The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has elected a new president. Frank Moreels, Chairman of the Belgian transport union BTB, was chosen for the position during the ETF 5th ordinary congress taking place this week in Barcelona.
Broad support at ETF 2017 Congress for new president to lead the fight for social Europe and fair transport
On accepting the role Frank Moreels addressed the congress saying: “I am happy and humble to have been given the opportunity to take up the position of ETF president. Humble because the job at hand is very complex. But there is an alternative for social dumping and the race to the bottom. Strong unions can stop the exploitation of workers and unfair competition. The ETF has strong foundations to take up that fight. But the ever changing realities in the labour market also demand that ETF further adapts to those new challenges and grows even stronger. I’m honoured to have received the support from more than 230 unions to lead the organisation on that way and achieve social justice and fair transport in Europe, in solidarity and unity.”
Of the appointment ETF general secretary Eduardo Chagas said: “Frank has been a strong and active member of the ETF team for many years. He is a dedicated trade unionist and having him in the role of president will only serve to further strengthen our organisation so we can continue to fight for improving the rights of European transport workers.”
56 year old Frank Moreels took up the position of BTB chairman in 2016 having been federal secretary of the organisation since 2007. Frank also holds the position of Vice President of the road section of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) of which the ETF is the European body.
The ETF congress continues until Friday with transport trade union representatives from 41 countries across Europe brought together to set their agenda and priorities for future work.
Follow live reporting from the event via #ETF2017 and get updates from the congress
website: etf-2017congress.org
For more information please contact:
European Transport Workers’ Federation
Rue du Marché aux Herbes 105, Boîte 11
B-1000 Bruxelles
Telephone: +32 (0)2 285 46 60
Fax: +32 (0)2 280 08 17
Email: etf@etf-europe.org
