1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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 …

4. 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 …

5. 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 …

6. 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

7. 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 …

8. 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