International transport federations call for ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine

The aftermath of a Russian air strike in Kyiv. (Photo: Genya Savilov / AFP / Getty Images)

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) have called for an immediate ceasefire, so that the conflict returns to a level diplomacy and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, in the context of the escalating war in Ukraine.

"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," said the statement undersigned by Paddy Crumlin-ITF president, Frank Moreels-ETF president, Stephen Cotton-ITF Secretary-General and Livia Spera-ETF general secretary.

"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," added the statement.

The ITF and ETF note that they know that transportation workers are under particular 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 shut down of airspace and ports," stated the two transport federations.

"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," added the two transport federations.

The ITF and ETF support by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calls for a peaceful resolution 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," said the two federations. The transport unions believe that further escalation will lead to a mass loss of life and displacement and will wreak havoc on the livelihoods of transport workers in the region and further devastate 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," concluded the two transport federations in their joint statement.

Read more:

• Ukraine's ports shut down after Russia's attack
• Global supply chain bottlenecks due to lack of containers still remain
• Global supply chain disruption expected through 2022

Source: Phaata.com (According to ContainerNews)

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