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News May 16, 2024

Interview with Giorgio Tuti: “Europe Needs to Invest In Its Railway System”

Switzerland is currently negotiating a new framework agreement with the EU. The union of Swiss transport workers SEV is demanding that the Swiss government does not give in to pressure from the EU Commission to agree to a market opening for international rail passenger transport. The SEV is also supporting the Swiss Trade Union Federation’s demand to protect wages. Switzerland’s negotiations are also in the interest of the ETF, the European Transport Workers’ Federation. The former SEV president Giorgio Tuti is president of the rail sector at the ETF. A discussion on current European politics.

News May 15, 2024

Opinion: Third country drivers in road transport: the new wave of social dumping

The road transport sector in Europe plays a vital role in supporting the economy, facilitating commerce, and ensuring connectivity. However, this critical industry hides a troubling reality of exploitation, precarity, human rights abuses, and unfair competition. The latest wave of exploitation targets third-country nationals: drivers recruited from non-European countries under questionable arrangements and precarious conditions, as part of a business model where they are employed in countries where they never actually work.

News May 13, 2024

Train of Remembrance: A Journey of Reflection and Resistance

Never again, nowhere. Last week, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung EU Office (FES Europa) organised an initiative called the “Train of Remembrance.” This 3-day pedagogical journey aimed to educate and empower young trade unionists by reflecting on the harrowing impact of the far-right Nazi regime during the 1940s in Germany, particularly the atrocities of the Holocaust that claimed over 6 million lives.

Publication May 8, 2024

EU Land Transport Labour Market: A Critical Examination of Trends and Policy Implications

Two years ago, the ETF launched a project to look in more detail at the roots of the above trends. Three reports – on road, rail and urban public transport were developed within the frame of the project to cast light on how liberalisation and market-opening policies led to undesirable effects that put at stake the very goals and objectives set by the same policymakers.

Statement May 7, 2024

Joint EU Trade Union statement toward the Council negotiation on the revision of the European Works Council Directive

European Trade Union Federations have issued a joint letter strongly criticizing the European employers’ organizations for their opposition to the proposed revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive. The unions argue that the employers’ stance demonstrates a lack of understanding of the EWC Directive and a lack of effort to support policy-making based on evidence. They call on the Council to ensure that EWCs are given sufficient and enforceable rights, as well as the necessary resources to exercise them.

News April 29, 2024

Navigating Crisis in Civil Aviation: Insights from Meeting in Helsinki

On April 25th-26th, representatives from various civil aviation unions met in Helsinki for an intensive training session led by Kris Major,  Chair of the Joint Aircrew Committee and representative of the UK’s union Unite. The training was aimed at “bringing the crisis guide to life”, infusing it with the collective experience and insight of the attendees. This guide will eventually serve as a comprehensive collection of guidelines to equip union representatives with the essential skills and support to navigate crises adequately.

In Focus

Publication

EU Land Transport Labour Market: A Critical Examination of Trends and Policy Implications

Two years ago, the ETF launched a project to look in more detail at the roots of the above trends. Three reports – on road, rail and urban public transport were developed within the frame of the project to cast light on how liberalisation and market-opening policies led to undesirable effects that put at stake the very goals and objectives set by the same policymakers.

Press Release

ETF Launches Manifesto: A New Deal for Fair Transport

ETF announced the launch of the manifesto “A New Deal for Fair Transport,” today, ahead of the 2024 European Elections. This comprehensive manifesto outlines a series of critical demands aimed at reshaping the transport sector in Europe to ensure fairness, safety, and respect for all transport workers.

News

ETF Criticizes Proposed EU Fiscal Policies: A Threat to Transport Workers

In response to the EU finance ministers finalising the Council’s position on reforming the EU’s economic governance rules, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has expressed serious concerns. These reforms, perceived as a renovation of austerity measures, are detrimental to workers, and public funding for transport in Europe.

News

ETF’s Executive Committee Meeting and Approved Documents – November 2023

The ETF Executive Committee met on November 29-30, 2023, in Berlin, marking a significant gathering of unions from across Europe. During two days, several topics were discussed, namely reports on ETF’s regular projects and budget. We had the opportunity to listen to workers about the ongoing work on sustainability, equality, women and youth.