Statement April 17, 2026 World Public Transport Day: Public transport workers move us all Trade unions give public transport workers a collective voice to defend and win their rights in their workplaces all around the world. Recognising and bargaining with trade unions, and involving them in decision-making from the outset, is critical to ensuring an understanding of and mutually beneficial collaboration with the public transport workforce. And by fighting for better working conditions, trade unions also play a critical role in employee retention for public transport companies
News April 13, 2026 Europe’s military mobility push must not sideline workers’ rights Europe is strengthening its defence capabilities through the EU’s Military Mobility Package, designed to enable the swift movement of troops and equipment across borders in times of crisis. While the objective of improving preparedness is legitimate, it must be pursued in full respect of fundamental rights, social standards, and democratic governance.
News April 13, 2026 Fuel crisis puts european fishers’ livelihoods at risk: ETF calls for urgent EU intervention The European fishing sector is once again plunging into a state of emergency. A rapid and dramatic surge in fuel prices, triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is threatening to paralyze the EU fishing fleet and, more importantly, the workers who keep it running. This is not just an economic hurdle for vessel owners; it is a direct threat to the wages, safety, and job security of thousands of fishers across Europe.
News April 9, 2026 No more crisis management at workers’ expense: European aviation must break the cycle The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) released a statement today, calling on airlines, governments and European institutions to end a recurring and damaging pattern in times of crisis: prioritising short-term fixes at the expense of workers, resilience, and long-term recovery of the sector.
News April 8, 2026 ETF stands with railway workers after fatal TGV accident The European Transport Workers’ Federation expresses its deep sadness following the tragic accident yesterday morning involving a TGV train and a truck carrying military equipment near Bully-les-Mines, between Lens and Béthune.
Vacancies April 8, 2026 Vacancy: traineeship for railways Job opportunity: we are looking for a trainee in Railways at the European Transport Workers’ Federation! Are you passionate about railways, EU policy and workers’ rights? Here’s a chance to gain hands-on experience in the railway sector with a leading European organisation representing over 5 million transport workers across 38 countries.
Press Release April 3, 2026 Open Letter to President Ursula von der Leyen: Europe’s transport system is unprepared, and workers are paying the price ETF calls on the EU Commission to act immediately on three non-negotiable priorities: adopting binding, cross-sector crisis and safety frameworks; guaranteeing that crises are not managed through downward pressure on jobs, wages, and working conditions; in consultation with social partners, come up with robust transport preparedness strategies that guarantee resilient EU transport systems.
News April 1, 2026 European Maritime Skills Forum: ETF and European Shipowners reaffirm commitment to upskilling and reskilling of seafarers Joint statement: European Shipowners and European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) reaffirm commitment to upskilling and reskilling of seafarers The European Maritime Skills Forum held its second plenary session in Brussels, reaffirming the shared commitment of European Shipowners and seafarers’ unions to address the skill challenge of the green and digital transition.
News March 31, 2026 Unions stand with Civil Society for Better Public Transport As public transport budgets face mounting pressure across Europe, unions and civil society groups are fighting back. In Belgium, cuts to Flemish operator De Lijn have united workers, passengers, and environmental organisations in demanding an urgent change of course. In Germany, a broad coalition is calling for a binding right to mobility. Together, these movements reflect a growing consensus: reliable, well-funded public transport is an essential public service and the workers who run it deserve better too.
News March 20, 2026 Bus drivers deserve better protection. Science says it’s possible. Recently published research from the Norwegian Institute of Transport Economics has provided further inputs to ETF’s campaign to protect bus and coach drivers from fatal frontal collisions. What’s more, a technical solution is now in sight. All that is needed is action by policymakers.
Press Release March 20, 2026 Social Partners call to prioritise local Public Transport in the next MFF 2028–2034 The European Social Partners in the Urban Public Transport sector, representing operators and workers across all EU Member States, welcome the European Commission’s commitment to modernise the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034.
News March 19, 2026 Court victory for posted non-EU driver in the Netherlands Two weeks ago, ETF joined its Dutch affiliate FNV to observe a court case in the East of the Netherlands involving a truck driver who had been living in his truck for months without receiving his pay. The court has now ruled in the driver’s favour.