Given that so many of the replies came from countries where extensive equality legislation is in place, the results of the ITF survey give great cause for concern.

Many women workers recognise that they have rights in theory but not in practice. In particular, many women transport workers perceive that:

• An unacceptable level of discrimination exists at the level of job entry.

• Many companies fail to apply the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

• There is a disproportionate prevalence of casual staff, temporary contracts and part-time workers among the female workforce.

• A large minority of women are not given the same access to promotion as men.

• The use of ‘attractive’ female workers to sell transport services is harmful to the workers’ status and effectiveness.

It is also clear from the survey responses that:

• The vast majority of workers do not know whether or not equal opportunities policies or anti-harassment policies are in place where they work. 

• There are pay differences with men and comparatively fewer job opportunities.

• Manywomen are discriminated against if they are married or have children.

• A high proportion of women in the transport industry cannot exercise full maternity rights.

Source:Equality Testing in Transport
 Results of a survey carried out by the ITF Women’s Department
Published February 2002
ISBN 0-901969-68-0