The ITF Dockers’ Section and affiliated dockers unions have extended their solidarity to support the people of Beirut

The ITF Dockers’ Section and affiliated dockers unions have extended their solidarity to support the people of Beirut, Lebanon, as they rebuild their lives and communities following a deadly explosion in August. On 4 August 2020, 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded at the port of Beirut, killing at least 204 people and injuring at least 6,500 more. An estimated 300,000 people were also made homeless. Ripping through the heart of downtown Beirut and port, the blast also killed several dockers and seafarers. In a blow to the port community’s ability to respond to the disaster, the explosion also destroyed key union offices. In the four months since the blast, dockworkers through their unions have been extending their solidarity to the people of Beirut as they rebuild their lives and communities. “As soon as we heard the horrific news, we as a global union family knew we had to come together and do everything we could to help ease the pain and suffering of our Lebanese brothers and sisters,” said Paddy Crumlin, Chair of the ITF Dockers’ Section. Crumlin said a majority of the solidarity support fund raised by the ITF, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, and union affiliates from across the world, went directly to assiting families who lost a family member, or were injured, in the disaster. “The priority was getting hardship relief to the families of the dockers and seafarers who were injured or killed. Hundreds of families were facing the double blow of losing their loved ones and then the prospect of losing their homes as the bills piled up.”