Industry bodies representing the marine, air and road transport sectors have called on governments across the world to help end what they describe as a ‘global humanitarian and supply chain crisis’
In an open letter published on the day of UN General Assembly’s general debate in New York, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) called on heads of government to restore freedom of movement to transport workers.
The letter calls for transport workers to be given priority to receive WHO recognised vaccines, and creating a standardised process for demonstrating health credentials. The bodies also called on ILO and WHO to raise these issues at the UN General Assembly and with national governments.
While transport workers continued to keep global trade flowing throughout the peak of the pandemic, they came under severe strain.
In the maritime sector, up to 400,000 seafarers were unable to leave their ships causing a crew change crisis with many working for as long as 18 months over their initial contracts. Riviera has documented issues affecting seafarers extensively noting mental health strains, and repatriation issues.
ICS Secretary General Guy Platten said “Given transport workers have shown indescribable levels of resilience in the face of immense hardship, we call on the UN and heads of state to finally take the decisive and coordinated action to resolve this crisis.”
Flights have been restricted and aviation workers have faced the inconsistency of border, travel, restrictions, and vaccine requirements. Additional, systemic and unpredictable controls at road borders has meant truck drivers have been forced to wait, sometimes in their thousands and for weeks in unsanitary situations without proper facilities, before being able to complete their journeys and return home.
The strain is beginning to tell, with supply chains now buckling. These sectors are seeing a well documented labour shortage, with more expected to leave as a result of the poor treatment they have faced during the pandemic, putting the supply chain under greater threat.
ITF secretary general Stephen Cotton said “Frankly, they’ve had enough. The time has come for heads of government to respond to these workers’ needs, if not they will be responsible for the collapse of supply chains, and the unnecessary deaths and suffering of workers and citizens caught in the crisis. That blood and that chaos will be on their hands.”
ILO director general Guy Ryder said “This issue was raised last year at the UN General Assembly by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and it will be essential that delegates at this years’ gathering in New York are aware of their responsibilities,” adding “It is a call that can no longer be ignored.”
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