High on the agenda was the renationalisation of the railway network in Argentina. The leaders of La Fraternidad and Union Ferroviaria de Argentina spoke of the gains of the restructure including safe railways, more efficient public transport, job creation and strengthening of the economy. Participants from other countries said they have taken inspiration from the success of the Argentine unions.
Watch Julio Sosa and Sergio Sasia talking about rail renationalisation in Argentina.
Meanwhile there was on the spot support for Kenya truckers’ protest along the East African corridor over 24 hour working shifts and refusal to recognise the union. Following urgent campaigning by ITF unions worldwide and dialogue between the ITF and the truckers’ employer Agility logistics, the strikers were able to return safely to work with guarantee of payment for time of protest. The campaign for improved working conditions and union recognition continues. Find out more.
Road transport unions agreed an action plan for a global safe rates campaign with a spotlight day as a part of a worldwide action week set for this October. Several names of major economic employers for trucking industry were identified in the discussions
Secretary of the Inland Transport Sections Mac Urata said: “The common message that came out from the discussions this week is that we are under attack on many fronts. Unions may halt a government’s attempt to introduce rail privatisation or illegal operation of Uber taxis in a city, but they will try again and again until they succeed. Right to strike is under threat even in Europe. And these attacks are taking place all over the world. Delegates stressed the need to fight collectively as members of ITF family. We also need to develop our own transport polices as alternatives to the global neo-liberal agenda. That is why the latest rail development in Argentina is so important. Let’s us take stock of the successes and wins we shared this week and fight for more.”
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