Paddy Crumlin reelected ITF President at 2024 Congress in Marrakech

The conference re-elected MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin as ITF President and as Chair of the Dockers Section, roles he has held for over 14 years.

Stephen Cotton was reelected ITF General Secretary and Dave Heindel, President of the Seafarers International Union of North America was reelected Chair of the Seafarers Section, which he has served as since 2010.

The continuity of leadership at the ITF ensures experience, consistency and long term strategic planning will continue to define the campaigns and organising efforts of the global transport workers' union. This will be a vital factor during biennial International Bargaining Forum negotiations that are due to commence opposite international shipowners.

Delegates to Congress united to push forward a series of critical motions addressing equality, sustainability, and workers' rights. Each motion reinforced the global labour movement’s commitment to fighting for justice and fairness across the transport sector.

Meryem Halouani (UMT), who moved the Executive Board motion ‘Equality for Transport Workers’ called on transport workers to rally behind the cause of equality, declaring, "Our unity is our strong weapon". 

Mariano Moreno (Argentina) spoke of the devastating impact of environmental destruction on workers in the Global South, and Kavan Gayle (BITU, Jamaica) delivered a call for immediate action: "We must act now to build a future where transport serves both people and the planet."

The ongoing war between Palestine and Israel was addressed with a powerful call for peace and solidarity. ITF President and National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, Paddy Crumlin underscored the ITF's long-standing commitment to justice and peace. 

“This is an historic moment in the history of the ITF,” he said. “We have a long history of committing to justice, to a two-state solution, and to the establishment of a sovereign state of Palestine.” 

Crumlin reaffirmed the federation’s resolve to stand with workers on both sides of the conflict, emphasising the need for humanitarian corridors and urging a unified response from ITF affiliates and the global labour movement. 

The motion was carried by an overwhelming majority, showing the Congress’s commitment to peace and justice.

Finally, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to defending transport workers’ rights, particularly the right to strike. 

Ismo Kokko from AKT, Finland, highlighted how far-right forces and conservative governments are actively undermining workers’ rights across Europe. 

"In Finland, the far-right came in second place, and together with the conservatives, they are rewriting our labour laws," he said, describing how new legislation threatens the right to strike and weakens social protections. 

The Congress made clear that defending the right to strike is critical to the survival of workers' rights everywhere, reaffirming the ITF’s role in leading this fight on the global stage.

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