The alliances were developed during two workshops in Amman, Jordan on 10/11 and 13/14 June. Both workshops ended with a commitment to identify, strengthen and deepen collaboration to tackle the challenges faced by unions in the industry.
During the workshops, participants analysed the industry, identified key hubs and choke points, and agreed steps towards greater co-operation. The intensive programme focused on a range of issues relevant to building and strengthening unions in a changing industry. The ITF shared its experiences of organising workers' power along supply chains and in industrial hubs, which inspired the unions to agree to use this approach as a foundation for closer collaboration.
The participants also agreed to form national co-ordinating committees to deal with all issues related to ITF activities, aimed at continued organising and building union strength throughout the region.
ITF Arab World regional secretary Bilal Malkawi said: "Transport unions in both Algeria and Iraq are strong and well organised. Having the oil and gas unions working more closely together and in real co-operation will strengthen workers in both sectors.
“We all know how crucial transport is to the oil business. The collaboration agreed today will bring two important industries together and form two solid and strong union alliances."
Ingo Marowsky, global head of the ITF's supply chains and logistics organising programmes, commented that the energy during the workshops was tangible and that the four days had started a big, innovative and powerful initiative.
