42 years of autocratic rule in Libya decimated its trade union culture. The government outlawed independent unions, and according to the International Trade Unions Congress (ITUC) annual survey of trade union rights*, as of 2012 there was still a lot of work to be done.
Thanks to the ITF Arab World office’s ongoing work in Libya, the General Union of Air Transport Workers and the General Union of Dockers & Seafarers formally became ITF’s newest affiliates last week.
Bilal Malkawi, ITF Arab world regional secretary, was delighted with the new additions. “With Libya undergoing political reconstruction, it’s reassuring to see that worker organising is playing a part in the new political landscape. We’re extremely pleased that our work in the region is having such an effect – and that the ITF now has an affiliate presence in Libya”.
* International Trade Union Confederation, 2012 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights - Libya, 6 June 2012, available here.
ITF welcomes Libyan unions
news
ON THE GROUND
news
Glenton “Glen” Wood
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of Glenton “Glen” Wood, a towering figure of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and a deeply respected trade unionist across
news
Stephen Abima
It is with deep sadness and fond memories that the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has learned of the passing of Stephen Abima, former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Transport
news
Press Release
ITF condemns Black Sea vessel attacks and calls for protection of seafarers
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned the latest attack on vessels operating in the Black Sea, warning that seafarers must never be treated as targets in conflict and