News

Press Release March 6, 2024

ETF and River Cruise Industry sign binding framework agreement

On March 6, during the ITB in Berlin, EBU, ETF and IG RiverCruise signed a binding framework agreement to improve the working conditions on board river cruise vessels as well as to ensure a level playing field for the sector. This agreement is a first important step for the improvement of the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

News March 1, 2024

Public Transport: Shortage Crisis threatens Jobs of the Future and Demands Action

New reports by the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) paint a concerning picture of a 40% rise in driver shortages across Europe since 2020, leaving the continent with a gap of 105,000 drivers. This crisis, fueled by an ageing workforce and competition from other sectors, threatens the smooth operation of public transport systems, which are vital for our cities’ future. ETF demands action now.

Statement February 29, 2024

The Parliament’s Vote on Revised Driving License Rules Spells Disaster for the Sector

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is deeply troubled by the outcome of yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament regarding revised rules for driving licenses. ETF is especially concerned about the proposal to require all EU Member States to allow 17-year-old lorry drivers to drive heavy goods vehicles. The decision on minimum age requirements marks a significant setback in efforts to ensure road safety and prioritise the improvement of working conditions for drivers across Europe.

News February 22, 2024

ETF and ETUI Train Logistics Union Reps on AI and Collective Bargaining Challenges

The European Transport Workers’ Federation partnered with the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) to deliver a pilot training on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the logistics sector for union representatives. Held in Antwerp on February 7-8, 2024, the program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving landscape while strengthening collective bargaining efforts on behalf of logistics workers.

Statement February 20, 2024

ETF and ITF in solidarity with strikes of Lufthansa employees for a fair collective agreement

Livia Spera, General Secretary of the ETF, stated, “While airlines like Lufthansa rake in record profits, the ground staff who ensure their smooth operation are treated with disdain and offered wage increases that fail to keep pace with inflation. This is not just an injustice to these hardworking individuals but a threat to the entire industry’s struggle with worker shortages. We stand in solidarity with Ver.di and urge Lufthansa and other employers to engage in meaningful negotiations that deliver fair wages and decent working conditions that keep the sector attractive to workers.”

Press Release February 19, 2024

ETF Raises Concerns Over Changes to EU Driving License Rules

In view of the European Parliament’s upcoming debate and vote on changes to driving license rules in the EU, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) voices its concerns regarding the proposed reduction in the minimum age for truck and bus licenses. Last December, the TRAN Committee backed the Commission’s proposal to issue truck driving licenses to 17-year-olds, under the accompanied driving license scheme. At the same time, the reduction in the recommended minimum age for truck driving to 18 across the EU poses a further threat to road safety, as it will cause more Member States to follow suit.

Statement February 19, 2024

The Red Sea crisis and the attacks on commercial vessels

The ETF is calling once more for the safety of seafarers to be paramount. All the disruption on the supply chain, the skyrocketing of the shipping prices and the insurance coverage together with the overall impact in the economy are very serious consequences, but are only secondary commercial considerations in comparison with the risk posed for the safety of seafarers.

Statement February 16, 2024

800 days later, Member States Slam Door Shut on Platform Work Directive

The failure of member states has dashed hopes that an EU directive would help end bogus self-employment and give platform workers employment contracts. The aim of the directive to improve the working conditions of platform workers by correct employment classification has failed. Millions of precarious platform workers with little or no rights will remain at the mercy of unscrupulous platforms.

News February 14, 2024

EU Elections: ETF Sectoral Manifestos Launched

Building on the groundswell of support for our comprehensive “A New Deal for Fair Transport” manifesto, we are proud to announce the launch of sectoral manifestos dedicated to Aviation, Logistics, Dockers & Seafarers, and Railways. These focused documents delve deeper into the specific challenges and demands of each sector, solidifying our unwavering commitment to securing fair treatment and decent jobs for all transport workers across Europe.