Center for Uncertainty Studies Blog

In 2024, over 900 million containers will be loaded at ports worldwide. The introduction of standardised transport containers in the 1960s triggered a significant surge in global trade and freight transport. While the economic impact of this so-called container revolution has been widely discussed, less attention has been given to the changes it brought for dock workers. The international workshop "Containerisation and Dock Labour: Work, Security, and Intermodal Transport in an Uncertain Setting" will focus on these workers and will be held from 12 to 14 September at Bielefeld University's Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF).

Led by Prof. Dr. Klaus Weinhauer, researchers from six countries, specializing in history, anthropology, and economics, will analyse the transformation of port work in North America, Europe, and Asia. The workshop will center on two key questions: How did the container revolution transform port work? And how did dock workers respond? Weinhauer summarises in the press statement: "We are interested in whether dockworkers are now absorbed into the global workforce of predominantly low-skilled logistics workers, or whether a distinct working culture still exists among them. (...) We also aim to explore a research approach that considers the uncertainties accompanying these changes not only as threats but as opportunities for innovation and adaptation. How do local actions influence global processes?" These questions are central not only to the workshop but also to the broader mission of the Center for Uncertainty Studies, which is pleased to support this event.

The workshop will be conducted in English and held at the ZiF in Bielefeld. The detailed program and additional information are available on the ZiF website. For inquiries, please contact the ZiF Conference Office at zif-conference-office@uni-bielefeld.de.