Railways

Railways have changed the history and shape of several nations and have had a crucial impact on economic development in most countries. While, in some cases, their importance had gradually diminished in previous decades, emerging trends related to transport needs, energy markets and environmental challenges are reviving their importance.

In recent decades, staffing patterns have evolved, ownership has changed, and technological and environmental factors have impacted industrial relations, for both passenger and freight operations. Public transport rail services have also gained traction, as current mobility models have focused on limiting the use of private vehicles.

Data and statistics

Global employment
Regional employment

The line graphs show a time series of modelled global and regional employment estimates at the sectoral level. The ILO modelled estimates generally cover 189 countries, offering a comprehensive set of internationally comparable labour statistics. These include both reported data and imputed figures for countries with missing information. The imputations are generated using econometric models developed by the ILO.

For more detailed labour market indicators and country-level data, visit the Sectoral Employment Statistics page of the ILOSTAT database.

The line graphs show a time series of modelled global and regional employment estimates at the sectoral level. The ILO modelled estimates generally cover 189 countries, offering a comprehensive set of internationally comparable labour statistics. These include both reported data and imputed figures for countries with missing information. The imputations are generated using econometric models developed by the ILO.

For more detailed labour market indicators and country-level data, visit the Sectoral Employment Statistics page of the ILOSTAT database.