Published: 26 Oct 2018
It is with deep regret that we let the ITF Dockers family know of the tragic workplace death of Brother Don Jantz from ILWU Canada.
On behalf of the entire ITF, the ITF Dockers’ Section and the Maritime Union of Australia, I extend our sincerest condolences to Don's family and friends, and all of our ILWU brothers, sisters and comrades.
Brother Don Jantz passed away at Neptune Terminals on October 22 at approximately 10:00am after grating on a stacker reclaimer fell away as he was walking, causing him to fall to his death.
At this tragic time, the ITF and MUA families want Don’s family, particularly his son and fellow longshoreman Jonathan, to know that the thoughts and prayers of dockers all over the world are with them and hope this brings some easing of the great pain and anguish that they are going through.
We know the utter devastation and impact that a workplace death has on family and work mates. Workers go to work every day expecting to come home at the end of their shift. Tragedies like this shouldn’t happen. One death is one too many.
At ITF Congress last week in Singapore, the Dockers’ Section reaffirmed our commitment to actively campaign to raise the health and safety standards on the waterfront globally. It is priority issue in both regulation and the observance of that regulation. Brother Don Jantz’s tragic death can only strengthen our mighty resolve to protect all international dockers from death and serious injury.
The ITF Dockers’ Section will of course await the findings of the investigation launched into the death, and stand ready to assist and support our brothers and sisters from ILWU Canada in any capacity.
Again Rob and Rino, I extend our deepest and most sincere sympathies and condolences from all international dockworkers and ITF affiliate unions including my union, as well as all of the ITF inspectors, coordinators and Docker’ Section secretariat, to Don’s family and workmates, our brothers and sisters at ILWU Local 500 and Don’s many friends.
Vale Brother Don Jantz, now at peace.
Paddy Crumlin
ITF President
ITF Dockers’ Section Chair
MUA National Secretary
