Global Cooperation

Why transport workers are key to creating a 'people-centred' agenda

Transport workers are in unique position to demand and lead transformative change.

Transport workers are the engine of the global economy, linking critical supply chains, markets and society. Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Stephen Cotton
General Secretary, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
This article is part of: World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
  • As transport workers navigate an era of geopolitical and economic uncertainly, a 'people-centred' agenda has never been more important.
  • Leaders need to commit to collective action, with transport unions having a blueprint for a people-centred approach across global supply chains.
  • Shared prosperity is the real worker-driven solution that will reduce inequality and lead to a just and equitable future for all workers.

As transport workers navigate an era of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, technological change and rampant inequality, the concept of a "people-centred agenda" has never been more urgent.

There is a real urgency for leaders to regroup and commit to people-centred collective action. Transport unions have the blueprint for a people-centred approach across global supply chains.

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Indeed, two thirds (66%) of people surveyed across 15 countries think the transport industry would be better off if there was greater involvement from transport workers in decision-making processes.

These are difficult times. Global cooperation is at an all-time low and conflict is escalating. There is a profound structural imbalance in the global economy which is allowing inequality within and between countries to spiral. The rules that hold corporate greed in check must be put in practice.

Transport workers can lead transformative change

Transport workers are the engine of the global economy linking critical supply chains, markets and society. This means we are in unique position to demand and lead transformative change.

Take the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) partnership with New Look, which has seen the UK clothing company embed human rights due diligence into their transport supply chain.

This collaboration can act as a model for how to safeguard workers from exploitation, while bolstering resilience in critical supply chains. ITF cooperation agreements help companies navigate their responsibilities to workers under new human rights due diligence rules.

Meanwhile in India, after two decades of campaigning by the ITF and its affiliates, the government finally agreed to union demands on a major uplift of the national pension scheme for millions of workers.

This historic win for workers’ rights is a gamechanger and shows the power in collective action by ordinary people to create a fairer and more equitable society.

Transport workers at the forefront

Transport workers are at the forefront of multiple transitions that will shape the course of our world.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies reshape industries, ensuring that workers are part of the conversation is crucial for safe workplaces and safe transport systems: from dockers fighting for safe automation to pilots seeking to retain two pilots on the flight deck and seafarers trained on the use of new sustainable fuels.

The transparency that comes from actively involving transport workers in decision-making is the only way we can successfully confront a world which is being distorted by rising populism, polarization, disinformation and propaganda.

The ITF has a bold vision for the next five years based on six demands: corporate accountability in supply chains, sustainability, safety, the future of work, rights and equality.

These demands form our blueprint to transform the transport industry. Transport workers are not just the backbone of our economy; they are driving forward solutions for a more equitable future.

Industrial relations have built decades of security and prosperity for workers and companies, using a people-centred approach with workers and their unions collectively bargaining for decent wages and safe working conditions.

As governments and organisations gather in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Annual Meeting, the ITF can reaffirm its commitment to collective action.

We must ensure transport workers can exercise their right to form and join trade unions, we must commit to collectively bargain with transport workers. Shared prosperity is the real worker-driven solution that will reduce inequality and lead to a just and equitable future for all workers.

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