World Rail Safety Day next month

24 February 2005

On 7 March 2005 rail workers around the world will celebrate the sixth international rail action day, an ITF event that has mobilized more than a quarter of a million railway workers in 65 countries each year since the campaign - for safe railways with a global future  - began in 2000.

Mac Urata, Secretary of the ITF’s Railways Section, explained: “Railway unions have faced significant challenges to safety standards and public services as many economies withdraw from rail services and transfer development capital into roads.  The separation of track and train operations, plus an increase in the use of contractors for maintenance, has increased the possibility of accidents, and rail unions have been required to put more effort into protecting their members and the travelling public.”

Participants will use the day to spread the day’s Safety First! message in a variety of ways.  Details of planned activities can be found at www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/rail.cfm along with the history of the day and its achievements, and downloadable publicity materials.

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
Website: www.itfglobal.org

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