07 Mar 2005 -
International Railway Workers' Action Day

15:15 GMT (8 March 2005)

Argentina

In Argentina, the unions 'La Fraternidad' and Asociación Señaleros Ferroviarios Argentinos (ASFA) held joint actions.  In the morning, around 80 activists distributed 2,500 leaflets at the six main train stations in Buenos Aires on safety and protection of railways. In the afternoon, a conference for private and public company employees, unionists, entrepreneurs and government authorities discussed the theme of safety and other matters concerning the industry. The idea of both activities was to raise awareness of rail users to preserve this means of transport as well as to make politicians and businessmen aware about the need for new investments to improve railway transport.

Brazil

As a way to commemorate the Railway Workers' Action Day, the National Federation of Railway Workers, CNTTT held a meeting on 7 March with 20 union leaders from the 11 affiliate organisations nationwide. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Railway Company Workers' Union of Paraná and Santa Catarina, in Curitiba, Brazil.

Egypt

The General Trade Union of Railway Workers in Egypt organised a conference on 7 March.  The meeting discussed the current issues facing the railway system and the railway workers such as globalisation, privatisation and other issues which will have negative effects on workers. 

 

Russia

The Trade Union of Railwaymen and Transport Construction Workers of Russia distributed the "Safety first" posters and postcards in Russian in advance over the whole of Russia from Kaliningrad to Sakhalin. Posters were also displayed on the walls in Railway enterprises and most of the railway stations.  Union officials held meetings with members at workplaces to discuss the importance of the campaign.  Seminars were also held.  In many cases these meetings were combined with activities for the International Women's Day which is a national holiday in Russia.