Message to ITF Executive Board from Unite the Union

Dear ITF Executive Board Members,

Re: ITF Restructuring – Unite the Union Engagement and Request for Consultation Extension

I am writing to you in my capacity as Industrial Officer with Unite the Union, which represents employees at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). I do so at the direct request of the employees we represent, who have asked Unite to raise with you their serious concerns regarding the ongoing restructuring process.

As you will be aware, the Executive Board endorsed cost-saving proposals at its meeting in April 2025. However, you may not be aware that ITF management is proposing to find these savings through a reduction of approximately 25% of the staff based in London this year. Unite has been engaging with ITF management in response to these proposals, both directly and through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) — the UK’s independent public body for resolving disputes between employers and trade unions.

While we recognise the financial pressures facing the organisation, we are deeply concerned about the scale and pace of the proposed changes. These include the potential loss of over 30 posts – all within our bargaining unit of non-management employees – as well as significant changes to staff terms and conditions of employment. Without sufficient time for genuine and thorough consultation, these proposals risk undermining staff morale, organisational capacity, and the ITF’s ability to deliver on the Congress Vision agreed in Marrakesh.

Financial Challenges and Lack of Disclosure

Moreover, based on the independent assessment of our forensic accountants, the ITF appears to be in a relatively secure financial position, which does not justify the urgency or scale of the proposed headcount reduction. Even with the limited financial information we have been provided to date, Unite has identified opportunities to help the organisation meet its financial targets without resorting to mass redundancies. However, the short consultation period currently in place makes it extremely difficult to give these proposals the consideration they deserve.

We are further limited in our ability to negotiate effectively by the absence of detailed financial accounts and verifiable financial projections. Without this essential information, it is impossible to develop and discuss financially sound alternatives that could help safeguard roles while meeting cost-saving goals.

The formal consultation process opened on 2 June and is scheduled to end on 27 July, however staff still have not been provided with complete information about the proposed changes. 

Request for Support

We therefore respectfully request your support in extending the formal consultation period from 55 to 90 days. This extension is essential and would allow for:

• Time to identify and explore viable alternative cost-saving measures, with appropriate time and support through the ongoing ACAS-facilitated process;
• A proper assessment of the operational and structural impact of the proposals, particularly regarding the effect on staff workloads, morale, and the delivery of key strategic work already agreed by the ITF and its affiliates;
• A comprehensive equality and fairness review, which we consider essential in light of the apparent disproportionate impact on roles predominantly occupied by women, underrepresented groups, and trade union activists.

Unite’s position is not to oppose reform for the sake of opposition. We support necessary and responsible change. However, we are committed to ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and conducted in line with both legal obligations and the ITF’s internal policies and core values of justice, equality, and global solidarity.

Notice of Industrial Action Vote

Finally, I must inform you that the employees we represent have made clear their willingness to take industrial action if required. The result of the ballot, currently underway in accordance with UK trade union law, will be known on 2 July 2025. This is the first time in ITF’s history that such a ballot has been called. We urge you to seriously consider the potential implications of industrial action on the organisation’s work and the reputational risks this poses to the ITF.

We continue to hope that, with your support, a constructive and fair way forward can be found. Unite remains fully committed to dialogue and to working in partnership with management to achieve an outcome that is just, financially responsible, and in the long-term interests of the ITF and the global trade union movement.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any aspect further.

Yours sincerely,

Mercedes Sanchez

Industrial Officer

Unite the Union