On May 8, 1945, the world marked the end of World War II in Europe, a day that became known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Now, 80 years later, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) remembers the working people – including seafarers, railway crews, dockers, and logistics workers – whose courage, sacrifice, and labour helped defeat fascism.
Transport workers didn't just move troops and supplies – they moved history, playing a vital role in the global effort to uphold peace, democracy, and freedom. On this anniversary, we reflect not only on the past but on the urgent threats workers face today.
A warning from history: the rise of the far-right today
Across the globe, far-right movements are once again on the rise. But this time, the threat wears a suit, hides behind billionaire-funded media machines, and manipulates laws and elections to tighten its grip on power.
Transport workers are again on the frontline. From surveillance in ports and terminals to union-busting on buses and planes, the new authoritarianism comes with polished rhetoric and corporate logos, but its impact is just as dangerous.
Paddy Crumlin, President of the ITF said, “Eighty years ago, workers defeated fascism with courage, unity and sacrifice. Today, it’s our job to finish what they started, by defending democracy against those who would sell it off to the highest bidder. When billionaires try to buy our governments, divide our communities, and silence our unions, we fight back. That’s our legacy. That’s our responsibility.”
Frank Moreels, ITF’s Vice President said, “We must never forget that democracy was not given to us; it was won by struggle. By workers. By unions. The far-right wants to erase that memory, to pit worker against worker, nation against nation. But we have another vision: a world built on peace, social justice, and solidarity across borders. That’s why we stand united on May 8. Not just to remember, but to resist.”
Today’s conflicts: military and economic wars
From Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan to the DRC, today’s wars displace millions. Transport workers are among the dead, the injured, the disappeared. But another kind of war is being waged: one of economic control and repression.
Wages are suppressed. Austerity is imposed. Anti-union laws spread like wildfire. Workers are surveilled, censored, and punished for demanding justice. Multinational corporations and nationalist strongmen collaborate to keep working people divided and disempowered.
This is not just about protecting jobs – it’s about protecting democracy itself.
From resistance to action: join the May 8 Day of action
This year, ITF joins the ITUC’s global Day of Action: “Take Back Democracy. Stop the Billionaire Coup.”
We call on all affiliates and union allies to join actions around the world – online and on the streets. Share the message. Sign the open letter to world leaders. Tell the billionaires: democracy is not for sale.
Congress commitment: Motion A07 – zero tolerance for the far-right
At our most recent Congress, the ITF adopted Resolution A07, pledging zero tolerance for fascism and the far-right, and a commitment to build global union power to defeat these threats.
That resolution isn’t just words on paper, it’s a plan for action. On May 8, let’s make that commitment real.
Because just as transport workers helped win peace in 1945, we are rising again. For freedom, for justice, and for each other.
