The ITF has campaigned recently on worker rights in both of these countries. Back in May 2013, the ITF was one of the complainants in a submission to the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the Thai government’s dismissal of railway workers striking over safety concerns. The ILO responded on June 13 2014, highlighting the gap between Thai national law and international minimum standard. It recommended that all railway workers be reinstated and compensated for lost wages and benefits.
The ITF is also working with sister global union federation the IUF (International Union of Food, Agricultural and Hospitality Workers) to improve workers’ rights along the fish supply chain with the From catcher to counter project. Thailand has come under fire recently for using slave labour in its prawn industry.
The ITF’s work to highlight conditions for workers at Qatar Airways has also been high profile – last September, it revealed a culture of surveillance and control over staff at the airline.
ITF acting general secretary Steve Cotton said: “We hope that both the Thai and Qatari governments will take note of this damning indictment by the US State Department. Our work to date has highlighted the drastic need for labour reform in both of these countries, and we’re pleased to see that the US government agrees with this assessment. Our main concern is workers’ rights, and we’ll continue the fight to make sure that conditions get better for workers everywhere.”
Thailand and Qatar downgraded for workers’ rights abuses
news
ON THE GROUND
news
Global Unions condemn attacks on US federal employees
Global Unions unite to condemn the attacks on US federal employees and the elimination of the crucial ILAB program. The Council of Global Unions (CGU), representing over 200 million workers worldwide
news
ITF and Panama reaffirm commitment to seafarer support
ITF and largest flag state continue joint work spanning seafarer abandonment, new technology and union agreement coverage. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), ITF-affiliate, the
news
Dave Spooner
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is devastated by the passing of Dave Spooner, a beloved friend, comrade, and colleague. Dave was a deeply committed international trade unionist