8 October 2009

Change low graphic options | Change language | Skip content to navigation

Page context: International Road Transport Action Week 2009 > 8 October 2009

Canada
On 7 October, activists from CAW Local 114 in British Columbia met with drivers waiting to board their vehicles onto BC Ferries boats for Vancouver Island and at fuel stations. Union representatives spoke to the drivers about the ITF campaign and CAW pamphlets were also handed out. The union activists were well received and many drivers embraced the concept of "Waiting Times is Working Times" and commented that it was often the shippers who held them over the allotted loading time and then made unreasonable demands as to delivery times. Further activities are planned on 7-9 October.
(Email report by Bill Gaucher)

Palestine
The General Federation of Trade Unions of Transport joined the march and rally that the national labour centre organised in Nablus for the World Day for Decent Work on 7 October. A union seminar was also held on this topic. The union representatives met with transport workers including truck and car drivers to find out their issues and problems, and to raise awareness of the importance of trade unions. (Email report by Neda Abu Zant)

Mongolia
On 7 October, the Mongolian Transport, Communication & Petroleum Workers' Union has sent a letter to the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city and the Ministry of Transport on union demands. They included prompt payment of salaries in the public sector; increase in salaries; improvement in tax system and working conditions. The urban transport workers of the union will organise a strike if the government does not accept its demands. An "open microphone" radio meeting was also organised through an FM radio station. Further actions are planned during the Action Week in particular organising activities for transport workers in the informal sector. (Email report by M. Boldsaikhan)

Estonia
ETTA union representatives from all bus companies met high-level government officials responsible for transport on 7 October. They strongly expressed a need for better regulation and adequate funding of public transport. The discussion pushed the officials to reconsider the impact of their policies and a better understanding for closer cooperation was reached. Meetings with employers are also planned this week. Furthermore, the road transport unions in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will be approaching truck drivers jointly at rest areas and discuss their issues to recruit them to their unions.
(Email report by Peep Peterson)

France
On 6-7 October, activists from the CGT and CFDT organised a night-time action for the ITF Action Week to get the government and road transport sector management to open negotiations on salaries and working conditions. This activity also marked the start of the ITUC's World Day for Decent Work.
(Email report by Patrick Vancraeyenest)

Norway
Norsk Transportarbeiderforbund has union activists visiting companies and truck stops across the country this week to talk to members and potential members.
(Phone report by Torbjørn Reigstad)

Section home:
International Road Transport Action Week 2009

Transport International Magazine

Full graphics version

accessibility | site help | site map

ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR | +44 20 7403 2733 | mail@itf.org.uk