The region is crucial to the ITF’s delivery of its ‘four levers’ strategy and vision, which was set by its congress in 2014. This directs the federation to focus on consolidating strategic hubs and corridors, building capacity to influence lead industry players to ensure unions are involved in setting standards across the transport sector, mobilising mass union membership, and using research and strategic planning to follow geographical shifts.
During meetings with ITF members, Steve Cotton said: “We are proud to have such strong unions in Singapore.
“Together with you and our members throughout the hugely important Asia Pacific region, there is a great deal of work to do to build union capacity and organise workers. This is a crucial time, as we build on our existing priority projects to implement the ITF’s four levers vision. We will continue to do all we can to support you to deliver wins for workers.”
Steve Cotton and Mary Liew, president of the Singapore National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) – also general secretary of the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) and an ITF executive board member – held a meeting with NTUC secretary-general Chan Chun Sing and Ng Eng Kie from the NTUC’s international affairs department.
He also travelled to Brisbane, Australia for two days to address the Maritime Union of Australia’s national conference on 29 February and meet several ITF member unions.
