News September 10, 2025 Dockers across Europe demand action to end violence in Gaza The Dockers’ Section of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing over 75.000 dock workers across Europe, stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are enduring unbearable suffering, destruction, and loss of life.
Statement September 9, 2025 ETF joins 470 organisations warning against EU deregulation campaign The ETF has joined 470 civil society organisations, trade unions, and public interest groups in sounding the alarm over the European Commission’s plans to dismantle essential protections for people and the planet. Ahead of President von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, we have made clear that our rights and protections cannot be sold for profit.
Statement September 9, 2025 ETF stands in solidarity with striking London transport workers Over 10,000 London Underground staff are on strike this week to demand better pay and safer conditions. In a separate dispute, workers operating the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and outsourced cleaners on the DLR are also on strike. The European Transport Workers’ Federation stands in solidarity with the essential transport workers that keep London moving and their union, ETF affiliate RMT.
Press Release September 5, 2025 European Commission witnesses the reality of truck drivers on a visit with ETF European Vice-President and Commissioner for Social Rights, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu witnessed first-hand the harsh realities facing Europe’s truck drivers during a landmark visit to Belgian parking areas on Thursday with ETF and other road transport stakeholders.
Statement September 4, 2025 Safety cannot be outsourced: ETF’s response to the Lisbon tram disaster This is a moment of profound grief for the families affected, for the city of Lisbon, and for all transport workers across Europe. The Elevador da Glória is not only a symbol of Lisbon’s heritage. It is a workplace. And this tragedy reminds us, in the most painful way, that safety in public transport must never be compromised.
News September 2, 2025 ETF meets with EU Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu Today, the ETF met with Roxana Mînzatu, the EU’s Vice President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. We highlighted the growing challenges facing transport workers across Europe, and the urgent need for decisive EU action. Labour shortages continue to deepen – driven by a steady decline in job quality caused by liberalisation, lack of enforcement, and unchecked subcontracting practices. In sectors like road transport, enforcement remains alarmingly weak. The European Labour Authority (ELA) must be empowered and equipped to act to prevent cross-border exploitation and enforce fundamental labour rights.
Press Release September 2, 2025 European Railway Sector shows progress in gender equality as Social Partners present the Women in Rail Report 2025 The report, which assessed the implementation of the 2021 binding European Social Partner Agreement on Women in Rail, shows that women now represent 23% of the railway workforce, up from 21% in 2018. Among new hires, the proportion of women has reached 25%, signalling positive momentum for the future of the sector. While we celebrate the progress made, with women now representing nearly a quarter of the railway workforce, we recognise there is still work to be done to achieve full implementation of our agreement.
News August 18, 2025 European Trade Unions call for more decisive and principled action by the European Union on Gaza Together with other European trade unionists committed to justice, human rights, and international law, we wrote to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas today regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing actions of the Israeli Government.
News August 12, 2025 Enter Air Workers Join TOZPLiN – A Stronger Voice for Aviation in Poland The ETF warmly welcomes the decision of Enter Air employees to join the NSZZ “Solidarność” Aviation and Ground Personnel Union (TOZPLiN). TOZPLiN, an established and active part of the ETF family, now gains new members from one of the largest charter airlines in the European Union. This marks a major step forward for social dialogue in Polish aviation and a proud moment for all of us who believe in worker unity and collective strength.
News August 1, 2025 Abandoned and Unpaid: Six Ukrainian Crew Members Stranded on Ships in Serbia A deeply troubling case of labor rights violations is unfolding on the Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia. Six Ukrainian crew members remain stranded aboard four inland vessels, reportedly without wages, employment contracts, or adequate living conditions for over a year. Based on information received from workers and local union representatives, each crew member is allegedly owed between €6,000 and €15,000 – with total unpaid wages estimated to exceed €100,000.
News July 30, 2025 ETF welcomes Danish state aid for sustainable aviation fuels The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes the recent decision by the European Commission to approve a €36 million Danish state aid scheme to support the uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This funding will be used to green domestic aviation operations in Denmark, significantly exceeding the minimum SAF use requirements set by the European Parliament. We support the Commission’s conclusion that state aid for decarbonising aviation is necessary, effective, and proportionate.
News July 29, 2025 ETF demands a reform of the EU’s ATM Performance Scheme Every summer, Europe’s air traffic management system struggles to deal with the increase of air traffic. ATM workers know that the main reason for this is the unfit ATM Performance Scheme brought by the EU on national ATM providers. While we acknowledge the need for such a EU-wide scheme, we need deep changes in the one we have! In a new position paper, we present the main shortcomings of the current scheme and innovating ideas to reform it.