An ETF delegation joined its French affiliates CGT-Cheminots, CFDT- Cheminots and UNSA-Ferroviaire in Lille on Thursday, 22 June 2023, in a protest against expanding privatisation of rail in France. ETF continues to work hard to defend railways and its workers to ensure that rail transport is a public service fit for a fair and sustainable Europe.

ETF stands by its Swiss transport workers’ union, SEV, in opposing the liberalisation demands of passenger rail under ongoing Switzerland and the EU negotiations on a cooperation agreement.

ETF and its affiliates join the ETUC campaign to stop Austerity 2.0 and fight the spread of austerity measures in Europe. We cannot and will not accept that workers are again obliged to carry the burden of the economic crisis while corporations are using increased costs as an excuse to increase profits.

ETF remains dedicated to fighting and promoting gender equality and fully supports its union members’ efforts devoted to gender equality. An ETF Women’s Committee delegation joined the 14 June major women’s equality rally in Switzerland, a traditional event championing for women’s rights.

ETF is committed to continuing fighting against the exploitation of workers in logistics and calls on policymakers and employers to ensure that workers’ rights are respected. Together with its affiliates, ETF will be advocating for the rights of logistics workers during a dedicated week of action across Europe to mark this year’s International Day for Decent Work on October 7th.

Once the mandate of the Council of the European Union on the platform work directive has been agreed upon, the trilogue negotiations between Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament on Platform Work Directive can start. ETF has very strong reservations about the Council’s position and believes the strong presumption of employment contained in the EP text is the best way to ensure that workers are classified correctly to get access to their employment, social and pension rights.