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A Word from Adam Shoeib

MUA WA Branch WORD SEARCH

I was fortunate to be chosen to represent the MUA WA Branch as a delegate at the ITF Youth Con- ference held in Mumbai in October. To say this was an incredible journey is an understatement. The experience was nothing short of incredible. Connecting with like-minded individuals and forging lasting friendships was the highlight of my journey. The conference delved deep into the challenges plaguing the transport sector, particularly those disproportionately affecting young workers. In an era shadowed by climate uncertainty, there was a shared recognition among the global youth movement about the overreliance of transportation on fossil fuels. The call for a shift towards renewable energy sources resonated strongly for a more sustainable future. One prominent discourse revolved around our generation’s unique place in introducing a significant female workforce into the industry. Yet, with progress comes resistance, and discussions centred on combatting the discrimination that often accompanies change. Stirring speeches ignited passionate

debates, shedding light on how different nations tackle and sur- mount these hurdles. The buzz of the conference or- bited around the rapid ascent of the gig economy. Massive multinational corporations ex- ploit loopholes to designate their workers as “contractors,” absolving themselves of fun- damental responsibilities. The absence of minimum wages, job security, and accountability in cases of accidents or mishaps is a grave concern that needs glo- bal attention. It’s disheartening to witness the normalisation of this exploitation, drawing para- llels to the challenges faced by maritime workers in a heavily casualised industry. Overall, the conference was an eye-opener, fostering stron- ger ties between our union and counterparts worldwide. My heartfelt thanks go to the MUA WA Branch for this remarkable opportunity.

In Unity Adam Shoeib

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