In a press release published on Tuesday, ILO stressed that transport is responsible for 25% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and formally employs 7.3 million workers worldwide. The shift to low-carbon modes of transport, as well as the formalization of informal transport services and the expansion of public transport infrastructure will be crucial to achieve the climate change targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
These are among the main conclusions of the Technical meeting on the future of decent and sustainable work in urban transport services (30 August-3 September 2021) that brought together representatives from governments, employers and workers at the ILO to discuss the future of decent and sustainable decent work in this sector and analyze the challenges and opportunities ahead.
‘UPT services and operations form the backbone of sustainable cities of the future. There are great opportunities to build forward better from the Covid-19 pandemic,’ said Sonya Mohamed Janahi, Chairperson of the meeting.
Urban passenger transport authorities, operators and workers have been struggling in recent years with under-investment and austerity, terrorist attacks and violence, informality, and disruption from new technologies. These problems have been compounded by the massive impact of the pandemic.
‘Joint efforts are needed to respond to COVID-19 in order to quickly restore public confidence in UPT. Technological innovations can help create decent and sustainable work in the sector,’ emphasized Kris de Meester, Employers’ group Vice-Chairperson.
The prevalence of certain occupational safety and health risks and the high degree of informality make workers particularly vulnerable. This is because they often lack access to fundamental principles and rights at work.
The Global call to action for a human-centered recovery , adopted in June by the International Labor Conference, can provide a roadmap for shaping a future that works for all in the automotive industry and ensure that no one is left behind.
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