Interview: Doro Zinke

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Doro Zinke was appointed General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (which is also the ITF’s European regional arm) in 1999. She began her trade union career in 1984, four years after graduating in political science, sociology and Eastern European history. She worked for the German ÖTV transport union, first as an education officer, then in recruitment and organisation in the Cologne area. In 1990 she transferred to the union’s head office in Stuttgart and in 1996 she was elected Vice President of the ÖTV Rhineland region.

What is the biggest challenge facing the ETF in the next 12 months?
We have to develop into a union federation, a living organism, vivid, keen on new challenges, not afraid of anything. And we will have to improve our way of working to become more efficient!

If you could do one thing which would improve the lives of transport workers what would that be?
I would introduce intelligent shift systems allowing transport workers to lead a private, cultural, political and of course union life and to earn enough money within normal working hours. And I would love to make people fight for that.

Do you think the world will be a better place for transport workers in 20 years and if so why?
Within the next 10 years, it will be even worse. Globalisation and international competence will give rise to regional, local and company egoism, even between and within the unions. There will be a big gap between official declarations and day-to-day work. If we are able to close this gap by producing visions and realistic approaches which give a prospect to people, we might have a chance to make the world a better place in 20 years.

What has been your greatest achievement?
I do not remember great achievements, just good ones. The best achievement for me was always when people developed a confidence in themselves and an independence from my services.

What would you like to be remembered for?
For contributing to building up powerful workers’ organisations realising the permanent need for change and being able to do so.

What is the most important lesson you have learnt from life?
When I started liking myself, it helped me to respect other people, to be interested in their motives and values which might be one of the best ways to build up co-operation.

Which trade unionist do you most admire (living or dead)?
I could not tell you a special name. I have been admiring those who were consequent, even if it was hard for them and their personal existence.

What is your most irritating habit?
I am a smoker, and secondly very important men sometimes make me laugh even during a meeting.

What most irritates you about other people?
Stupidity!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Ask me again in nine years.

Do you have any phobias?
Being locked up in a small room.

How do you cope with pressure?
Generally I love it. It means that people expect something.

What is your favourite book?
I swallow books, so do not ask me for just one. Currently my favourites are the Harry Potter books and, to improve my French, I am reading lots of Simenon. I also read political novels, books about the history of the countries I travel to, books about films and their directors and songbooks which I sing from secretly. I enjoyed reading Mae West’s autobiography “I’m No Angel” and, if you want to learn something about economics, I recommend Paul Mattick’s” Marx and Keynes”.

Do you have a favourite website?
The ETF website, in four years’ time.

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Issue 1 June 2000

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