International Women’s Day 2016 – 8 March
Share your union success stories this International Women’s Day to inform, inspire and support!
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About the campaign
International Women’s Day is recognised, celebrated and supported by thousands of organisations and individuals across the world. For the ITF family it is about helping to secure rights for women, and raise their visibility and participation in the union movement and the transport industry.
It’s an opportunity for unions all over the world - men and women - to stand together and shine a light on the issues facing women transport workers in every sector and the action being taken to fight for justice and equality.
This year the 8 March focus for the ITF is your stories. To promote your work, inspire and provide valuable support for other unions please share your stories of winning on workplace issues for women transport workers, improving gender balance in the workplace or increasing the role of women in union leadership and industrial disputes.Use text reports, pictures and film clips to tell your story and share it with the ITF in the run up to 8 March in the following ways:
- Fill in this short survey. The results will be used to help develop resources to support unions in their work in relation to women transport workers.
- Use the ‘post your comment’ tab on the right of this page
- Email women@itf.org.uk
- Share with or post to Facebook.com/itfglobal @ITFglobal or tag us on twitter @itfglobalunion using the hashtags #IWD #ITFwomen
Look out for your story on 8 March when the ITF will be promoting the work of unions all over the world on social media and on the timeline of these campaign pages.Aviation unions, why not take action to support cabin crew - largely women - at Qatar Airways who face intimidation and surveillance as part of their daily working lives. Transport workers have been showing their solidarity and you can do the same – see pictures below and contact the ITF civil aviation team for more information on how you can get involved: aviation@itf.org.uk
Here’s some of the action from 2015 when transport unions around the world used 8 March to show their solidarity with sacked trade unionist Jimena Lopez. -
Timeline
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Take a look at ITF union activities for 8 March 2015.
This is where you'll find your 2016 activities listed if you send them to women@itf.org.uk or tag us on social media @ITFglobal on Facebook @ITFglobalunion on twitter #IWD #ITFwomen
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Bahrain DHL Trade Union report wins for women including medical insurance for the whole family, heat allowance and improved bonuses. The Union mobilised women workers around key events to ensure engagement. With the support of union heads all jobs are now accesible to women who are increasingly encouraged into leadership positions within the Union.
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BTB-Belgium shared their successful campaign which promoted female employment in the Dockers sector where the tactics deployed were to include women in Union structures by training so that they can represent their union. Women dockworkers were actively encouraged to become members of the union board and separate formal and informal meetings were organised around womens issues to mobilise women. There is now a female Secretary within the union and male leaders offering genuine suport has enabled women to occupy leadership positions resulting in stronger mandates.
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ZARWU-Zimbabwe shared their success in creating a gender focal desk that advocates women issues with both unions and management. The desk was tactfully controlled by an independent body. Awareness talks were organised weekly to spread the word about the desk, and male union leaders lent their support by financing the venture.
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Setca BBTK-Belgium achieved fixed job descriptions for their members linked to fixed salary scales. An air tight communication strategy around gender discrimination was rolled out to mobilise women workers, and a particular emphasis was placed on the pay gap for identical jobs. Male union leaders helped the cause by sending out a strong message that gender differences are no longer accepted, via leaflets and meetings.
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CPOFPCM-Argentina shared their story of achieving both men and women on board vessels with clauses for pregnancy and breastfeeding now included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Close links with union Executive Board bore fruit of support from the leadership.
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The National Federation of Indian Railwaymen-India reported ongoing work on the collective bargaining side for effective sexual harassment committees which can deliver tangible results to the women who go through the process. Building strong relationship with the workers so they feel informed and able to bring their issues forward was identified as a key tactic for success.
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Local 114-Canada highlighted an increase in the women workers in the company and are now collating women issues to continue the fight. Education of members has played a key role in recruiting , as has relationship building as it gives women the courage to speak up. Increased participation within union structures have been noted, and women in leadership positions within the union has given women role models and a voice.
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Maritime And Dock Workers Union-Ghana have a much stronger female voice within the union, and can now count on that support to defend each other jobs when needed. Training has played a big part in recruiting members and getting women into leadership positions within the union structures. As has building alliances with the management around key women issues. More women than ever now occupy first line management seats. Wining tactics that led to success include sharing information widely , organising seminars, and including the male leadership in their quest.
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Unifor-Canada reports several wins for women including over 300 Women Advocates, support of a bill for paid domestic violence leave , raising awareness of the gender wage gap, including submissions to a government committee. Education of staff, coordinated bargaining with employer and publicity all contributed to the wins for women. All victories have been rooted in the unions women’s leadership programs and dedicated women’s committees. Highlighting the distribution of women across occupations and their concentration in low wage precarious areas helped mobilise women, and male leaders helped by demonstrating the fairness of employment equity. The union’s executive board is presently 50/50 gender parity. Involving women at the top leads to female experiences being in the light and women are role models for the future leadership.
