discuss the deal, which the B.C. Maritime Employers Association says is the same agreement union leaders had previously rejected without a full-membership vote.
McGill University associate professor of sociology Barry Eidlin said it is likely union leaders are under pressure to sell the deal to members due to the possibility of back-to-work legislation — even if federal officials have said publicly that resolution-by-negotiation is the preferred outcome.
But Eidlin said members are aware their leadership previously rejected the deal, which "doesn't send a strong signal" about the quality of the deal and gives the impression it is instead getting "rammed through."
CBC
EU adopts green fuel law for shipping
After two years of intense negotiations, today the EU has agreed on the final rules for climate-neutral shipping, with the adoption of the so-called FuelEU Maritime initiative.
The political agreement means that shipping will be covered by the EU’s emissions trading system (ETS) from 2024 and FuelEU Maritime from 2025, with shipping companies gradually reducing the climate impact of fuels. Additionally, there will be rules for the infrastructure of alternative fuels, including requirements for using shore power in selected larger ports.
Splash 24/7
EU enacts €43 billion Chips Act in bid to boost production
The European Union’s plan to bolster domestic semiconductor production will become law after ministers completed the final approval on Tuesday.
The EU’s Chips Act, which was approved by the European Parliament earlier this month, will take effect once it’s published in the bloc’s Official Journal.
AJOT
Record hot oceans are driving weather disasters around the world
Heat searing enough to knock out mobile phones. Wildfire smoke that turns the skies an apocalyptic orange. Flash floods submerging towns in upstate New York and Vermont.
This grim procession of recent disasters is being driven in part by climate change. But there’s one particular facet of global warming that’s providing potent fuel to make extreme weather even more intense: record-hot oceans.
Global ocean surface temperatures in June were the highest in 174 years of data, with the emergence of the El Niño weather pattern piling onto the long-term trend. Near Miami, coastal Atlantic waters are pushing 90F (32C.)
AJOT
South Korea and Indonesia to cooperate more on key minerals, advanced industries
Indonesia and South Korea announced July 24 that the two countries would bolster their cooperation across multiple industries, including the battery sector, the electric vehicles market and mineral supply chains.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral economic cooperation committee meeting held in Seoul, South Korea between South Korean deputy trade minister Jeong Dae-jin and Indonesia's deputy economic minister, Edi Prio Pambudi, according to the Yonhap News Agency.
During the meeting, the two countries agreed to strengthen their investments in EVs and battery production while vowing to work more closely on key mineral supply chains, like nickel, of which Indonesia is a major global exporter.
Supply Chain Brain
Opinion: Could UNCLOS be used to sue nations for climate damage?
Climate change will wreak havoc on small island developing states in the Pacific and elsewhere. Some will be swamped by rising seas. These communities also face more extreme weather, increasingly acidic oceans, coral bleaching and harm to fisheries. Food supplies, human health and livelihoods are at risk. And it’s clear other countries burning fossil fuels are largely to blame.
Yet island states are resourceful. They are not only adapting to change but also seeking legal advice. The international community has certain legal obligations under the law of the sea. These are rules and customs that divvy up the oceans into maritime zones, while recognizing certain freedoms and duties.
The Maritime Executive
