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World rail day tomorrow: unions say no to violence
27 April 2009
Railway workers around the world will say no to violence on public transport tomorrow as part of a worldwide action day organised by their trade unions and the ITF. Transport workers are particularly exposed to assault and thousands of them in 26 countries will use the event to highlight the issue.
According to the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) the problem includes threats, harassment and physical abuse, and can come from passengers, managers and other transport workers. It says that this behaviour is not acceptable and workers and their unions must take the lead in tackling the problem.
As part of that effort tomorrow’s action day – which has been timed to coincide with Worker’s Memorial Day (see www.hazards.org/wmd/countrylistings.htm for more info) – will particularly focus on explaining the issue to the traveling public using leaflets, posters, information points, meetings and rallies. Updates, posters and background details for tomorrow’s day of action can be seen at www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/safetyfirst.cfm
Mac Urata, ITF Inland Transport Section Secretary, commented: “Violence against public transport personnel is a huge, largely unquantified and, we believe, growing problem. No country is immune from it. It ranges from verbal intimidation to shootings and is simply unacceptable. It demands action, and that is what this day is about.”
“The first thing we all have to do is get rid of the idea that nothing can be done. Raising awareness, sharing the problem, talking with employers and governments about how it can be tackled, putting protective measures in place – these are some of the steps we all have to take. Trade unionists will take the lead with this tomorrow, as part of an ongoing campaign for the safer public transport we all want and all deserve.”
In recognition of how widespread the problem is ITF-affiliated member trade unions representing railway personnel are inviting their colleagues in the bus, coach and taxi sectors to get involved too, and will be sharing their resources and experiences as part of an ongoing campaign to say no to violence in the transport workplace. As part of this the ITF has launched a No to Work-related Violence booklet and leaflet intended to help transport workers, union activists, industry members and educators share experience, knowledge and possible solutions. Both can be downloaded from www.itfglobal.org/urban-transport/notoviolence.cfm. As part of its ongoing campaign against violence the ITF has also distributed a questionnaire on sexual harassment and violence against women in the road and rail sectors, and the results of this will also be made available in the near future.
ENDS
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org
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