On 8 March Unifor took action at the Toronto Airport, the sisters lead an extremely important campaign that is designed to gain public support for decent airport jobs. “Fight for $15 & Fairness at YYZ” was created to fight against the ghettos being created at Canadian airports by a lack of regulation that allows for any bargained gains for workers being lost due to a practice of contract flipping from one company to another. The majority of workers affected are women. Decent stable jobs are being replaced by precarious work with poor pay, little to no benefits, and inadequate hours to support their families. It is a cycle that must stop.
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ITF affiliates in Thailand, both women and men, and youth, celebrated this year International Women Day with other women groups in Thailand by joining in the demonstration and rally raising the issues and demands of women in all aspects.
The main theme of this year activity was; 50:50 equal opportunities and representation of women in all decision making level. And to emphasise the say No to violence and sexual harassment against women in all forms and every level."
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MUMBAI PORT TRUST (MBPT)-India Celebrated INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2016 with over 400 women in attendance. They shared one of the ground breaking wins they have had for Women transport workers. That of paid Child care leave (CCL) of 2 years during the period of entire service. This leave can be taken for looking after children or accompanying them to medical appointments up to the age of 18. This paid child care leave can even be combined with other leave! This allowance has now been made applicable to women in other major ports.
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The Centro de Capitanes de Ultramar y Oficiales de la Marina Mercante (CCUOMM)- Argentina, under the presidency of Captain Marcos Ricardo Castro, worked persistently for women to be allowed entry to the National Nautical School, and finally achieved his objective in 1993. Since then several wins have been accomplished for Women workers including a CBA which
guarantees equal pay and protects labour rights, guarantees women captains and officers:• The right to disembark in the event of pregnancy.
• Special 165 daymaternity leave (employment law stipulate 90 days) with 20% more pay than on board ship.
• Special 45-day breastfeeding leave with 20% more pay than on board ship.
• 45 day leave in the event of miscarriage
Forming a women’s committee within the union helped recruitment greatly, and encouraged a focus on improving working conditions for women. Male union leaders helped push for positive discrimination at a time to encourage women into leadership positions ; companies discriminating against women were offered no choice.
Today in the Union the Labour affairs secretary is female, and an increased amount of women are in decision making posts.
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Belgische TransportBond BTB Belgium celebrated IWD by taking part in the Equal pay day campaign on 13th March 2016. Since the first Equal pay day in 2005 there has been progress, the gender pay gap has been reduced from 28% to 20%, however at this rate it will take until 2051 to completely eliminate it. This year’s campaign called to tackle the reasons behind this gap such as part time work, 4 out of every 5 part time worker is a woman, the existence of ‘traditionally’ male and ‘traditionally’ female professions and sectors, which always means women having a lighter pay cheque, less professional training is offered to Women and men seem to go home with many more ‘extra’ perks such as company cars , laptops etc.
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Federation of Mongolian Railway Workers' Trade Union- FMRWU celebrated International women’s and reported a win within its own structures for gender equality
The Union has 10 people in the central office, of whom 5 are women and 5 are men. Keeping the gender balance is a priority. Recently a selection of the best 9 trade union activists from year 2015 was made and 4 of them were women.
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On March 7 at the Bulgarian Industrial Association Ekaterina Yordanova- FTTUB-Bulgaria took part in a panel discussion titled ‘Gender Balance in business’ and addressed one of the key issues – the participation of women in decision-making process at national, European and international level.
She presented the opportunities for women both through direct participation in political decisions and by the means of social dialogue. She stressed its importance as it is only through this that strategies and programs may be translated into active policies for development and real success in the workplace. The role of the social partners and especially women in business and trade unions is twofold – participation first in the formulation of these policies through the mechanism of democracy then their implementation in practice.
Yordanova outlined the agenda on the issue at European and international level and presented the FTTUB and CITUB active participation in this process via trade union women’s committees and advisory councils at all levels. She gave concrete examples of fruitful dialogue with the institutions – Bulgarian, European and the United Nations. Yordanova underlined the importance of good cooperation and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders to overcome the imbalance and inequality between the genders and to promote women’s representation and participation in decision-making. “There is no equality without common decisions”, she said.
In conclusion, participants called on more incentives for women in leadership positions in our society to be taken. -
On March 8th, here in Seafarers House San Juan-Puerto Rico, we proudly celebrated the International Women’s Day (IWD) with all of our seafarers. We gave out flip flop keychain. This year we used the colours purple and white, which symbolized justice and dignity and the slogan: “Planet 50-50 by 2030 step up for gender equality pledge for parity”,
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On the eve of March 8, the seafarers, members of the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine, MTWTU-Ukraine took part in a kind of flash mob – were pictured with the festive MTWTU logo. On 8th March female seafarers were invited to the office to receive special holiday gifts.
