“Verbal attacks…sexual assaults and the like. Touching of the rear and breasts, threats on the part of superiors if I complain [I am told]: ‘a woman must be able to cope when she works in a men’s profession.” – Railway worker, Germany
On the International Women’s Day 2018, the ETF expresses its support for an International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention, accompanied by a Recommendation, on violence and harassment in the world of work, with a strong focus on preventing, addressing and remedying gender-based violence.
2018 is an important year for women transport workers. In May, the International Labour Conference at the ILO will discuss a possible new standard against violence at work. Trade unions, governments and employers will all be round the table, making this the first discussion of its kind.
The ETF supports the global campaign to end violence against women transport workers.
In 2017, the ETF did a survey of more than 1400 women transport workers from across Europe, asking them about their experience of workplace violence. 25% said it is a regular occurrence in the transport sector. This is not acceptable. Violence should never be ‘part of the job’ and has no place in the transport industry.
That is why we are fighting for an ILO Convention that recognises and addresses the issues faced by transport workers, and in particular the gender-based violence that plagues the transport industry. As part of the ETF Fair Transport campaign, European transport unions are coming together to demand a violence-free workplace. Fair Transport is about quality jobs for transport workers, and a safe, affordable, reliable service for customers.