On 7 October each year, workers across the globe mark ‘World Day for Decent Work’. This year, however, the date carries even deeper significance as the world marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza – a conflict that has claimed the lives of an estimated 40,000 people in Gaza and Israel.
Transport workers have long stood on the frontlines, not just of global industries, but of conflict, paying the price for wars that they did not instigate. Our need for decent work and basic conditions of peace, justice and dignity have never been more critical.
The ships, trains, planes, trucks and buses that continue moving goods and passengers across borders, rely on transport workers. We kept the world moving in the depths of the pandemic and we continue to do so today, even in war-torn countries. We endure the impacts of political instability, whether it be the drivers navigating warzones or seafarers whose lives are endangered as they transit waters like the Red Sea and Black Sea, where threats continue to put seafarers' lives at risk.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stands firm in its belief that workers deserve lives of peace and dignity. These aspirations are impossible to achieve when wars rage and instability grows. All nations as well as other actors must strictly comply with international law, protecting the rights and lives of all people, including our members who keep global supply chains moving.
This year’s World Day for Decent Work sees a powerful response from unions, led by the International Trade Union Confederation calling for peace and democracy. The Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions and the Arab Trade Union Confederation have called for a workers’ stoppage at noon Jerusalem time (UTC/GMT +3) to reaffirm the global trade union movement's commitment to the principles of freedom, emancipation, and self-determination for all people.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF President: “Throughout history, workers have borne the brunt of war. Today, we are witnessing that reality again, where working people endure unspeakable brutality. But transport workers—the lifeblood of the global economy—are also the conscience of our world. In these times of deep inequality, war, and instability, we stand to remind the world that we are the force that moves it forward."
Our rights, our safety, and our dignity are non-negotiable if we are to build a just and peaceful world.”
“As we prepare to gather in Marrakech for ITF’s Congress on October 13, transport workers from across the globe will unite to confront the crises we face together, and demonstrate to world leaders that we can come together, despite differences, and call for peace,” said Crumlin. “This Congress, our first in the Arab World, is not just symbolic—it is a powerful testament to the strength of international solidarity. The history of trade unions is one of transcending borders to fight for what’s right. And now, more than ever, we must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as a global force for peace, shaping solutions that overcome the challenges the injustices of our time.”
Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary: “As we mark this year’s World Day for Decent Work, we must recognise that millions of workers around the world continue to suffer under the weight of war, oppression, and inequality. We live in a turbulent world where inequality is deepening, where corporate greed and authoritarianism seem to dominate. But we know that in the darkest moments, the light of solidarity shines brightest. We are not just witnesses to this turmoil—we are leaders, fighters, and beacons of hope. As trade unionists, we will always rise to meet these challenges, particularly when elected leaders fail to do so.
“When we gather in Marrakech for the ITF’s Congress, we will be united under the shadow of these global crises—the victims of war in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond. Millions continue to face starvation, displacement, and systemic injustice, while others are fighting against repressive regimes in Myanmar, Eswatini, Tunisia and Argentina."
The message of decent work is at the heart of these struggles: every worker deserves peace, justice, and fairness.”
Photo credit: Majdi Fathi via Reuters Connect
