Global supply chains are at risk of collapse unless governments worldwide restore freedom of movement to transport workers and give them priority over vaccines, a coalition of international business leaders has warned

In an open letter to heads of state and government attending the United Nations General Assembly, the International Chamber of Shipping and other transport groups warned that nearly two years of travel bans and other restrictions had had an “enormously detrimental impact on [transport workers’] wellbeing and safety”.

The “mistreatment” of workers was piling pressure on the already “crumbling” global supply chain, they said, adding that any failure to act was likely to exacerbate existing shortages of essential goods including electronics, food, fuel and medical supplies ahead of Christmas.