The 25 participants travelled from seven countries to Delhi, India on 17–18 October. They are all under 35 years of age and have been nominated by their unions to join the network.
During the two days they developed a plan to engage more young workers in the region in union activities and key ITF campaigns, such as those on DHL and Qatar Airways.
Seema Premlal Kahar was nominated by the NRMU/AIRF of India. She explained: “Young workers have been largely cut out of the economic equation in Asia Pacific. Despite working hard, possessing extraordinary skills, and contributing to our overall economic successes, they face a future filled with uncertainty and instability – whether it’s lower career earnings, poor working conditions, temporary jobs or no retirement security.
“For many young ITF members this network will provide an entry point to the union and a way to get more involved with the ITF. It also provides an opportunity to work with other progressive organisations to bring social justice, a healthy, sustainable environment and, more generally, to improve the lives of people working in the transport industry.”
Sharon Li of the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS), is co-chair of the ITF young transport workers committee. She added that the young leaders had overcome the language or cultural differences and formed many strong friendships during the short period of two days. This marks the beginning of a dynamic Asia Pacific young workers’ network, she stated.
Find out more about the ITF young transport workers network here.
