International Transport Community impact Negative impacts of international transport on communities may be related to noise and environmental pollution, leading to health issues and environmental damage. Learn more International Transport Community impact × Negative impacts of international transport on communities may be related to noise and environmental pollution, leading to health issues and environmental damage. Health issues related to constant noise, for instance caused by air traffic, have been found to include sleep disturbance, stress, high blood pressure and a heightened prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (see cases below). Despite industry efforts towards more fuel-efficient and less polluting engines and emission reductions, the rapid growth of the industry is leading to an increasing contribution of air travel of total global pollution and emissions by aviation. Air pollution caused by ferries and ships have been found to negatively impact the health of coastal residents. Furthermore, large vessels, including ferries and cruise ships, add to the pollution of rivers and seas and negatively affect marine life. For human rights-related risks by the construction of airports or other transport infrastructure, see risk card on Domestic transport / Community impact. Health issues: Noise pollution Hotlines on noise from roads, train, plane Aerotropolis protests People who live close to an airport and are exposed to constant loud aircraft noise may face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to studies from the UK and the US published in 2013. Continual noise has been found to cause health issues and lead to a general reduction of quality of people’s lives. The study authors however note that the results found are rather a link than a proof of cause between the high aircraft noise levels and diseases. Other potential correlating factors such as socioeconomic background, ethnicity and likely state of health of people living in the affected areas have been taken into account. Links The Guardian (2013): Aircraft noise may increase risk of heart disease, say res… British Medical Journal (2013): Aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease near … The website Gov.Uk., informing about government services, provides information on noise pollution by roads, trains, and planes for the UK population. The website contains information on legal noise limits and details for residents on where to complain in case of health affects because of heightened noise levels or apply for sound isolation. Links Gov.uk: Noise from roads, trains or planes “An aerotropolis, or airport city, is an airport surrounded by commercial and industrial development. Aerotropolis projects are among the biggest megaprojects being planned and constructed worldwide and are designed to be aviation dependent and support airport growth. Aerotropolis projects raise serious social, economic and environmental concerns. Aviation growth increases climate damaging greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, along with localised environmental problems of air pollution and noise from aircraft and surface transportation.” The leaflet by the Global Anti-Aerotropolis Movement (see link below) provides an overview of worldwide community protests against the construction of new airports. Links Global Anti-Aerotropolis Movement: Leaflet Take actionImpact assessment Consult local stakeholders and potentially affected rightsholders through an in-depth human rights impact assessment of potential/actual issues surrounding the development of transport infrastructure related to tourism. Sector collaboration Get involved in international transport development planning, raise issues and suggest measures around community impact and emission reduction.Sector collaboration Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site.Take action Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks Learn moreFind more information in the Resource Centre. Learn more Select
Take actionImpact assessment Consult local stakeholders and potentially affected rightsholders through an in-depth human rights impact assessment of potential/actual issues surrounding the development of transport infrastructure related to tourism. Sector collaboration Get involved in international transport development planning, raise issues and suggest measures around community impact and emission reduction.Sector collaboration Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site.Take action
Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks
International Transport Customer rights The main customer rights related risks in the international transportation industry concern customer data privacy and accessibility for customers with disabilities. Learn more International Transport Customer rights × The main customer rights related risks in the international transportation industry are data privacy and accessibility for customers with disabilities. Data privacy Due to fast progress in digitalization and a strong increase in online bookings, international transport companies dispose of vast quantities of (confidential) customer data, including personal details, credit card numbers, travel history details, as well as health-related information. These data are increasingly becoming the focus of cybercriminals seeking to steal or access data for various reasons, such as financial goals or to attack the reputation of a company. Travel companies must make sure that customer data is stored safely and according to international guidelines and inform their customers in the case of a data breach. Accessibility Accessibility