Press Room

Breaking news and analysis, expert opinion and other media resources from the ITF.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation’s media team is part of a global movement, working with the world’s media to fight for workers’ rights.

Our team can assist journalists with enquiries on both international and UK issues, in multiple languages.

Media contacts
Are you a journalist? Please email media@itf.org.uk for all press and media enquiries, or contact individual members of the team via phone or WhatsApp.
Rosalyn Smith Media Manager Tel: +44 7522 229623
Sian Manaz Deputy Communications Director Tel: +44 7850 736145

For non-media enquiries, please email mail@itf.org.uk

If you are a seafarer and you need help, please email seafsupport@itf.org.uk

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Latest press releases
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news Press Release

ITF condemns MV Portland seizure

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) today strongly condemned the raid early this morning (Wednesday) on the MV Portland in the Australian home port for which it is named. Up to 30 security guards were reportedly used to eject the five Australian crew members from the vessel and usher on a non-national crew, which then set sail for Singapore.
Seafarers
Global
Asia Pacific
news Press Release

ITF backs industrial action at Port of Rotterdam

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) and ETF (European Transport Workers’ Federation) are supporting their affiliated Dutch dockers’ union FNV Havens as industrial action begins this afternoon (Thursday 7 January) at the Port of Rotterdam.
Dockers
Global
Europe
About the ITF

ITF is raising the voice of workers to improve the lives of workers. The leadership, advocacy, campaigning and direct action of ITF and our affiliated unions – at country, regional and global levels – has had a significant and tangible impact on workers’ lives and futures, both improving local conditions and raising international standards.

We are a democratic, affiliate-led federation, connecting and leveraging the power of trade unions from 153 countries. Find out more.

OUR SPOKESPEOPLE

Our spokespeople are experts in their field and can speak on a broad range of issues. Call the press team to arrange an interview.

GENERAL SECRETARY
Stephen Cotton
Stephen Cotton was elected at the 43rd ITF Congress in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2014, re-elected at the 46th ITF Congress in Singapore, 2018 and the 46th ITF Congress in Marrakech, 2024. Under his leadership, the ITF has transformed into a proactive campaigning organisation, allowing the ITF and its affiliates to secure industry-leading contracts and protocols with key multinational companies in the transport sector.
ITF PRESIDENT
Paddy Crumlin
Paddy Crumlin is the President of the ITF, a position he has held since 2010. He is also National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), a role he has held since 2000, National President of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), and a Member of the Executive Board of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
ITF’s wider elected leadership include regional Vice Presidents, as well as and industrial section and department chairs. They can be contacted through the press team.

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The latest news on the issues affecting us all, and the actions we’re taking to improve our working lives and futures.