By Vik Sharma
In a precarious, volatile and globalised world, transport workers have common experiences that transcend borders in the struggle for safe, secure and quality jobs. It is only when we break down these boundaries and work together that the power of union solidarity can be unleashed.
That’s why the RTBU is an affiliate of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), a global union that represents 17 million transport workers across 700 unions from 150 countries. We tap into this resource to organise across supply chains, understand multinational corporations, new technologies and organising strategies to build strength for members.
This month’s ITF Congress brought together unions from across the globe to exchange experiences, coordinate global campaigns affecting transport workers, and build the solidarity required to challenge the attacks of global capital.
Numerous key priorities were adopted including campaigns and resources towards:
- Impacts of technology
- Privatisation and contracting structures
- Health and safety
- Wages, conditions, rights & equality
- Mental health and accessibility
- A just transition to sustainable jobs
- Union structures that work and deliver for all members
Elections of key positions were held at the congress with RTBU National Secretary Alex Claassens re-elected as ITF Railway Workers Section Asia/Pacific Chair and Assistant National Secretary Shayne Kummerfeld to the Urban Transport committee. Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia was also re-elected as President of the ITF.
Alex Claassens addressed the congress on the importance of building dialogue between the ITF, International Labour Organisation, UIC (a peak body for rail companies) and the World Bank.
Currently there are no global minimum standards in the railway sector regulating working conditions, but thanks to recent work an ILO global tripartite rail technical meeting is being convened to advance this shortfall, working towards standardised minimum standards on safety and conditions globally.
Shayne Kummerfeld spoke to the issue of driverless technology and autonomous vehicles, an issue widely felt by the global community. With numerous examples of automation globally, the RTBU continues to play its role to understand the technologies, methods of implementation and build the global power defend the job security of the driving grade.
The impacts of technology on our jobs and privatisation, while actioned by different companies and governments in different ways, must fundamentally be met with resistance to ensure any change is made on our terms and for the benefit of working people.
Other key items debated included violence and harassment of transport workers, support for youth and women in an aging and male dominated industry, recruitment of white collar workers, and the unjust impact of war on the lives of workers.
Established in 1896, the ITF has been responsible for international advocacy and negotiations to hold corporations and governments accountable. The RTBU has benefited from ITF support in the form of research, training, and resources in the region that have helped respond to new work practices and corporate models in bargaining and campaigns.
We are all part of a global world, attacked by local employers using local laws. In the name of profits and cost saving, rail and public transport companies are always first to attack workers – this happens around the world.
Standing together across jurisdictional boundaries is the only way to fight back and as a national all-grades industry union, is the same reason the RTBU remains a powerful force to protect and extend the rights and conditions of members.
