The Urban Public Transport Committee’s project on autonomous vehicles in public transport held another workshop on November 10th, aimed at Belgian trade unionists. The workshop, which was co-organised with ACOD-CGSP, ACV CSC Public Services, and BTB UBT, brought together over 70 unions delegates in public transport from across Belgium.
Participants discussed the different possibilities for the deployment of AVs in public transport, as well as the possible implication for workers. Several participants underlined that the potential economic benefits of the technology must be shared equally with the workforce, through higher salaries and a reduction in working time. The concern over the financing of AVs, at a time when public transport budgets are under pressure, was also raised by participants.
Union representatives from France and the Netherlands also attended, providing a perspective from their respective countries. Participants underlined that an effective trade union response to the challenges of automation must be based on cross-border cooperation and solidarity.
ETF’s project on autonomous vehicles in public transport is supported financially by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s Centre on the Future of Work.
