Introducing the ITF

International Affiliation

Our union is affiliated to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

Many members do not know much about the international affiliation of their union.

Members need to be informed because international links and solidarity are important for building strong unions.

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Why International Solidarity

Internationalism has a long history. There are many examples of unions and workers in one country supporting unions and workers in another country.

Over 100 years ago, unions formed international trade union organisations like the ITF.

Globalisation means that international solidarity and links are more essential than ever before.

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Building Global Organisations

International trade union organisations organise and coordinate solidarity.

There are 10 global union federations (GUFs) each representing a specific industrial sector.

GUFs form part of the international trade union movement together with the ICFTU.

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What is the ITF?

The ITF is a Global Union Federation which brings together transport workers’ unions internationally.

Over 600 unions are affiliated to the ITF.

Began in 1896 in London by European seafarers’ and dockers’ unions.

The ITF represents workers in all transport sectors including shipping, ports, railways, road, civil aviation and tourism.

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Common experiences

Globalisation has brought about many changes in the transport industry.

Privatisation of public transport.

Growing power of multinational operators.

Liberalisation has opened the transport market to competition, driving down costs.

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Common issues and problems

Massive job losses

Deteriorating working conditions

Weakening of unions

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How the ITF responds

Provides a platform for affiliates to exchange information and experiences.

Develops and coordinates international campaigns and actions.

Organises and coordinates solidarity.

Represents transport workers at a global level.

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How the ITF responds

Develops trade union policy promoting alternatives to neo-liberal transport restructuring.

Provides education on international issues.

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Building sectoral links

ITF affiliates are grouped according to sector. For example, rail or road or aviation.

Building link in the same transport sector enables strong global union solidarity and coordination.

Slide 10

Strong unions need women

Women transport workers share many common problems.

The ITF supports increasing women’s participation and leadership in affiliates.

Women Transporting the World Campaign

Slide 11

Participating in ITF structures

RegionsSections

ManagementCommittee

Secretariat (London)

Executive Board

Affiliates(Members)Congress

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Mobilising Solidarity

International work must be linked to organising and bargaining locally.

Workers need links with other workers in the same multinational companies.

Workers needs links along the transport chain.

Increasingly unions need global links and solidarity to win disputes.

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