• Electrifying Informal Transport: Putting Workers at the Centre of the Transition

    As cities across Africa move toward electrifying informal transport systems, a critical question emerges: how can this transition be both green and socially just? The Global Labour Institute (GLI), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and VREF – Volvo Research and Educational Foundations, in partnership with C40 Cities, are developing practical Labour Impact Assessment (LIA) training materials. These…


  • Building Capacity for Just Transitions: New Training Materials to Support Labour Equity in African Transport

    To ensure African transport reforms are socially equitable, a new initiative is developing practical toolkits to help cities assess the potential impact of change on informal economy workers, and integrate the realities of their livelihoods into major transport reform and infrastructure projects. This project — a collaboration between GLI, ITF, and VREF, in partnership with C40…

    A yellow mini bus taxi with writing and drawings on the sid, is parked on a road with a man on a motorbike driving next to it

  • StreetNet International & GLI collaborate on Barometer Project

    Informal street vendors and market traders make huge economic and social contributions, but many workers major challenges at work, including insecurity, long working hours, poor working environments, violence and harassment, lack of affordable finance and low levels of representation. In 2024, StreetNet International (SNI) – a global alliance of organisations of…

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  • Global Labour Institute at VREF Global Summit

    Public transport – formal and informal – is a vital service relied upon by millions of people all over the world, strategically important in the economic and social life of cities and central to cutting transport emissions. The sector is also a major employer globally, creating millions of direct and…

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  • Dan Gallin (1931-2025)

    We are saddened to share the news that dear friend and comrade, Dan Gallin, passed away on 31 May at the age of 94. Dan spent many decades at the forefront of the struggle of the international trade union movement, including in support of the organisation, rights and recognition of…


  • Dave Spooner – Celebration of Life

    A celebration of the life of GLI co-founder and co-Director Dave Spooner will be taking place on Saturday 10th May. The celebration will begin at 17:30pm (British Summer Time BST) and finish at 19:45pm.  Virtual streaming of the event will be available. If you would like to attend virtually please…


  • Dave Spooner

    We’re deeply saddened to share the news that our dear friend and colleague Dave Spooner, co-founder and co-Director of GLI Manchester passed away on Thursday 20th March. Dave dedicated his life to the international trade union and workers’ education movements and we at GLI will endeavour to carry on his…


  • Retirement of Dave Spooner

    After 15 years as co-Director of the Global Labour Institute (GLI), and over 40 years of dedicated work in the international trade union and workers’ education movements, Dave Spooner is retiring as one of the co-Directors of GLI Manchester at the end of February. Georgia Montague-Nelson will be taking over as Executive…


  • Report – Understanding Informal Transport in Africa: Labour Impact Assessments as Tools to Improve Workers’ Conditions

    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…

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  • Technological Changes at Airports and the Impact on Workers

    Across the world airports are introducing new technologies aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing costs and supplementing worker shortages. The rate of change varies across airports – dependent on passenger numbers, airport size, regulatory pressures and the stakeholders involved.  Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions at three airports and an…