The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) on Dec. 3 signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels with the combined vision of promoting the development of high quality public transport globally.
Via the Memorandum of Understanding, ITF and UITP have agreed to work together to promote the development and expansion of public transport worldwide as a motor for sustainable growth and the creation of green jobs as well as environmental protection in reducing congestion and pollution.
ITF and UITP convene to work together to develop joint recommendations in vocational training, staff security and the promotion of formal (and the reduction of informal) employment in public transport. The two organisations also agree to represent the interests of public transport employers and workers in international organisations (eg. EU, ILO), to promote the high quality employment that public transport offers in urban areas.
“This is the first time we have signed such an agreement with an international trade union federation and it is therefore of great importance to UITP,” noted UITP Secretary General, Alain Flausch. “Investing in public transport infrastructure and services creates direct jobs but is also a fantastic generator for wider business activity and indirect jobs for city economies”.
ITF acting general secretary, Steve Cotton, commented: "This memorandum of understanding signals the opening of a new phase in our relationship with the UITP that is based on building fairer, more sustainable public transport worldwide. It recognises the importance of the UITP as a global body representing operators, employers and public authorities, and also of the vital role in public transport played by workers and their unions.
"This signing dedicates both bodies to the cause of public transport systems that are accessible, safe and good for all those who use and work on them. It also upholds the spirit of joint working and tripartism embodied by the ILO."
