The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has thrown it support behind striking Australian road transport workers.
Members of the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU) are holding 24-hour work stoppages at companies including FedEx, Border Express, SCT, PFD, Sadliers, Goldstar and Qube today, with 48-hour strike action planned at K&S ChemTrans.
Workers are fighting for job security protections, a say on future of work changes, and for pay to catch up to industry standards.
“The global freight and logistics sectors are plagued by downward pressure on rates and conditions,” said Flemming Overgaard, ITF Road Transport Chair. “This pressure is exacerbated by moves towards automation, algorithmic control and unfair gig models which is happening right across the world – driven by pressure from multinational brands and client companies sitting at the top of global supply chains.”
Overgaard said that the ITF had seen companies like FedEx adopt gig-style work models for employees, forcing them to work for piece rates, while also moving towards the adoption of AI technologies and automated vehicles.
“That’s why transport workers and their unions, like the TWU – are using every lever to fight back, and to secure fair pay, safe conditions, and better job security. This is a global fight, and TWU members have the solidarity of road transport workers everywhere.” said Overgaard.
ITF Asia Pacific Regional Secretary Scott McDine congratulated the workers taking industrial action for their courage and determination.
“By using their right to strike, TWU members are demonstrating the power of collective action. Their fight is a critical one for the entire transport and logistics sector, not just in Australia, but across the globe.
"To every TWU member on the picket line: the ITF and our 760 affiliated unions across the world stand behind you. To the employers and wealthy supply chain clients, our message is just as clear – the ITF is ready to mobilise, globally, in support of these workers."
About the ITF
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation of over 760 transport unions in 150 countries, representing more than 16.6 million transport workers. Founded in 1896, the ITF works to protect and improve the lives and futures of transport workers worldwide.
Media contact: Stewart Prins, media@itf.org.uk +61 (0) 487 119 790
Image credit: AAPIMAGE via Reuters Connect