for all customers is another main issue for transport companies. Accessibility concerns vehicles such as planes, trains, buses or ferries but also associated transport infrastructure such as airports, ports, train and bus stations. Mostly it is people with disabilities who are restricted in their rights, for instance by not receiving sufficient assistance to reach and board a vehicle or airplane, access lavatory facilities, or receive necessary information in case of a hearing or visual impairment. Furthermore, travellers with disabilities may face prejudice, receive misinformation or be required to pay higher prices than other travellers. Airline data breaches Missing wheelchair: United Airlines Damaged wheelchairs Almost 10 million passengers were affected by a data breach at Cathay Pacific airlines in 2018. Hackers have exposed Cathay customers’ passport and credit card numbers and captured a variety of personal data including names, nationalities, dates of birth, phone numbers, physical addresses, and historical travel information, according to the airline. British Airways informed the public that personal and financial data from 380,000 customers was stolen by hackers in summer 2018. Links Financial Times (2018): Hackers steal financial data in BA website attack Forbes (2018): Cathay Pacific data breach highlights a need to change airline s… A passenger with a cerebral palsy waited for United Airline’s wheelchair to help him off the plane. After waiting for about 30 minutes without receiving adequate support by the airline staff, he decided to crawl off the plane to reach his own wheelchair. The airline reached out to him after the incident to apologize and offered compensation. The passenger was pleased with the airline’s response. Links CNN (2015): United Airlines apologizes after disabled man crawls off flight The link below recounts several stories of disabled air passengers whose wheelchairs have been damaged during transport. Airlines were reported as not offering sufficient compensation for the damages, or only offering them after legal action on behalf of the passengers. Furthermore, as some of the wheelchairs took a long time to repair, the affected people were restricted in their mobility or forced to pay extra expenditures for car rentals, taxis or other kinds of assistance. Links The Guardian (2017): How disabled travellers still face discrimination by airli… Take actionPolicy and process Integrate accessibility and data privacy in Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by business partners in transport (airlines, railway, bus companies, ferries). Partnering transport companies should dispose of a company disability policy. Training and capacity building Train sales staff on accessibility and data privacy. Grievance mechanism Transport companies should provide a grievance mechanism for complaints. If needed, provide information to customers about specific disability policies and contact points of international transport companies (cf. overview on Wheelchairtravel: Report air carrier access act violations). Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks Learn moreFind more information in the Resource Centre. Learn more Select
Take actionPolicy and process Integrate accessibility and data privacy in Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by business partners in transport (airlines, railway, bus companies, ferries). Partnering transport companies should dispose of a company disability policy. Training and capacity building Train sales staff on accessibility and data privacy. Grievance mechanism Transport companies should provide a grievance mechanism for complaints. If needed, provide information to customers about specific disability policies and contact points of international transport companies (cf. overview on Wheelchairtravel: Report air carrier access act violations). Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action
Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks
International Transport Modern slavery Modern slavery in international transport mostly concerns human trafficking, as people can be forcibly transported across borders via airplanes, buses, trains and ferries. Learn more International Transport Modern slavery × Modern slavery in international transport mostly concerns human trafficking, as people can be forcibly transported across borders via airplanes, buses, trains and ferries. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose. As a hidden crime, hard data on trafficking is elusive. According to estimates, about 60% of trafficking victims are forced to cross borders, mostly by means of international transporting companies, meaning that transport is a major element of the trafficking industry. Estimates also show that more than a quarter of trafficking victims are children. Bus and train stations are used as potential recruitment spots by traffickers as they are often frequented by homeless people, especially youths, who are looking for shelter and are easy targets for exploitation. At the same time, major transportation hubs like airports, as well as bus and train stations, are key points for identifying victims and raising public awareness. Human trafficking: #EyesOpen Teenagers saved from trafficking: U.S. Transportation hubs Flight attendant saved girl from human trafficking Delta in-flight video #EyesOpen against human trafficking Estimates show that about 60% of trafficking victims are transported across borders, a large number of them by air. Airlines have therefore started collective action and training and sensitization programmes to fight human trafficking. The industry-wide