ITF Staff Unite in Unprecedented Action Against Job Reductions and Labor Rights Violations

A recent publication by Unite the Union reveals that the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is facing its frist-ever strike, as over 100 unionized employees in London have voted to take action against leadership due to a significant restructuring initiative.

The ITF has proposed a workforce reduction of 25% this year, which has raised eyebrows among staff.Unite points out that while layoffs are on the table, executive salaries at ITF have surged by an astonishing 47% from 2021 to 2024. The general secretary’s compensation package now stands at £309,000 ($420,000), making it one of the highest in global unions—though still less than half of what Harold Daggett earns as president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), who rakes in about $900,000 annually.Interestingly,Unite highlights that senior management roles remain untouched despite these cuts. Concerns have also been raised regarding management’s push for employees to abandon their current collective bargaining agreement in favor of a new version crafted by outside consultants—a document that Unite describes as “toothless” and lacking essential worker protections.

In a decisive vote among ITF’s London staff members, an overwhelming 89% supported strike action while another 90% favored other forms of industrial protest. Wiht an impressive turnout rate of 89%, strike days are scheduled for July 22 and july 29. Additionally, starting July 17, there will be a work-to-rule and overtime ban until further notice if negotiations fail.

Unite claims that women workers are disproportionately affected by these restructuring plans; many positions predominantly held by female employees face pay downgrades and increased workloads while male-dominated senior roles remain safeguarded.

While ITF cites financial challenges as justification for these drastic measures, Unite argues that management has not provided requested financial documents necessary for transparency with staff. Consequently, they’ve lodged a complaint with the UK’s Central Arbitration Committee regarding this lack of accountability.

Mercedes Sanchez from Unite expressed her concerns about how unfairly ITF workers are being treated and emphasized the need to reverse job cuts and protect collective bargaining rights. She noted that affiliates had previously endorsed an ambitious five-year plan during their October congress; however, ongoing layoffs threaten its viability—some departments could be left with just one employee each—a move Sanchez deems “short-sighted.”

These planned reductions could also jeopardize vital services provided by ITF to its affiliates and seafarers globally. As advocates for seafarer rights worldwide—including reporting abandonment cases and providing legal support—the institution plays a crucial role in international negotiations concerning minimum wages for seafarers.

Currently collaborating with the International Chamber of Shipping on setting foreign-flag minimum wages for ratings—which stands at approximately $690 per month—the future effectiveness of such initiatives may hang in balance amid these internal upheavals.