RAIL union RMT has called for the immediate suspension of International Transport Workers’ Federation general secretary Steve Cotton following serious allegations of misconduct.

A source at the transport union said: “Sexism and misogynistic abuse has no place in the trade union movement. We have a duty to call it out — especially when our members’ subscriptions fund our affiliation to the ITF.

“The union will want to see Steve Cotton suspended while a full and independent investigation takes place.”

In a formal letter to the ITF executive board, seen by the Morning Star, RMT has demanded the ITF address the issue without delay and report back to affiliates as soon as possible.

The move follows a lengthy report by Novara Media detailing allegations of sexist and bullying behaviour by Mr Cotton.

These include entering a woman’s hotel room late at night uninvited and following another woman into the toilet, as well as of a misogynistic culture at the organisation.

One complainant described “a masculine, sexist, patriarchal boys’ club” environment at the ITF.

A spokesperson for the ITF told Novara: “The general secretary denies the allegations made. One case was investigated and mediated at the time, with no wrongdoing found.”

Paddy Crumlin, ITF president, and Frank Moreels, who will take over from him in January 2027, claimed that the “pervasive misogyny and lack of accountability” that exists in the transport industry “will inevitably be reflected in the culture and governance of the ITF.”

They also recognised “that the transport industry remains overwhelmingly male-dominated and poorly regulated, with systemic failures from both employers and regulatory bodies. Within this environment, misogyny, exploitation, and racism have too often gone unchecked.

“The ITF is committed to changing that reality and is taking ongoing action to eliminate unacceptable behaviour.

“We are unable to comment on the details of any specific cases due to confidentiality and commitment to privacy. Any allegations of this nature are dealt with in a clear and transparent fashion.”

The ITF’s Unite branch conducted a survey this year, which has been passed to Novara.  It found that nearly 40 per cent of women respondents had safety concerns attending ITF events, while half said they had experienced, witnessed or been aware of sexual harassment at the organisation.

The ITF said: “The ITF does not comment on confidential individual cases. We again assert that our policies and independent mechanisms are robust, transparent, reviewable, and applied to all individuals regardless of position they hold within the organisation.”

The ITF was approached for additional comment on the RMT’s call.