The Algerian transport federation (FNTT) and the general workers union (UGTA) have signed the first ITF agreement with Hyproc, North Africa’s largest shipping line – the first shipping agreement in the region to cover three flag of convenience vessels.

The ITF and five other global unions are calling for trade unions, workers and the public urgently to lobby their governments to support the inclusion and retention of the full role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the agreed conclusions of the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW61).

The ITF is urging all its unions to participate in two major initiatives to promote gender equality and eliminate violence against women in the workplace, which the federation launched on International Women’s Day (8 March).

Speaking today, International Women’s Day, Diana Holland, chair of the ITF’s (International Transport Workers’ Federation’s) women transport workers’ committee, said: “The 8th of March isn’t just an occasion of celebration, resistance and diversity, it’s also a time to point to achievements and growth. The ITF and its unions stand proud in working with women transport workers making workplaces better, safer and more representative.”

Trade unions from the FBTTT (Federación Bolivariana de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras del sector Transporte, Afines y Conexos) in Venezuela participated in an organising and strengthening seminar last week.

‘A vibrant, dynamic event laying out a clear work programme to congress 2018.’

The impact of the Arab Spring on trade union rights, and global support for the freedom of workers in Palestine are high on the agenda of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Arab World regional conference.

The next stage of the ITF’s Pathway to congress is just a few days away as unionists from across the Arab World prepare to come together for their regional conference.

The ITF addressed the congress of the French union federation the FEETS-FO to bolster the determination of activists to strengthen their unions in the face of national and global threats to workers.

The first woman train driver in the Arab World and Africa, according to her trade union the UMT, has hit the age of 50 at which all Morocco’s train drivers have to retire.

Unions will combat inequality, fear and intolerance

The ITF is calling for widespread solidarity and support for UK transport workers taking industrial action this winter.