07 Mar 2007 -
International Women's Day 2007

In 2007 the ITF is once again asking unions to mark International Women's Day.

To reflect the 2006 Congress debate and discussions with women's committee members since then, 2007's campaign focuses on dealing with workplace issues with an aim to secure improved conditions for women transport workers - with the understanding that by doing this work, everyone benefits. This year's campaign slogan is "Rights for Women Mean Rights for All.'

In the past affiliates have organised a range of activities to mark the day, and in 2007 the Women's Committee is again encouraging unions to take practical action. Objectives may range from securing the rights addressed under ILO Maternity Convention No.183 (ratification of this instrument is a priority for Global Unions in 2007) to obtaining new paternity or family leave provisions, to defending facilities and conditions won in the past.

During the ITF's 41st Congress, speakers reported cases of women transport workers hiding pregnancies in order to protect their employment, and cases of women transport workers submitting to sexual exchanges with supervisors in order to take time off for family reasons. Improving rights to end these kinds of unacceptable practices is central to the campaign.

We are publicising your activities (see "Union Activities, top right) so please tell us what you are doing!