International Women’s Day, 8 March, in 2002 was again a special day for women transport workers. ITF unions marked the occasion worldwide with a series of initiatives to promote women’s basic rights and target young women for union membership.

The ongoing ITF basic rights campaign aims to improve women’s working lives in the transport industry by focusing on ITF member unions for action. Headlined “Go for equality”, this year’s campaign is asking unions to organise young women transport workers as well as to increase ITF trade union activities in favour of women transport workers’ rights.

In transport, the biggest employment growth industries are areas where young female employment is high – courier businesses and call centres (where women are 70 per cent of staff) are examples. But union organisation remains a challenge. These “new” workplaces have a low union presence. Some unions are already meeting these challenges with targeted recruitment. On the campaign day, ITF unions were promoting the message that unionised workers earn more money than non-unionised workers, have more job protection and enjoy better benefits, including paid maternity leave and parental leave. They also get better recognition of equal rights. To support campaigners, the ITF commissioned a new campaign poster, featuring the slogan “Go for equality” and distributed information to unions.

Strengthening women’s participation in unions leads to benefits for all, ITF Women’s Officer Sarah Finke said. “Better pay for women means better income for all the family. Safer working conditions in areas where women work means other workers can argue for the same. A workplace without harassment and bullying is a happier workplace for all. Childcare for both men and women means more time with the family for everyone. Women in union leadership and organising jobs means more women members, and stronger unions,” she explained.

General Secretary David Cockroft said: “Last year’s 8 March celebration was the first time we asked unions to campaign on an issue that affects every transport mode and every transport workplace. In 2002, we built on the success of that campaign day.”