David Cockroft general secretary of the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) since 1993 reaches retirement age.
The announcement was made at the meeting of the ITF executive board in Copenhagen, Denmark, which also agreed to appoint Stephen Cotton, who is currently ITF maritime coordinator, as acting general secretary.
David Cockroft explained: “Next year I will have been the chief executive officer of this remarkable global union federation for 20 years. Although I was elected for a four year period at the 42nd ITF congress in Mexico City in 2010 I feel it is important to give my successor enough time to establish good relations with every part of this organisation prior to the 43rdcongress in 2014.”
“I am very happy that the board has decided to appoint Stephen Cotton to this position. Stephen has taken the maritime activities of the ITF, including the ITF flag of convenience campaign and its younger brother the ports of convenience campaign, to new heights."
“Although my formal retirement will be at the end of May next year Stephen and I will work together from the end of this meeting to ensure a smooth leadership transition."
ITF president Paddy Crumlin added: "The unanimous decision of the executive board today reflects the mature leadership of David Cockroft and of the ITF. The personal, political and industrial qualities of the only candidate for acting general secretary, Steve Cotton, places the ITF well for the future."