ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton address to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) Plenary Debates.
Thank you President, Vice Presidents, Director-General and distinguished delegates for the opportunity to address you today.
I am Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, representing 16.5 million transport workers worldwide.
Let me begin by congratulating all those who have made this Conference possible, and by thanking Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, for his leadership in a time of profound global uncertainty.
This Conference comes at a defining moment for the world of work. As the Director-General’s report makes clear, this is a “moment of choice”.
Across transport, workers are facing rapid technological change, economic instability, geopolitical tensions, climate disruption and widening inequality.
How we respond will determine whether the future of work is built on justice and dignity – or insecurity and exploitation.
This is why the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has never been more important, and the ITF remains fully committed to defending multilateralism, strengthening labour standards and maintaining social dialogue.
At this critical time, it is also essential that the ILO is supported with adequate and sustained funding to deliver on its mandate.
We welcome this year’s recurrent discussion on social dialogue and tripartism.
At a time when democratic institutions are under strain, meaningful dialogue with social dialogue at its core is essential.
Workers and their unions must have a real voice in shaping the transitions transforming our industries.
This year is also critical for securing a strong Convention and Recommendation on decent work in the platform economy.
Digital labour platforms are reshaping transport, logistics, delivery and beyond. But innovation must not come at the expense of rights or dignity.
We must ensure an end to disguised employment relationships, full protection of fundamental rights – including occupational safety and health – fair pay, free from unjust fees and costs, and transparency and accountability in algorithmic management.
We also welcome the focus on advancing gender equality. Women transport workers continue to face discrimination, violence and harassment, unequal pay, and exclusion from leadership.
Gender equality must become a measurable and enforceable reality.
We acknowledge the critical work of the ILO supervisory system and wish to mark the centenary of both the Committee of Experts and – the ‘beating heart’ of the Conference – the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS).
The ITF further welcomes the focus on decent work for peace and resilience. Conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to devastate workers and communities.
We remain deeply concerned about the crisis in West Asia.
Our sympathy goes out to innocent workers injured in the renewed attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait today.
Escalating conflict is not only causing immense human suffering it is directly affecting transport workers.
Seafarers are being stranded or forced to transit high-risk zones; aviation and road transport workers face serious safety threats; and supply chains are being disrupted with profound consequences for workers’ livelihoods.
The protection of transport workers in conflict-affected areas must be an urgent priority.
We thank the ILO for its steadfast commitment to supporting seafarers’ rights at this time.
As the Director-General’s report on the situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories notes, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic.
The only sustainable way forward is through a two-state solution and an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine.
Finally, as artificial intelligence rapidly enters our industries, we are clear: technology must not undermine rights, accountability or human dignity.
Workers and their unions must have a seat at the table in shaping how AI is governed.
The ITF stands ready to work with governments, employers, and the ILO to build a future of work grounded in decent work, democracy, equality, safety, and justice.
Thank you.
