The European Transport Workers’ Federation has around 200 affiliate unions all over Europe. Twice a year representatives of these affiliate unions meet for the Executive Committee, where political decisions are taken, campaigns are launched and solidarity is renewed. These meetings have traditionally taken place in Brussels, but it is now planned to hold when possible Executive Committee meetings in another country when possible. This will let the ETF Secretariat and affiliates from across Europe see first-hand the projects and challenges of local unions.
On 23-24 May 2018, the ETF Executive Committee was in the Romanian capital Bucharest. The host unions arranged facilities in the impressive Palace of the Parliament. They were led in this by ETF Management Committee member Ion Radoi, President of Romanian affiliate ATU.
Issues on the agenda included the ETF’s ongoing Fair Transport campaign and the presentation of a report on the ETF change management process. The meeting endorsed the proposal for a day of action in support of the struggle of Turkish affiliate TUMTIS, which is fighting for recognition to represent DHL Express workers.
Affiliates also enjoyed a presentation about SLT, a successful ETF project helping create a sustainable local structure to support Romanian international truck drivers. Ion Radoi and SLT President Nina-Elena Frandes made this presentation.
The Executive Committee approved three political motions. One demanded an EU Mobility Package that respects drivers and protects road safety. Another offered solidarity to workers at FedEx-TNT Italy, who are striking to defend their jobs. And the third backed the Romanian unions’ campaign for improved labour rights. The committee also globally endorsed the proposal for an ETF position on the European Labour Authority.
In the fringe of the EC meeting, the ETF General Secretary had the opportunity to meet with most of the ETF Romanian affiliates to discuss their expectations from the ETF and their involvement in the Fair Transport Europe Campaign.