The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s Quality Jobs Roadmap (QJR) and the initiation of the first-phase social partner consultation, which signals a positive intent to improve the quality of jobs across Europe. The ETF reminds that ensuring quality jobs is fundamental to workers’ well-being and their right to work with dignity, as well as boosting competitiveness.
We particularly welcome the recognition of social dialogue, collective bargaining, adequate funding, and quality public services as necessary pillars for achieving this goal.
Tackling abusive subcontracting and labour intermediation
After years of political activity and industrial activism, the European labour movement has ensured that unfair subcontracting and labour intermediation practices are high on the EU political agenda.
- The ETF supports the QJR’s recognition that abusive subcontracting leads to worker exploitation, notably in transport. We reiterate our long-standing call for an ambitious EU Directive to replace fragmented national laws that have failed to tackle cross-border exploitation.
- Upcoming Action: To push for concrete legislative action, the ETF will actively support MEPs’ ongoing work on a European Parliament report on subcontracting chains. This will be demonstrated by a large gathering in Strasbourg on 20 January, aimed at strengthening the push for a protective legal framework.
Key Demands and Priorities for Transport Workers
The ETF notes that the QJR singles out highly mobile sectors, including transport, as a priority area. We are ready to bring strong evidence that decisive action and ambitious legislative tools are needed to improve working conditions and make transport professions more attractive.
- Protecting and Enforcing Road Transport Rules: We welcome the Commission’s commitment to implementing the Mobility Package. We demand that these rules be preserved and that the EU resists any calls for further deregulation in road transport. To effectively address widespread issues like fake posting and exploitation, the ETF supports the Roadmap’s proposal for a stronger mandate for the European Labour Authority (ELA). This mandate must include the power to request information, conduct investigations, and initiate inspections, backed by the necessary resources for increased inspection capacities.
- Improving Working Conditions in Aviation: The inclusion of the revision of the Air Service Regulation as an opportunity to improve working conditions for aircrew is a positive signal. The ETF views this market instrument revision through a necessary social policy lens and will work to ensure concrete social improvements are secured for aviation workers.
ETF: Ready to Engage and Act
The ETF’s priority over the coming months will be steering the QJR’s proposals towards concrete, ambitious legislative tools and better enforcement. We are committed to ensuring transport workers’ voices are heard—whether through active participation in the social partner consultation, political discussions with policymakers, or industrial action with our members.
