It’s vital for unions to build the skills needed to tackle the challenges of new technologies — and for workers to be supported as they acquire new skills for the digital transition. The ETF is actively working on this, ensuring that innovation and workers’ rights move forward together. To support trade unions in this effort, we are happy to share this AI bargaining toolkit for ports.

Discussions highlighted the rising prevalence of subcontracting, increasing workplace surveillance, and the urgent need for legislative change to protect vulnerable workers across Europe.

The initiative raises awareness on key areas such as onboard digitalisation, cybersecurity, internet access onboard, e-certification, digital skills and attractiveness of the maritime profession and put forwards policy recommendations for further cooperation between the industry and the unions, the policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation partnered with the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) to deliver a pilot training on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the logistics sector for union representatives. Held in Antwerp on February 7-8, 2024, the program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving landscape while strengthening collective bargaining efforts on behalf of logistics workers.

October brought a wave of solidarity and action across Europe with the Logistics Action Days (LDs), led by the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF). Spanning the continent with pivotal events in Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, the LDs successfully amplified the voices of logistics workers, demonstrating the irreplaceable role they play in our daily lives and the economy.