Home News This happened at YTF's board of directors meeting

This happened at the YTF board of directors meeting.

On March 12th and 13th, 60 union representatives from all over the country gathered in Asker to set the course for Yrkestrafikkforbundet There were two days of important decisions, good discussions and celebration of YTF's 70th anniversary.

Shop stewards in YTF gathered for this year's board of directors meeting
Shop stewards in YTF gathered for this year's board of directors meeting. Photo: Nicklas K. Sørbel

Representatives from all over the country

Union representatives from north to south gathered to discuss the budget, action plan and decide on important matters for the members.

An Election and Proxy Committee was also elected.

Man speaking with microphone
Union leader Jim Klungnes opened the representative council meeting. Photo: Nicklas K. Sørbel.

– Our union representatives stand up for their members every day, and without them we wouldn't be able to YTF been the union we are today, said union leader Jim Klungnes when he opened the meeting.

Fight against "pirate taxis" in public administration

One issue that generated great interest was the new carpooling scheme launched by ATB in Trøndelag.

The scheme allows private individuals to offer rides to others for a fee.

– This gives almost anyone the right to compete with professional drivers who are responsible for people's lives and safety. This is pirate driving under public control, said union leader Jim Klungnes from the podium.

Bus drivers are required to meet certain requirements, including conduct, competence and health. This ensures the safety, security and quality of service for passengers.

YTF believes it is wrong for the public sector to help undermine public transport and contribute to weakening safe and regulated workplaces.

The council of representatives decided that the union should work to stop such offers.

Woman at the podium
Anne Kathrine Rønning presented a proposal for cashless public transport on behalf of the Trondheim department of the Trøndelag Region. Photo: Nicklas K. Sørbel.

Cashless public transport

Among the cases received, cashless public transport received broad support.

Many drivers find that paying in cash leads to more work and more route delays.

Therefore, the union will step up political work to end cash payments on the bus.

Better accident preparedness for drivers

Another important topic was better accident preparedness for professional drivers.

Here, the Supervisory Board asked the Federal Board to work towards more practical training, clearer requirements for risk assessment, and better cooperation with emergency services.

“Drivers should not be left alone when accidents happen,” was the message from the audience.

Overview of conference room with participants sitting at tables
A combined YTF at this year's board of directors meeting. Photo: Nicklas K. Sørbel

Elections, budget and action plan

The Representative Council meeting also elected a new Election and Proxy Committee that will prepare the processes leading up to the National Assembly in September 2025.

These will, among other things, prepare the elections that will take place at the national convention in the fall and involve the organization through good and democratic processes.

The goal is to put together the best team, so that YTF can continue to achieve good results for our members and continue the good development we have had in recent periods.

In addition, Secretary General Linda Jæger reviewed the budget, and the Supervisory Board adopted an aggressive action plan for 2025.

The goal for 2025 is crystal clear: YTF will be the most visible trade union in the transport sector, and work for membership growth, strong collective agreements and better conditions in our industries.

Woman speaking from a podium
Secretary General Linda Jæger reviewed YTF's finances. Photo: Nicklas K. Sørbel.

Honored as the Employee of the Year

During the dinner in the evening, Lene Thon was also named Elected Representative of the Year.

Lene rebuilt a department that was in ruins after a difficult conflict in 2019.

Today, she leads a well-functioning department with many more members than before.

– Lene is a role model of what a union representative should be. She stands up for the members and builds community. Congratulations, said Jim Klungnes, union leader in YTF , when she presented the award.

A smiling Lene Thon receives the award as the shop steward of the year in YTF and holds a check for 15,000 kroner and a bouquet of flowers.
Lene Thon is the Employee of the Year. Photo: Nicklas K. Sørbel

Celebrating 70 years with pride

The Board of Representatives meeting also highlighted that YTF turns 70 years old.

– YTF was founded by bus drivers who were tired of not being heard. Today we have over 13,000 members throughout the transport and logistics industry. Together we will continue to fight for a living wage and a job to live with, said Klungnes.

A force for the members

With the action plan and budget for 2025 in place, YTF ready to continue the fight for drivers, warehouse workers and logistics employees across the country.

– We have never been stronger than now. And together with all our fantastic elected officials, we will be a force to be reckoned with in the future, says Jim Klungnes.