1. Introducing the ITF

2. International Affiliation  Our union is affiliated to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).  Many members do not know much about the international affiliation of their union.  Members need to be informed because international links and solidarity are important for building strong unions. Slide 2

3. Why International Solidarity  Internationalism has a long history. There are many examples of unions and workers in one country supporting unions and workers in another country.  Over 100 years ago, unions formed international trade union organisations like the ITF.  Globalisation means that international solidarity and links are more essential than ever before. Slide 3

4. Building Global Organisations  International trade union organisations organise and coordinate solidarity.  There are 10 global union federations (GUFs) each representing a specific industrial sector.  GUFs form part of the international trade union movement together with the ICFTU. Slide 4

5. What is the ITF?  The ITF is a Global Union Federation which brings together transport workers’ unions internationally.  Over 600 unions are affiliated to the ITF.  Began in 1896 in London by European seafarers’ and dockers’ unions.  The ITF represents workers in all transport sectors including shipping, ports, railways, road, civil aviation and tourism. Slide 5

6. Common experiences  Globalisation has brought about many changes in the transport industry.  Privatisation of public transport.  Growing power of multinational operators.  Liberalisation has opened the transport market to competition, driving down costs. Slide 6

7. Common issues and problems  Massive job losses  Deteriorating working conditions  Weakening of unions Slide 7

8. How the ITF responds  Provides a platform for affiliates to exchange information and experiences.  Develops and coordinates international campaigns and actions.  Organises and coordinates solidarity.  Represents transport workers at a global level. Slide 8

9. How the ITF responds  Develops trade union policy promoting alternatives to neo-liberal transport restructuring.  Provides education on international issues. Slide 9

10. Building sectoral links  ITF affiliates are grouped according to sector. For example, rail or road or aviation.  Building link in the same transport sector enables strong global union solidarity and coordination. Slide 10

11. Strong unions need women  Women transport workers share many common problems.  The ITF supports increasing women’s participation and leadership in affiliates.  Women Transporting the World Campaign Slide 11

12. Participating in ITF structures Regions Sections Management Committee Secretariat (London) Executive Board Affiliates (Members) Congress Slide 12

13. Mobilising Solidarity  International work must be linked to organising and bargaining locally.  Workers need links with other workers in the same multinational companies.  Workers needs links along the transport chain.  Increasingly unions need global links and solidarity to win disputes. Slide 13