Transport unions need young workers to be their driving force now and for the future; young workers need unions to back the right for secure and decent work. Through the young transport workers’ network, summer schools and a dedicated committee, ITF is giving their young workforce the support they deserve. ITF Youth are committed to face the challenges represented by the growth of the gig economy, the expansion of low-cost carriers, the increase of informal work and the negative impact of the steady increase of automation and digitalisation of workplaces. ITF youth believes in the power of building network of young workers to lead campaigns and organising workplaces, of capacity building and education and, of alliances with youth-led movements in building solutions and making change happen.
Learn
Organising and strategic campaigning skills. How to identify global trends and issues. About precarious and informal workers globally. The importance of social movements and alliances. ITF’s Our Public Transport programme. How to increase young workers participation.
Develop
Understanding of global issues, including new technology, smart cities, climate change and just transition in public transport. New campaigning and organising skills for activists in urban transport.
Build
Union strategies to organise and represent informal workers including gig workers. International solidarity between activists and strengthen alliances with key social movements. Action plans for youth activism in the ITF Our Public Transport.
OPT programme
The ITF’s Our Public Transport (OPT) programme promotes a social model of public transport with organisational and employment rights for workers, and the expansion of public transport with decent jobs. The programme:
Works in target cities, like Nairobi, to strengthen the voice of workers in the development of the proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) system and negotiate the transition from informal to formal work. Campaigns to improve working conditions for all public transport workers, and informal transport workers in particular, through increasing their industrial power, building union networks in public transport multinational corporations, developing alliances with passengers, communities and other organisations and promoting women’s employment in public transport. Is developing an alternative public transport policy – one that is built on public ownership, public investment, decent jobs and union rights for workers.