15 Oct 2007 -
International Road Transport Action Week 2007

ETF Demonstration
200 unionists from, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden have gathered in Brussels today in a rally near the European Parliament. Together with the ITF and ETF representatives, the unionists spoke one after another to express their strong support for demands to improve rest facilities on European roads and to secure adequate salaries for international driving. In the afternoon, the union delegation met with the European Commissioner Jacques Barrot. Eduardo Chagas and Beatrice Hertogs from the ETF addressed the rally. Media coverage was excellent.

Between these events, the trade unionists drove their buses and cars to the Iranian Embassy in Brussels to deliver their message: "Free Osanloo Now!" Their request to meet with the Ambassador was rejected. A letter demanding the immediate release of detained unionists in Iran including Mansour Osanloo and Ebrahim Madahi was posted instead. Mac Urata, ITF, addressing the gathering, thanked the European affiliates for their continued support for the Iranian workers and requested that pressure on the Iranian government be maintained.
(Email report by Mac Urata)

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Spain
For more than 3 hours, activists from ELA-hainbat distributed information about the Action Week to approximately 800 drivers at the Biriatou border in order to raise awareness of the need for workers to join a union in order to improve working conditions in the sector.  Despite being held up in traffic as a result of the action, the information was generally well-received by drivers.  Following this border activity, union activists distributed posters and information leaflets at strategic points where large transport and logistics companies are concentrated and held meetings with workers in the sector.  Information about the campaign has also been sent to the media.  More activities are planned during the week. 
(Email report by Esteban Pereda)

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Thailand
ITF road transport unions launched their Action Week activities at 10:00 with an opening ceremony at the Northern Bus Terminal, attended by the Deputy Minister of Transport and management representatives from the Transport Co. Ltd, BMTA and ETA. Members of the unions then participated in a colourful demonstration which visited the bus parking area, passenger terminal and ticket counters.  Union activists who were wearing the ITF yellow decken carried banners, posters and flags.  An exhibition organised by the unions informed people about ITF activities and campaigns, for example activities for women workers, HIV/AIDS awareness, the "Free Mansour Osanloo" campaign and "Justice For Pedro Zamora" campaign.  Following the demonstration, different cultural activities were organised including theatrical plays, games and a panel discussion.  More activities are planned during the Action Week.  (Email report by Su-angcana Tungworachet)

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Ethiopia
Representatives from the Transport & Communications Workers' Trade Unions Industrial Federation are out on the main corridor roads to the ports talking to drivers and handing out information.  More activities are planned during the week. 
(Phone report by Girmaye Tarekegne)

Mali
La Coordination Nationale des Syndicats et Associations des Chauffeurs et Conducteurs du Mali has today organised a training seminar for union representatives at the border with Côte d'Ivoire.  Approximately 20 people attended the seminar.  More activities are planned during the Action Week. 
(Phone report by Aliou Guisee)

Japan
Members of JRU distributed leaflets to passengers at the Shinagawa Station in Tokyo this morning. Between 10:10 and 11:00, 50 union members of JR Bus Kanto area distributed 2000 "Fatigue Kills!" leaflets against deregulation in the taxi and bus industries. The union believes deregulation is a threat to road transport safety. The new international director, Yuji Iijima of Koun Rokyo (Japanese Council of Transport Workers' Unions) participated in the action. Similar activities will also be organised today in the Tohoku and Hokkaido areas.
(Email report by Mizue Taoka)

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Thailand
Mahendra Sharma, ITF Delhi Office addressed a rally organised by the ITF Thai road transport unions at the Chatu Chak bus terminal.  The rally was also addressed by visiting international guests.  Prior to the rally, a panel discussion was held.  The unions also organised an exhibition which included posters demanding the immediate release of Mansour Osanloo. Details of the event and photographs will follow in due course.
(Email report by Mahendra Sharma)

Nepal
NETWON held their campaign activities on 14 October.  A delegation from the union visited the Transport Ministry and briefed the Transport Minister on the ITF International Road Transport Action Week and ILO Convention 153, and submitted a petition with their demands.  The Minister pledged to consult further within the Ministry about ratification of the Convention.  Activity was also organised in several local union districts around the country including Dharan, Nepalgunj, Jhapa, Tanahu, Surkhet, Butwal, Dhangadhi, Chitwan.  In  Ithari, union activists distributed leaflets and held gate meetings at bus depots.  A vehicle rally was held in Biratnagar.  More activities are planned today in Kathmandu. 
(Email report by Ajay Kumar Rai)

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