training program by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called #EyesOpen, aims at sensitizing airline staff about the issue and raising public awareness. Videos Links Forbes (2018): Airlines globally are signing up to fight human trafficking An airline agent saved two teenagers from human trafficking An airline agent identified two teenage girls at Sacramento airport as potential trafficking victims. The two girls acted conspicuously and wanted to fly to another city without a return flight, saying they were invited for a photo shoot by a stranger. The airline agent reacted quickly and called in the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Airport Bureau. According to the Sheriff’s Bureau, whose representative spoke with the girls after they were denied entrance to the flight, it was likely that they were victims of attempted human trafficking. Links Global Citizen (2018): An airline agent saved two teen from human trafficking, … Human trafficking and the transportation industry “Traffickers may recruit victims from bus and train stations and will utilize transportation systems to both bring new victims to their trafficking operations as well as to transport current victims to different places where they will be trafficked and abused. Therefore, mass transportation hubs like airports are key points for victim identification, and public awareness.” Links Polaris (undated): Human trafficking and the transportation industry Hero Flight Attendant Saves Girl From Human Trafficking (Good Morning Britain) Shelia Frederick talks about how she managed to save a young girl from being abducted aboard a flight to San Francisco. Videos Delta draws attention to signs of human trafficking Delta Air Lines has launched a new in-flight video focused on how to spot human trafficking. The video is part of the airline’s broader effort to help fight sexual exploitation and forced labor. Already, the company has trained 56,000 of its employees on signs to watch for on flights or in airports. The video began airing this month as one of the choices on Delta’s in-flight entertainment system and will run through February. The airline is working to raise awareness of human trafficking with the Super Bowl coming to Atlanta. “It is a global issue,” said Delta’s senior vice president of in-flight service Allison Ausband, who oversees flight attendants. “With our reach [with international routes], we have the opportunity to make a difference.” Videos Take actionPolicy and process Integrate modern slavery provisions in Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by airlines (business partners). Encourage airline business partners to endorse the UK Modern Slavery Act, as has been done by various airlines. Training and capacity building Encourage transport business partners to train staff on how to identify human trafficking and respond to potential incidents. Training should be adapted to specific business environment as interventions to prevent trafficking depend on the type of transportation utilized and the trafficking business model (cf. Polaris). Training tools on human trafficking: International Air Transport Association (IATA): Eyes Open Training Video Against Human Trafficking (Youtube) (2018) and other resources for staff training. Communication and reporting Report on how your company deals with modern slavery risks related to international transportation (Modern Slavery Statements (UK)). Provide and distribute material on how to identify and react to a situation of human trafficking. Encourage business partners to provide and distribute prevention materials accessible to individuals travelling in trafficking situations (cf. Polaris). Sector collaboration Become a member of The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. Grievance mechanisms Promote helplines and hotlines, where incidents of human trafficking can be reported (e.g. ECPAT campaign "Don't look away" to report on the sexual exploitation of children). Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks Learn moreFind more information in the Resource Centre. Learn more Select
Take actionPolicy and process Integrate modern slavery provisions in Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by airlines (business partners). Encourage airline business partners to endorse the UK Modern Slavery Act, as has been done by various airlines. Training and capacity building Encourage transport business partners to train staff on how to identify human trafficking and respond to potential incidents. Training should be adapted to specific business environment as interventions to prevent trafficking depend on the type of transportation utilized and the trafficking business model (cf. Polaris). Training tools on human trafficking: International Air Transport Association (IATA): Eyes Open Training Video Against Human Trafficking (Youtube) (2018) and other resources for staff training. Communication and reporting Report on how your company deals with modern slavery risks related to international transportation (Modern Slavery Statements (UK)). Provide and distribute material on how to identify and react to a situation of human trafficking. Encourage business partners to provide and distribute prevention materials accessible to individuals travelling in trafficking situations (cf. Polaris). Sector collaboration Become a member of The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. Grievance mechanisms Promote helplines and hotlines, where incidents of human trafficking can be reported (e.g. ECPAT campaign "Don't look away" to report on the sexual exploitation of children). Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action
Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks
International Transport Women's rights A large proportion of high-profile positions in international transportation companies are still mainly male dominated. Discrimination of women in the transportation industry is common. Learn more International Transport Women's rights × A large proportion of high-profile positions in international transportation companies, such as pilots but also management personnel, are still mainly male dominated. Discrimination of women in the international transportation industry is common. It is mostly the airline industry which is accused of gender discrimination. In airline companies, women dominate sales, ticketing, and flight attendant positions, while the majority of airline CEOs, managers, and pilots are men. According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, only 5.5% of all pilots were women in 2018, and about 1.5 % captains. There have been reports of airlines discriminating against pregnant women and promoting or degrading women cabin staff based on their looks or size. Recent reports have also highlighted that airlines have one of the most significant gender pay gaps in the tourism industry, sometimes up to 71,8% between the hourly wages of men and women. Gender pay gaps are also common in other international transportation industries. Women in jobs which are traditionally male connoted, such as pilots or bus drivers, may face discrimination or not be taken seriously. Discrimination: Qatar Airways Female pilots Discrimination: Aeroflot Following accusations of discrimination by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Qatar Airways has eased its policy of restricting female cabin crew from getting married or becoming pregnant. The ILO accused the airline for its policy of firing women staff if they married within their first five years of employment or became pregnant. Women’s contracts included the following clause: “The company reserves the right to automatically terminate your contract as a flying cabin crew member should you become pregnant.” It also required staff to obtain prior permission of the company should they wish to get married. The airline eased its policies after the accusations. Under new contracts, pregnant women have the option of temporarily working in ground jobs and can marry after notifying the company. Links Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (2015): Qatar Airways relaxes cabin c… The Guardian (2015): Qatar Airways will no longer sack cabin crew who become pr… Women under-represented on the flight deck According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, out of 160,000 pilots, only 8500 or 5,5% were women, 2400 of were captains (see link below). Links International Society of Women Pilots NZ Herald (2018): Women under-represented on the flight deck Forbes (2018): 32,206 viewsSep 12, 2018, 08:00am You'll Never Guess Which Count… Women discriminated on the basis of their size and appearance at Aeroflot Two Aeroflot flight attendants accused their employer of gender discrimination before a Moscow court. They claimed to have been discriminated and degraded on the basis of their size. Aeroflot representatives previously acknowledged that such a policy was in place. “Aeroflot is a premium airline and part of the reason people pay for tickets is the appearance of its employees,” said Pavel Danilin, a member of the airline’s public council. Nikita Krichevsky, another member of Aeroflot’s public council, said the penalties should not be seen as a salary docking but as an incentive to lose weight (see Guardian article below). The case of gender discrimination was rejected at first instance in local courts. The women took their case to a second instance and a hearing at the national court in Moscow. The court partially agreed with the women’s accusations and ordered Aeroflot to compensate them for lost earnings. Links Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (2017): Russia: Aeroflot flight atten… The Guardian (2017): Aeroflot gender discrimination case reaches court in Moscow Policy and process Include statement of commitment to gender equality / equal opportunities in hiring and equal salaries in the Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by airlines and bus companies (business partners). Sector collaboration Take up the issues related to women’s rights in the transportation sector in sector initiatives and business associations. Consider making joint statements outlining the expectations towards transportation service providers related to gender equality. Grievance mechanism Add a clause on effective grievance mechanisms to be installed for their staff in contracts with international transport service providers. Consider collaborating with the industry to develop joint grievance mechanism. Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks Learn moreFind more information in the Resource Centre. Learn more Select
Policy and process Include statement of commitment to gender equality / equal opportunities in hiring and equal salaries in the Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by airlines and bus companies (business partners). Sector collaboration Take up the issues related to women’s rights in the transportation sector in sector initiatives and business associations. Consider making joint statements outlining the expectations towards transportation service providers related to gender equality. Grievance mechanism Add a clause on effective grievance mechanisms to be installed for their staff in contracts with international transport service providers. Consider collaborating with the industry to develop joint grievance mechanism. Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action
Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks
International Transport Workers' rights High competition and price pressure in the international transport industry have a direct impact on working conditions. Long working hours, low wages, and tight schedules leading to inadequate rest time are common. Learn more International Transport Workers' rights × High competition and price pressure in the international transport industry have a direct impact on working conditions. Long working hours, low wages, and tight schedules leading to inadequate rest time are common. In the aviation industry, there have been reports of very low wages for cabin personnel, as well as pilots working with international (budget) airlines. Some crew members do not receive fixed monthly wages but are paid by the hour. Depending on possible working volume or season, they may not even reach minimum wages. Some pilots or cabin crew are contracted under the laws of the country where the airline’s headquarters are located and not where staff reside (see Ryanair case below). In some cases, this leads to the violation of national labour laws as payments may fall below national minimum wages and inadequate access to social security or pension systems is provided. Ground staff, such as airport kitchen workers, baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, or cleaning personnel are often also affected by low wages. In many cases, their contracts are subcontracted to specialized agencies, with the employer handing over the direct responsibility for their working conditions to the subcontractor. Furthermore, ground personnel are often not included in union action and agreements. Low wages are also common for bus drivers of long-distance bus companies. Due to tight schedules, companies often do not respect legally required resting time for bus drivers. Overworking and an inadequate number of rest days or time off for driving personnel may have direct impacts on the safety of staff and customers. Ryanair strikes Airport strike: Tunisia Distant buses: Germany Strike and working conditions at Ryanair Unions accused Ryanair of breaching labour laws after the crews went on strike in 2018. Pilots and cabin crews in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Portugal stopped working at various times during 2018. Ryanair staff were contracted under Irish law, where the company has its headquarters, and not where staff reside. In some cases, this practice negatively affected staff’s ability to access social security benefits or provided lower pensions than set out in national labour laws. Adaptions have been pushed forward in some countries. The strikes built on previous strikes and unresolved issues from 2017. Videos Links The Guardian (2018): Ryanair strike: unions accuse airline of breaching labour … BBC (2018): Ryanair cancels 250 flights as strike action hits tens of thousands Tunis airport strike was called off at last minute In summer 2018, Tunisian airport workers threatened to strike for two days in the tourist high season. The labour union representing many airport staff called upon the government to enhance working conditions for airport staff. After a deal was reached with the government, the strike was called off. Links Business Insider (2018): Tunisian airport workers threaten strike in tourist hi… Reuters (2018): Tunisian airport workers call off strike Coach driver working conditions Coach drivers are heavily impacted by the low prices, tight schedules, and highly competitive business of long-distance bus travel. Drivers have high responsibilities for their customers, their coaches and material, but are often forced to work overtime and for long periods without adequate breaks. After their shifts, they are sometimes required to clean the coach, including bathrooms, without being paid extra or the work being included in their working hours. Links SWR, 2016: Konkurrenz auf dem Fernbusmarkt. Harte Arbeitsbedingungen für Busfah… Take actionPolicy and process Include fair working conditions in Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by airlines and bus companies (business partners) (cf. Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism (2015): Recommendations for implementation of labor and social standards for driving personnel in the tourism sector). Supplier assessment Conduct audit on working conditions at airlines and bus companies (business partners). Grievance mechanism Encourage business partners to install or promote hotlines / contact points where violations of labour laws of driving personnel (such as inadequate rest days or breaks) can be reported. Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks Learn moreFind more information in the Resource Centre. Learn more Select
Take actionPolicy and process Include fair working conditions in Supplier Code of Conduct to be signed by airlines and bus companies (business partners) (cf. Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism (2015): Recommendations for implementation of labor and social standards for driving personnel in the tourism sector). Supplier assessment Conduct audit on working conditions at airlines and bus companies (business partners). Grievance mechanism Encourage business partners to install or promote hotlines / contact points where violations of labour laws of driving personnel (such as inadequate rest days or breaks) can be reported. Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action
Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks