20 October 2008

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Page context: International Road Transport Action Week 2008 > 20 October 2008

Norway
Unionists, NGO members and academics met in Oslo on 17 and 18 October 2008 to discuss the cooperations that trade unions and the wider social movement can develop. The meeting, co-hosted by the ITF and the Norwegian affiliate, Fagforbundet (the Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employees), stressed informalisation of employment and internationalisation of production as two key features that trade unions face today. It also highlighted that trade union membership is declining in many countries and the unions' traditional relationship with the political parties is changing. However, some unions are fighting back against neo-liberal attacks and several examples were reported. These included the campaign for welfare state in Norway; strategic campaigning in the US Teamsters union; awareness raising of members and support to the Baltic unions network by the Swedish Transport Workers' Union, to name a few. The participants agreed that unions and the social movement can work together if they can share their information, accept their differences but ensure that their capacities are fully used. It resolved to hold thematic meetings for example, on climate change in transport, as well as to encourage the ITF to discuss the question of collaboration with the social movement regularly in their meetings. Mac Urata and Asbjørn Wahl co-chaired the meeting. (Email report by Claire Clarke)

Nepal
The District Committees of NETWON have organised huge rallies in several cities around Nepal including Biratnagar (Morang District) Butwal, Dharan, Ithari, Kankarvitta, Dhangadhi, Surkhet, Pokhara, Birjung and Chitwan. After completing the rallies union activists distributed leaflets to the public, police and others, and addressed workers in the bus depots informing them about the ITF Action Week. An article on the ITF Action Week written by the union has appeared in the National Daily newspaper on 18 October. The article includes information on the history of the ITF Campaign, ILO Convention 153, and the union's aims. The newspaper is widely-read and so is a useful publicity material for the union and its campaigning activities.

On 19 October, a huge taxi rally was held in Kathmandu. More than 600 taxis participated in the rally and union members shouted different campaign slogans for example, calling for implementation of ILO Convention No 153; reliable taxi parking; guarantee of social security for transport workers; and an end to police suppression towards taxi drivers. Media coverage of the rally was excellent. After the rally, union representatives addressed the workers outside the Tribhuwan International Airport. Ajay Rai commented, "This event...is the big festival to our members and union to show our strength and introducing to the police, public and government through this type of rally...and organising to new members. (Email report by Ajay Rai)

View photos of activities in Nepal >>

India
The Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghatana has used the Action Week to highlight issues relating to maxicabs. On 18 October in Nanded, the union held an awareness programme for workers on maxicabs and the Mesma Act, which prohibits workers on striking work and is imposed by the Government from time to time. All union branch secretaries and the president were invited to participate in the discussion. Campaign posters were also sent to union divisions. The union is to file a case in court against the Mesma Act and will also make an application to the chief minister to protect the road transport sector from maxicabs in the state. (Email report by Sheela Sanjay Naikwade)

Philippines
The Pinagkaisang Manggagawa sa Transportation (PMT) United Transport Workers' Unions has organised a demonstration in front of the Malacanang Palace in Manila to demand the removal of the 12% Value Added Tax imposed by the government on petroleum and its by-products. According to the union, this tax is a source of misery for transport workers. Some 2,000 jeepney and tricycle drivers of the union participated in the demonstration.
(Email report by Edgar Bilayon)

South Africa
Provincial Secretary Zenfo Mahlangu of SATAWU's Northwest Province organised a rally at the Ramatlabana border with Botswana on 17 October. Approximately 200-300 truck drivers, petrol attendants and people from the general workforce attended the rally, from places such as Rustenberg Mafikeng and Lichtenburg. The union invited a delegation from the Department of Labour who participated in the rally. Abner Tabudi Ramakgolo, SATAWU, spoke about the issues of HIV/AIDS, long delays at the border crossings and updated the members on the current state of the road freight industry negotiations, advising them of the unions' demands for wage increases. The union is demanding a 10% increase taking into account the increase of inflation and demanding a 40% increase across the board for all workers. The union has manged to convince the Minster of Labour to fund seminars and workshops for shop stewards so that they can understand the current council legislations.
(Phone report by Tabudi Ramakgolo)

Dominica
On 13-14 October, the Dominica Public Service union met with employees of public transport companies. The union visited ten workplaces to discuss workers' needs and to explain the reasons why they would be better off if they joined the union. Unfortunately the planned seminar for transport workers on 16 October was called off due to Hurricane Omar.
(Email report by Thomas Letang)

Bermuda
On 14 October, a meeting of the bus operators and allied workers was held where conditions at the three bus terminals were discussed, along with the non-compliance to certain items by management of the union's collective bargaining agreement. A letter was sent to management outlining workers' issues and stipulating a time limit for management to get back to the union. Posters were displayed throughout worksites regarding the ITF Action Week 2008. (Email report by Kathy Landy)

US
During the Action Week, the Teamsters have been focused on member outreach to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States and to build large pro-worker majorities in the House and Senate. American workers cannott afford another four years of the anti-worker agenda of George Bush and John McCain. General President Hoffa is campaigning in Ohio during the Action Week. All across the country, local Teamster leaders and 'lost-timers' are visiting worksites to encourage members to vote for pro-worker candidates. A top priority for the Teamsters is the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, a labor law reform that would make it easier for workers to organise into unions and increase the penalties to employers who violate a workers' right to form a union. (Email report by Tim Beaty)

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