News February 6, 2024 Finland: Political Strikes in Demand for Government Dialogue Last week, Finland witnessed a significant moment in its labour movement history as thousands of workers took to the streets in a powerful demonstration against proposed government cuts. On February 1 and 2, the Finnish capital, Helsinki, became the epicentre of a massive mobilisation led by the trade union confederations SAK and STTK under the banner “STOP Now!” This nationwide protest was a direct response to the right-wing government’s plans to implement cuts in working life policies and social security, sparking widespread concern among the workforce.
News February 1, 2024 Ensuring Wi-Fi Rights for migrant workers on Taiwan’s Fishing Vessels In a recent initiative highlighting the global nature of the fisheries sector, European social partners have turned their focus towards Taiwan, particularly due to the significant employment of Asian migrant fishers on Taiwanese-owned vessels. These workers face distressing labour abuses, especially within Taiwan’s extensive distant water fleet, which operates far from the country’s shores.
News January 22, 2024 “Green Deal, Our Deal?” ETF’s Conference Highlights Urgent Need for Policy Reform in Transport Sector In her opening remarks, ETF General Secretary Livia Spera emphasised the urgent need for European and national transport policies to become more coherent and worker-centric. “Without immediate action,” Spera warned, “Europe risks facing a severe shortage of personnel to operate our trains, buses, trams, and trucks.”
News January 17, 2024 European Parliament Votes in Favor of a Comprehensive European Port Strategy The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), a keen observer and active participant in the formulation of this strategy, has played a crucial role in influencing the report’s final content. Initially, the draft report had a glaring omission – it failed to address the workforce, a critical component of the port ecosystem.
News December 21, 2023 ETF Criticizes Proposed EU Fiscal Policies: A Threat to Transport Workers In response to the EU finance ministers finalising the Council’s position on reforming the EU’s economic governance rules, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has expressed serious concerns. These reforms, perceived as a renovation of austerity measures, are detrimental to workers, and public funding for transport in Europe.
Statement December 20, 2023 The closure of SNCF Fret will not go ahead The commission set up by the French parliament to investigate the French government’s decision to shut down SNCF Fret decides against the closure. The ETF joins its French railway member organisations in welcoming this decision.
Press Release December 16, 2023 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 December 13, 2023 ETF Welcomes Platform Work Directive with a Call for Vigilant Enforcement The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is cautiously optimistic about the provisional agreement on the Platform Work Directive, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the fight for the rights of millions of gig economy workers. In solidarity with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), ETF welcome what we hope will be a major advancement in correcting the long-standing misclassification of platform workers. However, we still need see the final text once agreed by all parties.
News December 13, 2023 ETF Backs Serbian Workers in Fight Against Union Busting at Air Serbia The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has shown strong support for Serbian workers facing union suppression at Air Serbia, a state-owned airline. Demonstrating their commitment, ETF representatives visited the Serbian Embassy in Brussels on Monday, 11 December, delivering a petition signed by over 4,000 individuals This petition calls on the Serbian government to stop union busting within the public company.
Statement December 13, 2023 ETF Criticizes Approved Flexibilization Rules in Bus and Coach The European Transport Workers’ Federation has expressed significant disappointment following the recent parliamentary approval of further flexibilization in organising breaks and rest for road passenger transport workers. The ETF, a leading voice in advocating for workers’ rights in the transportation sector, views these changes as a step backwards in ensuring a fair and safe working environment.
Press Release December 12, 2023 ETF Joined ETUC Demonstration in Brussels to Protest Austerity 2.0 and Advocate for Rail Freight The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), its affiliates, and a significant delegation of ETF railway workers have united with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) in a march to the European institutions in Brussels. Their purpose is to voice strong opposition to plans for the commencement of the austerity 2.0 program slated for the upcoming year.
Statement December 8, 2023 ETF Urges EU Commission to Address Risks of Emissions Trading System (ETS) on European Ports ETF is voicing its concerns over the potential social and economic impact of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System on European ports. With the EU’s ambitious climate goals, including a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, the ETF is aligned with the need for environmental action. However, the extension of ETS to the maritime sector, which will involve monitoring emissions from ships using EU ports from January 2024, has raised serious apprehensions.