European Commission attempts to lower crew labour standards The European Commission plans to submit a text on crew labour standards to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) which will be discussed in the next days at the IOTC meeting for 13-17 April. The European Social Partners for Sea Fisheries jointly call on the European Commission to withdraw this proposal from submission to the IOTC. News 12 Mar 2025
ETF Urges Stricter Regulations and Accountability for Shadow Fleet Operations The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is calling for urgent action to combat the rise of so-called “shadow fleets,” which continue to operate outside international norms, undermining basic worker protections, environmental safeguards, and maritime safety regulations. These fleets, comprising vessels with obscure ownership and frequently shifting registries, expose serious flaws in international shipping practices by allowing companies to bypass regulatory oversight, evade sanctions, and neglect seafarers’ rights. News 7 Nov 2024
The Red Sea crisis and the attacks on commercial vessels The ETF is calling once more for the safety of seafarers to be paramount. All the disruption on the supply chain, the skyrocketing of the shipping prices and the insurance coverage together with the overall impact in the economy are very serious consequences, but are only secondary commercial considerations in comparison with the risk posed for the safety of seafarers. Statement 19 Feb 2024
ETF and ECSA express deep concerns over attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) call for immediate action to urgently address this alarming situation. The lives and safety of our seafarers are put at risk, with attacks increasing on a daily basis. Seafarers are the beating heart of the shipping industry, and their ability to perform their duties without fear for their safety is essential. Press Release 16 Dec 2023
SkillSea starts a European network for maritime education and training By signing a Memorandum of Understanding under the SkillSea European project, STC Group and ENSM will closely collaborate on topics such as energy transition and digitization of ships and on further developing skills such as collaboration and leadership. Press Release 13 Apr 2023
No more P&Os! Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the P&O seafarers’ mass sacking, ETF expresses its support and solidarity with our affiliates in the UK. Together with them, we said it loud, in one voice: “No More P&Os!” News 15 Mar 2023
For a safer and better future in seafaring The shipping industry needs more diversity and inclusion, decent working conditions, and more robust career prospects with meaning and value. Those working in this field are responsible for making this profession more attractive. Event 10 Jan 2023
Social security coverage for seafarers is rather a matter of cooperation Better social security coverage for seafarers residing in EU countries is above all a matter of cooperation between national authorities. News 25 Mar 2022
Social security rights of the European resident seafarers – a joint report of the European Transport Workers’ Federation and World Maritime University resource 25 Mar 2022
P&O Ferries sackings show a shocking disregard by DP World for workers’ rights and its own standards The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) are calling on DP World to engage in meaningful dialogue with affiliates RMT and Nautilus International about P&O Ferries’ future. The company now has serious questions to answer following the ruthless sacking of 800 seafarers at its subsidiary P&O Ferries. Press Release 21 Mar 2022