On March 11 the MTWTU will hold a special workshop on financial literacy for seafarers’ wives, featuring special guest Life Coach.
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Uttariya Railway Mazdoor Union URMU-India share their wins for Women in the Workplace on key issues ; Transfer and posting of women employees looked upon favourably with Women involved in the decision making, increased numbers of crèches and rest rooms, If women work unsociable hours they are guaranteed safe transportation home, an update of the SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS procedure in line with 2013 Act and CCTV at all the work places with women employees and in the ladies compartments of 50 EMU rail cars and on 50 Main Line trains to increase women’s safety on board trains.With all these successes the fight still continues to encourage dedicated women leaders who will work towards the development and advancement of women workers..
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The Transport Workers Union of Australia TWU - took part in the Sydney International Women’s Day March and raised awareness of how the employer tries to gag women workers at Qatar Airways. The speaker highlighted the company as a good example of global injustice against women. Prior to the rally people checking in and out of Sydney airport received leaflets detailing the companies horrific treatment of its women workers.
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The Cochin Port Staff Association- affiliated to All India Port and Dock Workers Federation held a seminar on 8th March with the main theme being Role of Women in Social Development. It was highlighted that society’s focus seems to be shifting away from trying to push for social reforms and instead many just concentrate on the individual. The general Secretary called on women to come forward in empowering themselves and their children to bring about societal change in all fields of life.
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National Union of Seafarers Sri Lanka- NUSS Youth Wing together with other unions celebrated International Women's Day at Katunayake. At the meeting the following two resolutions were adopted;
To demand from the government to release the report of the commission that was appointed to probe into the murder of Roshen Chanaka (Factory worker) who was killed by police shooting during the demonstration and to pay compensation to the family.
To demand the government to rectify discriminatory anomalies in the maternity leave benefits act in compliance with the ILO convention number 103.
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Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Entidad Dirección General de Transportes - Guatemala shared their wins for women workers including a negotiated collective agreement which included pre and post natal leave and time for breast feeding. The jobs of Supervisor and Manager are now open to women which were not the case before the agreement. Improved training provision for all on gender equality helped recruit more women. Male leaders helped by giving the women the space in which to participate. More women have been encouraged into leadership positions and the position of general secretary to the executive committee of the union is now undertaken by a woman. Women are increasingly a part of the negotiating teams in times of disputes, and the support and welcome from union leaders makes all the difference. Women are achieving new goals and are fully involved in trade union organisation.
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The General Transport Union-Palestine shared the victory of being able to apply the law on minimum wage in the workplace and increasing women’s participation in elections to 30% . Most significant achievement is that the involvement of women in the union leadership has elicited targeted campaigns and produced solutions to women’s problems in the workplace; the union is increasingly considered to be the organisation which defends workers rights and gives women a feeling of security.
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Lebanese Crew Union –Lebanon- outlined their wins for women including preservation of health insurance throughout pregnancy, 75% of morning flights specified for mothers, more women in key leadership positions such as treasurer, which has led to positive changes such as 50 % of the union council are now women and greater engagement of youth and women in collective union activities.
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Oil ports and Marine Transport Union- Iraq report improved success in collective negotiations overall for women and has resulted in a wider range of jobs being available to women. Women have been given more important roles within the union structure and in the workplace and defending gender equality in the field of work have been fruitful. Women have been more involved in negotiations and actively participate in diffusing provocation in disputes. Their involvement has been key in overcoming difficulties faced by women in the past as has the ardent support given by male union leaders.
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General Workers and port Members union-Iraq describe a marked improvement in convincing society about the role of women. This was achieved through prudently worded publicity in workshops and study groups, by repeated meetings in work sites where there was a majority of women and by active participation of male union leaders who sought to highlight the need for gender equality.
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Railway Ticket inspectors and Ticket Counter clerks- affiliates of National Tunisian Railway Federation report the significant victory of giving women a voice and exposing the violence to which they are exposed to in the company and in society generally. Recruitment of women was relatively straightforward as they realised the time has come to defend their rights and make themselves heard on fundamental issues. Male Union leaders supported the campaign and helped with building the women’s’ confidence.
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Yemeni Airline workers and employees union-Yemen shared a successful campaign to reinstate female cleaning workers after they were suspended. Flexibility, effective negotiations and transparency were instrumental in attaining this victory, as was the support of the male union leaders who put forward suitable solutions to the women. Women now occupy key roles previously undertaken by men, such as publicity manager and general secretary of the union committees. Having women in these roles has strengthened the union as it opens up all the positions fairly to all members and invigorates union work. Women are also increasingly active in disputes and the benefits are women workers have greater awareness and understanding of what types of abuse women face and can be real advocates offering insightful options.
