Key challenges for young transport workers What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers Transunion Young Transport Workers Conference 26 – 27 September 2011 Riga

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers Why would young workers not join a trade union? What can make a trade union unattractive for young workers? What makes the transport sector unattractive for young workers? (Young workers’ point of view) (Trade unionists’ point of view) Based on the results of group exercises in which young activists of 36 trade unions from 22 countries took part.

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers Why would young workers not join a trade union? (Young workers’ point of view) Trade unions’ image Unions are old fashioned Trade unions can’t solve my problems Trade unions are part of the political establishment I might become blacklisted You have to pay a fee …

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers Why would young workers not join a trade union? (Young workers’ point of view) Lack of information about trade unions I don’t know what a union is Trade unions are not really necessary Why should I join a trade union if CBAs are applicable to everyone? I’m an individualist, I can achieve my goals by myself There are too many trade unions, it is all too confusing …

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers Why would young workers not join a trade union? (Young workers’ point of view) Lack of attention for young workers Nobody has ever asked me to join There is a lack of feedback coming from the trade union There is a lack of help from the trade union Trade unions don’t have any strategy to attract young people …

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers What can make a trade union unattractive for young workers? (Trade unionists’ point of view) Trade unions have a bad image (old people, bureaucracy,…) Young workers don’t know what a union is about, don’t know its added value The high number of trade unions makes them less representative and effective Young workers are afraid to be penalised, discriminated and stigmatised for joining the union Precariousness in youth employment makes it more difficult to join the union Language barriers: trade unions use a specific language which is not always that accessible

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers What makes the transport sector unattractive for young workers? The transport sector has a bad reputation, is always on strike,… Bad working conditions Dangerous work, many safety issues Work far away from home There are not many young transport workers which makes it less attractive for other young workers, it is a vicious circle …

What should be done? Key challenges for young transport workers Conclusion: trade unions should do something about The reputation of trade unions The reputation and working conditions of the transport sector Communication: The contact and information exchange with young workers