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Women road transport workers

Fighting for equal rights and union representation

Women working in road transport have traditionally taken on public-facing, administrative, clerical or cleaning roles. Now, thanks to globalisation and mechanisation, the industry is changing. More women are taking jobs in operational transport, as drivers or in the logistics and technological sectors. 

Tackling the issues for women in road transport

With opportunities for women now available at every stage of the supply chain, we must encourage them to join the industry. A large part of this involves making sure they have a safe, fair and healthy working environment – as well as union representation. 

This includes addressing important issues such as:

  • sexual harassment and violence in the workplace
  • balance between work and family
  • informal and precarious work
  • working time and shift work
  • health and safety at work
  • poor facilities
  • training and retraining

Strong unions need women

Road transport affiliates have a responsibility to organise women workers and encourage them to play an active union role. Sharing knowledge and information will help us to establish best practice and improve working conditions for women in transport across the world. You can help…

  • Tell us about any issues and incidents relating to women in the workplace
  • Share information on campaigns, events and activities
  • Share union strategies for mobilising and organising women road transport workers
  • Promote and use ITF’s guides, reports and survey results (see below)

Equality in the bus transport industry: ITF guide

This guide covers issues faced by women in the bus sector and how these are being addressed through campaigns, collective bargaining and organising women to build union power.

Download women bus workers - driving to equality
(Available in English, Arabic, French and Spanish)

For more information about activities for women road transport workers, contact us.