Skip to main content

Supply Chains

Nothing moves without a transport worker. From food and medical supplies to clothing and computers, transport workers are essential to keeping global supply chains running.

However, all too often transport workers – and the value they add to the global economy – are invisible. Even as globalisation has increased international trade, labour standards have been eroded as businesses seek the cheapest possible way to compete to move goods. Meanwhile, e-commerce giants are using digital technology to reshape the way we shop, often at the expense of workers involved in distribution and delivery.

The ITF recognises that, for workers to wield real power in the 21st Century, we need to organise along supply chains. We do this in four ways:

  • Organising the warehousing sector, the key industrial hubs in global supply chains
  • Campaigning in logistics companies to ensure strong labour standards across different transport sectors
  • Targeting economic employers, who hold power to improve supply chain standards
  • Lobbying for regulation and enforcement mechanisms which enable governments, multilateral institutions and workers themselves to take more action to protect workers’ rights
Subscribe to Supply Chains

Supply Chains News

News | 14 Apr 2023 Press Release

Unions welcome 50,000 Filipino jobs saved as EU makes right call on seafarer training certificates

Unions are welcoming a decision from the EU maritime watchdog which avoids up to 50,000 Philippines-certified crew being barred from working aboard European-owned...

News | 12 Apr 2023 Press Release

Solidarity statement for cross-border drivers striking at Gräfenhausen in Germany

ITF & ETF joint solidarity statement Transport workers across Europe and around the world have been inspired by the courage and willingness to fight of the...

News | 29 Mar 2023 Press Release

Hobbs and Whistles owner first to commit to human rights due diligence across transport supply chain

TFG Brands London signs landmark agreement with the International Transport Workers’ Federation. TFG, owner of brands including Hobbs and Whistles, is the first...

News | 23 Mar 2023 Press Release

Governments obliged to learn pandemic supply chain lessons – maritime report

Governments should learn lessons from the pandemic and its aftermath to secure reliable maritime supply chains for their citizens and the climate, the International...

See more

Resources

Join the solidarity network

The ITF co-ordinates practical solidarity for transport unions around the world. By bringing unions together, we can ensure better working conditions, improve workers’ rights, and create a just and fair society for everyone.

Join now