Transport workers honor Pope Francis as an ally in their struggle
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, calling him “a courageous voice for justice, dignity, and peace.” The global union federation, which represents millions of transport workers worldwide—including those in civil aviation—highlighted the Pope’s strong commitment to labor rights and his close ties with the labor movement.
From his roots in Argentina to his leadership at the Vatican, Jorge Mario Bergoglio maintained a constant connection with workers’ struggles, the ITF noted. According to the organization, the pontiff actively defended workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and live free from exploitation.
In its official statement, the federation said, “In a world marked by inequality, war, and division, his moral clarity and compassion will be deeply missed.” The ITF emphasized the Pope’s role in building bridges “between nations, faiths, and peoples,” describing him as “a man of peace and conviction who spoke truth to power and reminded us that a society’s worth is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable.”
Collaboration with the Vatican
The ITF recalled its opportunity to collaborate with Pope Francis on various initiatives to promote decent work, combat labor exploitation, and uphold the dignity of workers across global supply chains. Among these were two key forums held at the Vatican: one in 2019 that brought together unions, employers, and Church representatives to discuss urgent reforms to global production systems; and another in 2022, focused on challenges tied to technology, climate justice, human trafficking, corruption, and corporate accountability.
In both instances, according to the ITF, the Pope made it clear that workers’ rights and the fight against modern slavery are moral imperatives that must be at the forefront of the international agenda.
ITF President Paddy Crumlin stated, “Pope Francis understood that dialogue is not just about words—it’s about listening and then acting. His leadership helped elevate the dignity of work as a moral imperative, not merely an economic one.”
“In every meeting, Pope Francis reminded us that the fight for workers’ rights is a fight for human rights. He urged us to continue challenging the systems that devalue labor and reward greed. He brought legitimacy and urgency to our shared struggle, with an unwavering commitment to peace, solidarity, and the common good,” Crumlin added.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton also highlighted the Pope’s consistent support for workers throughout his papacy. “He understood the real consequences of injustice and inequality and used his global platform to hold those in power accountable. His bond with unions was grounded in a shared mission: to build a world where every worker is treated with dignity, and peace is pursued through justice.”
Connection to Argentina
The ITF extended its condolences to all those mourning his loss, with a special mention to its affiliate organizations in Argentina, Pope Francis’s homeland, with whom he maintained a close relationship from his earliest years.
According to the federation, the Pope’s moral leadership reinforced the importance of strong unions, international cooperation, and shared responsibility for humanity’s future.
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