Founded in London in 1896 the International Transport Workers’ Federation stands tall. It began with dockers and seafarers. Now it represents almost 20 million transport workers. These workers span 149 countries. They work in civil aviation, inland navigation, road transport, and more.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation or ITF as it is commonly known, is a global union federation. It is made up of transport workers’ trade unions. The ITF champions transport workers’ interests. It does this in bodies deciding about jobs. These bodies also decide about employment and safety.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation works to improve transport workers’ lives. It also encourages global solidarity. Any independent transport union can join the ITF.
The ITF engages with organizations like the ILO. That’s the International Labour Organization. It also works with the IMO and ICAO. These are maritime and aviation bodies. The International Transport Workers’ Federation informs unions about global transport issues. It also organizes international support. This is done when unions face employer or government conflict.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation headquarters are here in London. But it also has offices worldwide. You can find them in Abidjan, Amman, and Brussels. They’re also in Singapore, Montreal, and Hong Kong. Other locations include Nairobi, New Delhi, and Tokyo. Rio de Janeiro and Sydney also host offices.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation is governed by its constitution. An elected board runs it. The board meets twice a year.
Globalisation deeply concerns the ITF. Ownership concentration in transport firms is a problem. Global warming worries them too. They also worry about public service, privatization, automation and the future of work. The International Transport Workers’ Federation pressures the WTO. It wants the WTO to respect labour standards. The ITF opposes including transport in the GATS. This is the General Agreement on Trade in Services. They believe finance organizations negatively impact transport. The International Transport Workers’ Federation sees neoliberal policies as harmful. They want solidarity among unions. Coordination between ITF sections is vital. This helps respond to multinational businesses.
Initially called the International Federation of Ship, Dock and River Workers. It changed its name in 1898. This happened after absorbing the International Commission for Railwaymen. The International Transport Workers’ Federation moved its headquarters. It went to Germany in 1904. Then it went to Amsterdam in 1919. In 1939, it moved to Bedford, England. Finally, it settled in London.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation held its first post-war conference in 1946. It was held in Zurich. There, a new constitution was adopted. Sections for civil aviation and tourism followed. The ITF campaigned against flags of convenience. It even operated a floating museum. This was the mV Global Mariner. Sadly, it sank off Venezuela in 2000.
Every five years, the International Transport Workers’ Federation holds a congress. The congress is the supreme authority. The 40th Congress was in Vancouver in 2002. Durban hosted the 41st in 2006. Mexico City held the 42nd in 2010. In 2014, the 43rd Congress occurred in Sofia, Bulgaria. Singapore hosted the 44th in 2018.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation established a network. This network addresses ship abandonment in the Arab world and Iran. Following the MV Rhosus abandonment in Beirut, the ITF coordinator spoke out. The coordinator noted the constant stream of calls to the International Transport Workers’ Federation in the Arab region.
Russian authorities have recently labelled the Federation as an undesirable organization.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation stands as a beacon of hope. It fights for transport workers’ rights. It promotes solidarity across borders. Here in London, its journey continues.