Our latest news

News February 7, 2025

ETF Participates in EU Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry

Alongside IndustriAll Europe, ETF was one of only two trade union representatives invited to the dialogue, highlighting the importance of workers’ voices in shaping the future of the automotive sector and its broader impact on the mobility ecosystem. The two European Federations have been working to shape a joint approach to encompass the views of all workers in the mobility ecosystem.

Statement February 5, 2025

Transforming Rail Freight: A Joint Call for Sustainable and Efficient Transport

Within the framework of the Social Sectoral Dialogue on Railways, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) have issued a joint statement emphasizing the pivotal role of rail freight in Europe’s transition to a sustainable and efficient transport system. That statement effectively highlights the importance of focusing on key areas to ensure the future success and competitiveness of rail freight in the EU. It also emphasizes the need for decision-makers to enhance the overall competitiveness framework by implementing specific measures.

News February 4, 2025

New EU Maritime Strategy: We Need Enhanced Seafarer Protections and Sustainable Shipping

The ETF has welcomed the EESC’s opinion, noting its alignment with the federation’s long-standing advocacy for fair treatment and improved working conditions for seafarers. The inclusion of these key elements in the opinion reflects the collaborative efforts of trade unions and workers’ representatives in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Statement February 3, 2025

Germany: Solidarity with EVG in Their Fight for Fair Wages, Respect, and a Strong Future for Rail

The ETF has also raised concerns over plans to dismantle Europe’s largest rail freight operator, warning that such measures would have devastating consequences for railway workers, the climate, and Europe’s industries. Rail is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, and any move to weaken the sector would undermine efforts to achieve sustainable mobility and reduce carbon emissions.

Statement January 29, 2025

Eager to discuss but not ready to endorse: ETF reacts to the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass

On 29 January 2025, the European Commission adopted its long-anticipated Competitiveness Compass. The communication “establishes competitiveness as one of the EU’s overarching principles for action” and outlines a roadmap featuring initiatives across several areas. Regrettably, the whole strategy is based on the assumption that the EU social model needs to be preserved. We rather believe it needs to be rebuilt.

Statement January 22, 2025

The Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages is At Risk and We Need to Defend it.

On 14 January, the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Nicholas Emiliou, issued a non-binding opinion regarding Case C-19/23 of the CJEU, which could open the door to the complete annulment of the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, following a complaint from two member states.

In Focus

Statement

ETF Statement on Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas’s Hearing

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing millions of workers across Europe’s transport sector, listened closely to yesterday’s confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The transport sector is facing a multitude of problems and ETF is determined to build a dialogue with Mr. Tzitzikostas to address the sector’s greatest challenges. Transport workers, who keep Europe moving, deserve a sector that values their contributions and meets their needs. We will watch closely for the next steps and expect a commitment to the practical changes that will benefit all Europeans.

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

Executive Committee of ETF met in Brussels on June 4/5

On June 4th and 5th, 2024, Brussels hosted the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) Executive Committee meeting. Trade unionists from across Europe gathered to discuss and shape the future of European transport, focusing on workers’ interests. ETF President Frank Moreels opened the meeting by underlining the need to stop the far-right, who have always worked against the interests of workers.