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 Seafarers' Trust announces welfare vehicle effectiveness survey

The ITF Seafarers' Trust - which often pays for vehicles for seafarers' welfare bodies and missions - has announced it will be surveying their uses and effectiveness so as to use its grants as effectively as possible. The Trust will be partnering in the programme with the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) and the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA).
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news Press Release

ITF: FC Barcelona election ‘will decide fate of Qatar Airways sponsorship deal’

Tomorrow’s FC Barcelona presidential elections are likely to seal the fate of any further sponsorship deal by Qatar Airways (QR), according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The ITF says that the gulf between the airline’s treatment of staff and the club’s strong social ethos is now so huge that it will figure in the choice of president by its 70,000 members, who will go on to vote in October on any further sponsorship.
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news Press Release

ITF comment on Greek situation

Speaking on his return from Greece, where he has been meeting with ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation)-affiliated trade unions including the Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO), the ITF general secretary Steve Cotton, said: “I’ve visited Greece many times but I have never before witnessed the level of insecurity people have over the nation’s future.
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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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