43c/RwConf/Report


• Janina Malinovska (assistant section secretary, ITF inland transport sections) spoke on liberalisation of the railway sector, which causes outsourcing and casualisation of jobs and safety issues. Union campaigns against privatisation were highlighted.


• Ho Joon Song (KRWU, Korea) introduced Motion No.27 (Neoliberal rail policies) which called for a more systematic and coordinated union response to railway privatisation and liberalisation.


• Claire Clarke (senior section assistant, ITF inland transport sections) spoke on the importance of organising strategies for railway workers and outlined the Section direction in this area.


• Øystein Aslaksen (Norsk Lokomotivmannsforbund, Norway) spoke on railway safety and introduced the draft ITF railway safety statement, urging affiliates to use the tools in the policy.


7.


Twenty six delegates from Argentina, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, Ukraine and Venezuela participated in the discussion. Issues raised included:


• Railway privatisation is not effective for the railways. Privatisation means deterioration of working conditions, a reduction in jobs, lack of investment, an increase in accidents, closure of peripheral routes, deterioration of health and safety due to cost-­‐cutting measures, and outsourcing. Examples of privatisation in different countries show that similar models are followed. There are practices of state-­‐owned railway companies advancing privatisation in other countries.


• Outsourcing and casualization of jobs is a growing phenomenon in the railway industry, even where privatisation is not taking place. It is essential to fight against outsourcing. In some cases, companies are using this strategy to reduce union power.


• International financial organisations such as the World Bank and regional authorities, including the European Commission, are promoting privatisation. A global strategy – coordinated by the ITF -­‐ is needed to pressure World Bank policies.


• Under the neo-­‐liberal financial environment, even national or re-­‐nationalised railway systems may experience line closures, job cuts and fragmentation of operation.


• Attacks on trade unions by employers and governments are increasing through legislation which restricts union activities. The right to strike is a fundamental right for workers. Unions are campaigning to protect the social rights of railway workers. ITF support is needed in lobbying international bodies, including the ILO, to ensure that the right to strike is guaranteed and that the core ILO conventions are ratified.


• Railway multinationals are expanding their operations. Establishment of regional and sub-­‐ regional alliances between unions should be considered in order to coordinate joint actions. Opportunities for union representatives to participate in company dialogue forums, such as the European Works Council, should be explored (in particular for representatives from countries not covered by such structures).


• Railway unions are campaigning against railway privatisation at a local level, developing alternatives and building alliances with civil society organisations. Development of concrete strategies and union support at international level are also needed. The ETF campaign against the 4th Railway Package is an example of sub-­‐regional coordination and action.


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