Unions: Port and transport workers under threat in Ukraine
(Posted on 28/02/22)
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) have called for an immediate ceasefire in hostilities, for the conflict to return to the diplomatic level, and respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, following the military escalation in Ukraine.
A joint statement said, “All our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. The hearts and minds of transport workers around the world weigh heavily as we witness war breaking out.
We stand alongside the global labour movement and the international community in condemning the war, and call on all parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian and human rights law. This conflict must stop now.
We know that transport workers are particularly under threat. We have received confirmed and unconfirmed reports coming through of military targeting transport infrastructure, the change of control of airports and railways, and the shutdown of airspace and ports.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, Russia and neighbouring countries calling for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. We are in communication with our affiliates and will do whatever is necessary to help protect and support their members and their families.
The ITF and ETF support calls from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres for peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine in accordance with the Minsk agreements.
We urgently need leaders on all sides to show restraint, diplomacy and urgently de-escalate the conflict to minimise the threat to civilian lives and livelihoods.
Further escalation would not only result in mass loss of life and displacement, but would also devastate the livelihoods of transport workers across the region and wreak more havoc on already strained supply chains.
All parties, including Russia and Ukraine, as well as across Europe and the NATO States, must do all in their power to de-escalate tensions and seek a peaceful, diplomatic end to this crisis, and ‘not start what may be the most devastating war since the start of the century’ as UN Secretary-General António Guterres said.
Photo credit: Vadim Kovalyov
Latest News
Port Milwaukee event highlights significance of Great Lakes maritime industry
(Posted on 20/06/25)Port Milwaukee has hosted a significant event in recognition of the Great Lakes’ economic value... Read more
Fujairah Terminals and Fujairah Free Zone Authority sign MoU
(Posted on 20/06/25)Fujairah Terminals, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, an enabler of integrated trade, transport, and logistics... Read more
Heyport optimises port operations in Morocco with smart berth planning
(Posted on 15/06/25)The smart berth planning platform heyport has been successfully deployed across all five Marsa... Read more
Brunei ports launch Kale Logistics Solutions' Maritime Single Window
(Posted on 15/06/25)The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has announced that its national Maritime... Read more
AD Ports and ASRY to collaborate on strategic maritime and ports projects
(Posted on 15/06/25)In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative... Read more
HHLA strengthens in Ukraine with majority stake in Batiovo Terminal
(Posted on 06/06/25)Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is investing in a further terminal in Ukraine. The company is... Read more
Leading Scottish renewables port invests £3m to accommodate wind turbine boom
(Posted on 06/06/25)Peel Ports Clydeport has invested £3m in infrastructure to support growing demand for handling... Read more
Kevin Beardsley appointed Duluth Port executive director
(Posted on 02/06/25)Following a national search in the USA, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners have... Read more
Major Liverpool cement terminal to support UK construction growth
(Posted on 30/05/25)A new cement import facility in North-west England is set to play a pivotal role in UK construction... Read more
Vancouver USA signals future as key global outlet for soda ash
(Posted on 30/05/25)The Port of Vancouver USA port leaders and partners have broken ground on a project to construct a state... Read more
