13 Mar 2007 -
International Railway Workers' Action Day 2007
Breaking News No.3
16:00 GMT (13 March 2007)
 |  | |  view larger image | | Members of the Railway Workers' Union of Zambia celebrate the Action Day |
Zambia
The Railway Workers' Union of Zambia held a meeting at their headquarters in Kabwe where 250 participants took part. The railway workers wore their campaign T-shirts to celebrate the event. Government representatives including those from the Ministry of Transport were present. The meeting discussed the effects of railway concessioning on safety and workers' conditions. The organisers of the event also used a theatrical play to sensitize the community on the importance of the railways following recent incidents of vandalism. (Phone report by James Kapyanga)
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Great Britain
In Great Britain, ASLEF members used the ITF Railway Action Day to promote their 'SQUASH' campaign for the improvement of train cabs. 'SQUASH' stands for Safe, Quiet, User-friendly, Air-conditioned, Specially seated and Healthy. At London Bridge station in the capital, the union's national executive members, regional representatives and the Southeast regional members, as well as the ITF Section representative distributed leaflets and stickers on and around the forecourt. Keith Norman, ASLEF General Secretary said that 'conclusive evidence' from Rail Safety and Standards Board reports from July 2006 showed that high temperatures increased potential hazards on the line by a massive 62%. 'Had the cabs been fitted with modern air cooling systems, this health hazard could have been avoided.'
(Phone report by Eddie Dickson)
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|  | | view larger image | | Union activists talk to workers in the South East Railway of Russia about the Action Day |
Russia
The Trade Union of Railwaymen and Transport Construction Workers of Russia held their committee meetings at all regions and locals as well as at the enterprises where the officials and activists informed the members about the ITF's Action Day. The meetings emphasised the new challenges that their organisation faces today with the current process of rail restructuring and the importance of safe and efficient public services that the railways provide. Campaign information has been distributed to all levels of the union in advance.
(Email report by Valentin Gavrilenkov)
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