Scrap of fuel taxation exemptions for fisheries can kill the sector The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is sounding the alarm over the potential inclusion of fishing fuels under the revised Energy Taxation Directive. The ETF, alongside other European organizations representing the entire fisheries sector value chain, has sent a joint letter to the European Parliament and national authorities urging them to exempt fishing from the Directive’s scope. News 8 Apr 2024
Italian Dockers on Strike: for CBA, fair wages, and rights The dispute over the national Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of Italian dockworkers has led ETF affiliates Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti, to call for a national 24-hour strike between April 3rd and 5th, 2024, with the peak of the protests organized in Genoa through a national demonstration on April 5th. News 5 Apr 2024
European Transport Workers’ Federation Calls for a Visionary Future for Rail Transport in Europe As the Connecting Europe Days unfold, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stands with a resounding call for European policymakers to prioritize the future of rail transport on the continent. The railway sector has long been the backbone of European mobility, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. However, without a cohesive and visionary strategy for its advancement, the potential of rail transport remains largely untapped. Statement 2 Apr 2024
ETF at the Tripartite Social Summit Concrete measures must be implemented to deter those who exploit the internal market by establishing letter-box companies in countries with lower working conditions and protections while providing services in more economically prosperous countries. This includes discouraging those who flout posting rules or engage in fraudulent employment schemes, thereby perpetrating social security fraud and utilizing fraudulent employment practices. Statement 21 Mar 2024
ETF welcomes important first step with Due Diligence Directive with criticism While representing a significant breakthrough and the unblocking of a worrying political stalemate, the CSDDD was severely weakened under EU Member State lobbying – with the resulting Directive left far weaker than originally intended, covering far fewer companies and workers. Press Release 20 Mar 2024
Political strikes close Finnish ports In Finland, a right-wing government has launched the most serious attack on workers’ rights and social security in the history of the Finnish welfare state. The unions are fighting to defend the country’s social model. On 11 March trade unions began a wave of political strike action that is currently intended to continue for two weeks. The strikes will, among other actions, close all cargo handling in Finnish ports. Photo: Jani Laukkanen. News 15 Mar 2024