Israeli and Palestinian transport unions forge co-operation
In August 2007, Israeli and Palestinian transport unions forged a groundbreaking co-operation agreement at a special meeting held under the auspices of the International Transport Federation (ITF).
Around 20 Israeli and Palestinian transport union representatives met in Cyprus between 31 July and 1 August 2007 as guests of the International Transport Federation (ITF), where they discussed common issues.
The two unions agreed to establish a joint liaison committee to provide a mechanism for dealing with practical problems faced by transport workers in the region and for building trust between Israeli and Palestinian transport unions. In particular, it was agreed that the committee would deal with the difficult and sensitive issue of the problems faced by Palestinian transport workers at military checkpoints.
This was a major concern for Palestinian drivers who had complained of too many checkpoints and unnecessary delays. In response, the Israeli Histadrut transport union committed itself to trying to help play a positive role.
ITF Video of the Signing Ceremony:
The committee has since met on numerous occasions and has set up a process for dealing with incidents on a case by case basis and the Palestinian union has now set up a telephone “hot-line” for drivers. Relevant cases are handled in co-ordination with the Israeli transport union and they request the Israeli security services to participate in the committee’s work when issues such as checkpoints and barriers are under discussion.
This agreement was set out in a joint declaration signed by Avi Edri Chairman of the Histadrut Transportation Workers’ Union; Naser Yunes, President of the Palestinian General Federation of Transport Workers Unions and David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary.
According to ITF President Randall Howard who chaired the meeting:
“The participants were remarkable for their commitment to getting a job done which they believe will not only bring real benefits for transport workers, but in a small way set a direction for building wider trust and cooperation. People did not agree about everything, there were some raw and difficult moments, but they agreed to respect each other and try to work together. This joint declaration is, in my view, a remarkable achievement and a dramatic leap forward in defending and advancing the interests of Palestinian and Israeli transport workers.”
During the meeting Naser Yunes welcomed the declaration. He said:
"The priority was to deal with transport workers’ problems. We have to show our members that such initiatives can work. I believe that by working together we can really bring real and practical improvements for trade union members.”
Avi Edri added:
“We are very serious about this cooperation. I believe we can make a real difference working together.”
Signed Joint Declaration of Israeli and Palestinian transport unions:
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