Six women and nine men from 12 countries participated in an ITF workshop in Kampala, Uganda from 20-22 September. They shared experiences, discussed the challenges facing unions, learnt about union organising and leadership development, and explored how young workers could get more involved in ITF campaigns.
They identified an urgent need for unions to influence a new approach to transport – one based on social needs and solidarity – which wins a better deal for working people.
After discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by new technology, the participants called upon union leaders and young workers to work together to create or strengthen youth structures, and to develop strategies for young workers to play a meaningful role in implementing automation in transport.
Participant Shanitah Birungi from Uganda said: “Positive change in transport and labour can only be achieved through the energetic and enthusiastic majority – young workers.”
ITF youth co-ordinator Baker Khundakji commented that the input of the continent’s young transport workers would be key to shaping the future regional strategy at the ITF Africa conference in March 2018.
She added that young workers were determined to play central roles as union campaigners, organisers and leaders, and reaffirmed that support for young workers to achieve this would continue to be a global priority for the ITF.
The workshop was held in co-operation with the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union of Uganda (ATGWU). It was supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung as part of the programme to build an ITF young transport workers network in the African region, within the ITF global young transport workers network.
Get involved with other young workers to make an even bigger impact. Join the ITF global young transport workers network now – English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
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