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ZTGWU Women Advisory Union-Zimbabwe On the 8th of March 2016 we held our International celebration at Emtunzini Wethemba Children’s Home. As a union we donated food and clothes for the Orphans. The Zimbabwe Congress Trade Union President gave a speech in support, and on gender based violence. The Chairperson of Transport Industry also gave a speech.
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The Russian Trade Union of Railwaymen and Transport Construction Workers’ (ROSPROFZHEL) took part in the campaign mounted by the International Transport Workers’ Federation in support of International Women’s Day on 8 March. In ROSPROFZHEL organisations, an average of nearly 40% of the workers are women. Nearly 65% of all the primary trade union organisations are headed by women.
As part of the Women’s Day events on 8 March, the Trade Union organised community law centres and a telephone hotline, where any woman member of the Trade Union could turn for clarification of the existing legislation and the rights and guarantees enjoyed by working women, or for advice or help.
Within rail transport enterprises and training establishments, trade-union workers and activists contributed to raising awareness of the issues behind this campaign, which aims to achieve real social equality between men and women, benefiting society as a whole.
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Port workers commemorate International Women’s Day together at TCVAL The concessionaire, along with the Network of Women Port Workers of Chile, paid homage on this important date to the contribution made by women in both the operations and administration of the port.
One of TCVAL’s sustainability policies is to actively integrate women into production, and it is has tried to do this during the two years in which it has operated at El Espigón. Women account for 21% of the company’s workforce and there are more women than men employed in the administration sector. TCVAL’s operational plans will lead to a considerable increase in the number of women in its workforce.
The labour and social welfare minister, Ximena Rincón, emphasised the work done by the Network of Women Port Workers and, addressing herself to the general public, she said: “We have to make an effort as parents, men and women, workers and employers. We have to do all we can to ensure that more women join the workforce.
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Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh, Pune Division celebrated INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY ON 17-3-2016 at conference Hall New DRM Office/Pune. Smt. D.P.Naidu President ( CRMS Women's Wing) was the chief guest for the program.The work of CRMS to uplift the women employees was commended. Smt.Rehana Sheikh Inspector of Police outlined laws that were there to particularly help women. Talks and sessions about Self defence and meditation and well being followed. The strong theme being to encourage women to come forward and speak up for their rights & empowering themselves, by actively participating in the organisations activities and work.
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South Central Railway Employees' Sangh an affiliate of National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR), India observed International Women's Day on 9.3.2016 in Rail Nilayam Auditorium, Secunderabad, India.
Smt. M. Uma Nagendramani Vice President, SCRE Sangh and National Secretary INTUC in her presidential address advised the women to rise to the occasion and to sail with the changing world, upgrade the skills/latest technology incl soft skills/IT, get awareness on various provisions on work place harassment, domestic violence, other social evils. She thanked the SC Railway Administration for proper response to Sangh in sorting out women’s issues.
There was also a focus on health issues as most women had to juggle the responsibility of work and home. It was suggested that as a result women needed to be extra vigilant.
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SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY MAZDOOR UNION affiliates of AIRF
The South Western Railway Mazdoor Union, Hubballi celebrated “International Women’s Day” on 17th March, 2016 in the Main Union Office premises. Smt.Neelima Saxena, President/SWRWWO/Hubballi & Smt.Vaneetha Jain, President/SWRWWO/Hubballi division were the Chief Guests on the occasion. About 1200 women employees from Headquarters, Hubli Division, Hubli Workshop & Stores participated and actively took part in the celebrations. Many of them spoke on the occasion and brought out their problems.
The following are the main demands which were put forth and resolutions passed:
- Equal rights for women in Society
- Stop sexual harassment to women worker and whenever the cases are reported thorough investigation should be done to render justice to women employee
- Separate lunch rooms with dress changing facilities should be made available at work spots
4.Standard uniform and material should be supplied to all Gr.D & C women employees
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Workers from Sindicato Nacional dos Trabalhadores dos Portos e Caminhos de Ferro- Mozambique celebrated 8 March reflecting on the progression of women and the challenges on the effects of climate change on the planet. In Mozambique-Beira workshops about the origin of the day were organised as was a long march.
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Itwan and Netwon jointly organised an International Womens Day Programme in Kathmandu.It was attended by over 150 women focussing on womens rights and gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
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Tumtis stood in solidarity with sisters in DHL Latin America as part of International women’s day celebrations.
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Elina Karavan