An Indian transport company working with A.P. Moller-Maersk is suspected of violently repressing its employees, according to Denmark’s largest labour union

Labour union 3F is accusing shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk of continuing to work with an Indian transport company at its port company APM Terminals in Mumbai despite incidents of violence by the transport company against APM employees.

The union stated that incidents in October occurred with attacks on two drivers followed disputes over the employees not receiving their pay and pensions. 3F added that employees have been routinely threatened on their way to and from the port.

3F, along with international transport employees union ITF, accuse Maersk of ’holding its hand’ over the Thakur transport company, despite three incidents of violence in the past two years.

The union’s claims have been backed up by the Human Rights and Law Network, which also investigated the incidents and determined the transport company’s management was responsible.

Specifics about the attacks were not given, but an APM spokesman confirmed that they took place. He said, however, that the October conflicts had been investigated and were deemed to be personal affairs.

He added that the managers had been fired from the transport company and APM Terminals has been in contact with those involved and the local police who investigated the case.

‘No proof was presented that the episodes had anything to do with their work, so we’ve chosen to let the case rest,’ said Pieter Schaffels of APM Terminals.

But Henrik Berlau, coordinator for the international network of Maersk’s unionised employees, said violence against subordinate employees has been common at companies in China and India and that Maersk should break the ties to the transport company before a more serious incident occurs.

Last year Maersk hired extra security at the port in an effort to deter any further violence.