MOBILITY PACKAGE: ETF STARTS ACTION WEEK ON 20 NOVEMBER
The European Transport Workers’ Federation and its affiliated members from the road transport sector dedicate the week 20 – 24 November to the European Commission Mobility Package.
The aim of the action week is to convince the European Parliament and the national governments to adopt a social Mobility Package that truly benefits professional drivers. In parallel, ample actions will be organised at country borders, in parking areas and within the trade unions, to inform professional drivers on the Package impact on their jobs and lives.
The week will see a mix of targeted driver information activities, leafleting and picketing at border regions, meetings with Member States and MEPs. ETF affiliates from Central and Eastern Europe will take the opportunity to express their concerns as many changes proposed by the European Commission as part of the Package fall short to really address, in practice, the situation of drivers from this region who work abroad for long periods of time.
Mobilisation of trade unions representing bus and coach drivers will also be high. They are particularly concerned by proposed changes to driving and rest time rules, which will clearly put at risk safety of driver and passenger.
Frank Moreels, ETF President said: “The European Commission Mobility Package launched on 31 May was a huge disappointment for us. Now, the proposals are in the hands of the European Parliament and the governments of the Member States. That is precisely why we take up action: to inform, share our concerns, make our voice heard, and influence decisions! We want the proof for a social Europe. The hundreds of thousands of drivers sleeping and living in their lorries for months deserve it!”
Roberto Parrillo, ETF Road Transport Section President said: “This action week is one of the most important in the past years! The decisions to be taken by the EU Institutions on the Mobility Package will impact on jobs, wages, work and social life of all drivers in Europe, bus, coach or freight. The ETF has concrete proposals on how to improve the labour and social situation in road transport. We expect them to be taken on board.”
“The week 20 to 24 November the ETF will hold its Executive Committee meeting in Brussels. We are alert, we want to improve the lives of our members, we want laws which effectively protect their rights. We’ll follow closely the evolution of the Package in the European Parliament and in the Council. We trust these institutions will improve the European Commission proposal and make it truly work for our professional drivers.” added Eduardo Chagas, General Secretary of the ETF.
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For more details please contact Cristina Tilling, Political Secretary, at c.tilling@etf-europe
