Transport, standards and rights at work

The processes of technological change, deregulation, liberalization and privatization have reduced the unionized workforce in a larger proportion than the workforce as a whole. As a result, increased labour flexibility requires more diversified bargaining; labour redundancy schemes need careful appraisal and negotiation of severance payments and retraining schemes; and deregulation and liberalization often lead to the neglect of international standards and noncompliance with national laws concerning basic worker rights, hours of work, driving or flying time, rest periods, health and safety. These remain major problems in the transport sector, not only in developing countries. The increase in road and rail traffic across borders brings about a new set of difficult challenges concerning the legal and social protection of workers abroad, standards on working conditions and health and safety, and efforts to harmonize national laws and practices.

Useful links/resources

• ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, 1998

ILO Conventions (ILOLEX database)

• C 153 on Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport), 1979
  Ratifications
• R 161 on Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport), 1979
• C 144 Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976
• C154 Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981

National labour legislation (NATLEX database)

• National legislation dealing with transport

Committee of Freedom of Association

• Cases related to the transport sector