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Congo Dr
The Syndicat des Travailleurs Libres (STL) has informed the ITF that violence on urban trains in Kinshasa is at its height. Passenger trains linking the main cities often have stones thrown at them and crew are attacked with machetes. Railway workers are often injured and this situation has become the norm. The union has decided to stop the traffic in this region and today observed a stoppage so that the police could escort passengers in case they were attacked. (Email report by Jean Gaston Loleko)
India
The N.F.Railway Mazdoor Union (NFRMU), as an affiliate to the AIRF, organised a seminar at Guwahati on 28 April. More than 500 railway workers including 100 women workers actively participated in the seminar. Senior union officials addressed the seminar, which looked at the difficulties and dangers faced by railway workers including extortion of money, kidnapping, threats, assaults and murder. The union has already raised the issue of violence to the Railway Board and demanded proper security for railway workers. Some of the loco drivers explained that although the locomotives are said to be bullet proof, the drivers are still scared to drive them even with security personnel. Another meeting of activists of Pandu and Maligaon area was held at the Central Office of the union. The significance of the slogan "Unions Say No to Violence" was explained to participants and how awareness was needed amongst the public on this issue. The issue of terrorism affecting the railways was also raised at this meeting as casualties have been reported this year. (Email report by Pijush Chakraborty)
India
The Tamil Nadu Road Transport Workers' HMS Federation began preparations for the Action Day with discussion at its executive meeting on 19 January in Chennai. On 16 April, the Federation distributed the ITF campaign materials including posters and leaflets, as well as information on issues in the industry to affiliated unions during the executive meeting held that day. Today, 28 April, the Federation is conducting Action Day activities in Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Erode districts and other locations in the state. (Email report by Cheran R Arjun)
Thailand
The Action Day started in Thailand at 11:00 with a traditional ceremony by railway workers who vowed to protect the interests of the railway workers and their organisation. Following the ceremony a rally then proceeded to the Bangkok Railway Station where the railway workers were joined by activists from other ITF affiliates. Union officials and the Railway Governor addressed the rally. During the afternoon, various activities were organised including games and a theatrical play. The venue was decorated with campaign banners and posters. A music band also played during the event. A railway exhibition covering the history of the railways in Thailand, as well as the struggle by the railway workers and the union, and the ITF campaign on violence was held and is due to last for a week. The main theme for the Action Day was “Safety First Not Profit” and “Stop Privatization” while “Say No to Violence” was a sub-theme. Campaign posters, leaflets and t-shirts were produced locally by the union. Activities were also organised by nine union branches in three major provinces in Thailand - Chiang Mai, Nakorn Ratchasima and Songkla. (Email report by Su-angcana Tungworachet)
Luxembourg
The Luxembourg union FNCTTFEL was joined by members of TRANSNET, Germany and CGSP, Belgium in the main station in Luxembourg. Around 200 people attended the rally and subsequent march to Trade Union House, which was covered by the local and national press.
(Telephone Report by Guy Greivelding)
Belgium
Delegates from CGSP have attended the Conference organised by ETF and EVA in Vienna, as well as the activity organised by FNCTTFEL in Luxembourg. (Telephone report by Serge Piteljon)
Netherlands
FNV Bondgenoten has been organising various activities during April to campaign against violence. Several large union meetings have been held for urban transport workers to raise awareness of their rights and on what action can be taken if violence occurs. There have been a number of incidents recently and in some cases, routes have been suspended for a while due to local strike action by workers. The union has also held meetings with all of the major transport companies along with the Minister of Transport and the head of police and it was agreed that in areas of extreme violence the bus routes would be stopped until an anti-violence programme was in place locally.
(Telephone report by Brigitta Paas)
Kosovo
At 11:00 the Independent Trade Union of Traffic and Communication - SPKLK together with the Trade Union of Railways organised a meeting in Prishtina to mark the ITF Action Day. 290 railway workers from all cities in Kosovo attended the meeting and discussed the global crisis and possible ways to minimize the consequences. Information on the ITF and its activities was also made available during the meeting.
(Email report by Alush Sejdiu)
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