Organized in coordination with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), this event aims to define a global vision of the ITF for the next five years and to unite efforts to guarantee rights, equality, security and sustainability , as the foundations of a safer and fairer transport sector.
Speaking at the opening of this congress, the general secretary of the UMT, Miloudi Moukharik, stressed that this conclave, which is being held for the first time in the Arab world and Africa, “reflects the position of the ITF as as a working force which works to defend the rights and achievements of workers in the sector”, welcoming the choice of Morocco as host of this major event.
In this sense, he noted that this 46th congress offers participants the opportunity to discover the strong socio-economic dynamics experienced by the Kingdom, as well as the hospitality and stability it enjoys, underlining Morocco’s commitment to several major structuring projects affecting various industries, the renewable energy sector and infrastructure.
The congress takes place in a context marked by geopolitical, climatic and technological crises, which “represent a direct threat to the rights and achievements of the working class, and negatively impact the social reality of transport workers throughout the world” , he observed.
For his part, ITF President Paddy Crumlin noted that the Federation as a force, whose credentials are based on the promotion of equality and the fight against racism and discrimination, ensures that all workers are able to support the progress made around the world in the fight against poverty and exclusion.
He explained that the work of this congress will focus on issues relating to workers’ rights, health and safety at work, the challenge of climate change, gender equality and the involvement of young people in union life.
Mr. Crumlin also noted that the choice of Morocco to host this congress represents a suitable opportunity to learn about the development experienced by the Kingdom in several areas, notably transport, as well as the richness of its cultural heritage, which constitutes a real lever for the development of nations.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton, for his part, highlighted the vital role of transport workers in supporting the prosperity and well-being of countries.
In this context, he mentioned the new challenges that the ITF faces, and which require the federation of efforts to overcome them, noting that this congress offers the opportunity to discuss various questions within the framework of an open debate and transparent, to chart the ITF’s roadmap for the next five years, towards a prosperous future for transport workers, their communities and society as a whole.
Participants in this meeting will address several themes linked to the improvement of working conditions, the fundamental right to strike, the fight against discrimination, the guarantee of gender equality, inclusion, health and the well-being of workers, the impact of technology and the sustainability of transport.