A global railway day will be held on Tuesday 26 March to highlight the need for safe and successful rail networks.

Rail personnel in over 50 countries will take part in the campaign, called by the International Transport Workers' Federation to promote the message that railways must put 'safety first, not profit'.

They will stage protests, exhibitions, station clean-ups in countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe.

Rail workers and passengers have always been proud of rail as a safe and ecological way to travel, said Mac Urata, secretary of the ITF's inland transport section.

But that source of pride is increasingly threatened by privatisation, under-investment, multi-skilling and staff cutting.

The rail action day will be about showing where immediate change is essential, as well as celebrating all that is good about rail.

Details of how each country will be marking the day, along with photos from last year's event, can be found at http://www.itf.org.uk/railways/railway_safety/index.htm. This will be updated regularly up to, during, and after the day.

Information from the International Transport Workers Federation.
+44 20 7974 9260
Email: dawson_sam at itf.org.uk
ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR