ITF Bulletin - No.3 (2011)

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Union action to stop violence against women

Violence continues to be a major issue for women transport workers worldwide. Over the last few years more affiliates have reported to the ITF incidents of physical, emotional and sexual violence against women members.

As part of its campaign to encourage workplace activity to confront the issues of violence at work in public transport, in 2009, the Inland Transport Sections developed a survey for women road transport and railway workers. Unions in 19 countries, representing women across the urban passenger transport industries from bus and taxi drivers and light train operators to accounts clerks and customer service agents, participated in the survey.

From the information received, it is clear that violence at work is a key issue that affects women transport workers and occurs in every region. Incidents range from verbal insults and threats; to inappropriate advances and touching; physical attacks; intimidation and stalking. Cases of violence and sexual harassment can be carried out by colleagues, managers, passengers and members of the public. Women in all sectors of public transport, whether they be in administrative roles or operational functions have experienced violence and/or sexual harassment, and many reported having experienced several incidents.

However, as with other cases of violence in the workplace, many incidents are not reported. Often women fear that if they do, they will lose their job and unfortunately, colleagues may ignore such incidents with the attitude that ‘it is part of the job’. Worryingly, a significant number said there was no union campaign on the issue or they did not know if one existed.

If progress is to be made, there needs to be realisation that work-related violence is a collective bargaining issue. Whilst it is clear that there are different practical solutions available, it is not acceptable that employers decide which measures should be imposed. Instead, there should be joint work on the issues with full involvement of the union and its members. Workplace violence must be challenged in a proactive way. Unions need to empower workers in the workplace through education, support, organisation and mobilisation. The struggle to stop work-related violence can only go forward with workplace activism.

The report of the ITF survey recording the views of women road transport and railway workers on issues relating to sexual harassment and violence in the workplace is available from the Inland Transport Sections

Interview with Veronika Szilagyi, ITF Railway Workers’ Section Young Workers’ Representative

Where do women work in the railway industry in Hungary?
The railway industry is a masculine sector; women dominate administration, cleaning and sales. There are no women working in railway maintenance or as locomotive drivers.

Do young women want to work in the railways?
Work in the railways provides a safeguarded income so young people want to work in the industry, however not as locomotive drivers due to the poor working conditions and the use of old rolling stock.

Why should unions encourage young workers to get involved in union activities and work?
Union membership is decreasing and so the solution must be to organise young people, both men and women. Organising young workers will increase trade union numbers and strength, but also for young workers it means that they will have protection from precarious work and conditions. By including young workers, unions will also stay relevant, modern and will continue to develop. Trade unions can fight for young workers and with them.

What can be done to promote this?
Youth structures can help by encouraging young workers to participate and involving them. Youth camps, contact from peers and modern communication methods such as Facebook are also useful tools.

What are the challenges? How can they be overcome?
A lack of resources can prevent the implementation of the new ideas that young union members have. It is important to find a way to motivate young people so that they feel that it is their task to participate in the trade union and its activities including demonstrations and strikes; to ‘be part of something big!’

How can young railway workers participate in ITF and Section activities?
Internet and social networking are useful tools in communicating information. In order to learn more about ITF and Section activities, it is important for young railway workers to join the ITF Young Transport Workers’ Network. Young workers also need to determine their role within the ITF Railway Workers’ Section.

Documents connexes:
ITF Bulletin, No.3 (2011) - union action against violence and interview with Veronika Szilagyi (332kb PDF)
Ce document existe seulement en anglais

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