ITF begins International Maritime Conference in Colombo today

• ITF connects trade unions from 147 countries
• Aim of MRT is to educate ITF maritime unions on rights
• Federation represents 18 million members across the world

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) will inaugurate its International Maritime Round Table Conference (MRT) in Colombo today. 

The aim of the  Maritime Roundtable (MRT) is to  educate ITF maritime unions to fight back on free trade agreements and the exploitation of migrant labour; promote quality work places; facilitate an exchange of ideas between affiliates, inspectorate and secretariat; and generate input into the ITF FOC/POC campaigns from a wider pool of ITF affiliates.

The Federation represents 18 million members across the world and is working to protect the rights of transport workers and is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority.

Seafarers and dockers union officials, staff members and activists will take part in the maritime conference, where experiences, knowledge and ideas would be shared to shape the ITF’s future maritime activities for the benefit of workers on the ground, a spokesman for organisers said.

The conference to be held at Hilton Hotel Colombo will end on 25 September.