43c/RtConf/Report


• A global response to the issue of container safety is needed, including promotion of the ILO/IMO/UNECE code of practice that is due to be approved in 2014. Emphasis on ‘chain of responsibility’ and ‘chain of information’ should be a vital part of the ITF cross-­‐sectional campaign on this issue.


• Consolidation and coordination of different road transport sectors -­‐ including taxi, buses, municipal drivers -­‐ empowers unions and strengthens their position in negotiating stronger CBAs.


• Global mutual support and coordination among unions in the same multinational company (e.g. National Express, DHL) are important to put pressure on the company and to assist organising campaigns and solidarity actions.


• Road transport plays a key role in the transportation of goods, connecting ports, warehouses, retailers. There is therefore opportunity to block the flow of goods to gain union demands. Organising along supply chains and cooperation between unions in different transport modes is crucial in order to build trade union power and bring together workers in different sectors.


• Due to unfair contracts and a lack of trade union rights, the working life of owner-­‐drivers is described as ‘slavery on wheels’.


• Trade unions should organise and protect migrant workers. This should be a priority for Section affiliates in order to maintain standards of employment and working conditions.


• More women are taking jobs in the road transport sector. However, workplace needs such as ergonomics, access to toilet facilities are not always considered. Women in transport are facing violence both from passengers and co-­‐workers. Trade unions should take a lead on organising and empowering women. ITF assistance is needed in this area.


• Road safety impacts on road transport workers and users. Road transport workers need proper wages, working conditions including adequate rest and manning. Incidents involving hazardous goods can have very serious environmental and human consequences.


• Employers are using the economic situation to attack working conditions. Road transport unions are taking initiatives to promote health and safety programmes that include violence at work, access to toilet facilities, shift work, rest facilities and HIV/AIDS.


• The TTIP North America – European Union secret trade agreement, which gives multinational companies extraordinary power, is a threat to workers’ rights.


8. 9. The Conference fully supported the Congress theme document, as adopted in the plenary. The Conference adopted the section related priorities for 2014-­‐2018, as presented.


Agenda Item 4: Motions 10.


There were no motions referred to the Conference by the Resolutions Committee.


Agenda item 5: Elections 11.


Chair Vice Chair (goods) Vice Chair (passenger)


The following were elected by the Conference:


Tony Sheldon (TWU, Australia) was elected unanimously Frank Moreels (BTB, Belgium) was elected unanimously Benito Bahena Lome (ATM, Mexico) was elected unanimously


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