The Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) and The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) are proud to present a new research paper exploring the potential of labour impact assessments as a means to enhance workers’ conditions in Africa’s informal transport sector.
The paper will be presented and discussed at an online VREF Research Forum 12 February.
Public transport, formal and informal, is a vital service relied upon by millions of people all over the world. It is strategically important in the economic and social life of cities and is central to cutting transport emissions. The sector is also a major employer globally creating millions of direct and indirect jobs.
In many African cities, public transport reform projects are underway which have significant impacts on informal transport, the dominant form of public transport. Many people depend on it for their livelihoods, not just drivers or vehicle owners. These other workers are frequently overlooked when considering the impact of reforms on employment and the economy and rarely included in consultations and surveys undertaken by transport authorities.
How can work and employment be improved as an integral part of wider public transport reforms?
This report focuses on labour impact assessments as a tool to improve workers’ conditions. Learn more about how to use this tool including participatory research methods; defining ‘transport worker’ to include all those directly dependent on informal transport for their livelihoods; building partnerships with local academic institutions; supporting constructive dialogue and negotiation between trade unions and transport authorities and most importantly, building participation by trade unions and workers’ associations representing informal transport workers.
This report provides a detailed account of how the methodology has been implemented in different local contexts in Africa, the major findings and lessons learned. If you are interested in promoting decent work as a primary driver and outcome of sustainable transport, then this report provides an in-depth conceptual framework to address both the policy and practical opportunities and challenges.
To learn more about the framework and hear senior researchers and experts comment and discuss the paper – join VREF:s online Research Forum 12 February. See full program and register here.
