Whether ITF demands valid - Court of Appeal decision reversed

The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in Universe Tankships Inc. of Monrovia v. International Transport Workers Federation . The ITF are appealing against the decision of Mr. Justice Parker (see Issue no. 12 LMLN) holding that payments made by Universe Tankships to the ITF’s welfare fund had been paid under duress. The demand was unlawful as it had not been made in furtherance of a trade dispute because the fund was unconnected with seamen’s terms and conditions of employment.