On 8th of October 2015, the ETF will organise a protest picket line in Luxembourg on the occasion of the meeting of the EU Transport Ministers, who intend to adopt a “common approach” on the political pillar of the 4th Railway Package.
The ETF demands freedom of choice for the organisation of rail public services and social and employment protection of workers
The European railway workers will stand together to request the Transport Ministers to take a position that safeguards the accessibility and quality of rail public passenger transport in Europe, the freedom of choice for Member States and authorities on how public services in the rail sector are organised and the obligation for MS and authorities to protect workers social and employment conditions in the case of competitive tendering. Consequently, ETF asks the Council of Transport Ministers to drop the Commission proposals on market opening for rail passenger transport and the introduction of rules that will lead to a further destruction of integrated railway companies.
“Europe needs affordable, accessible, quality railway services for the people” says Sabine Trier, ETF Deputy General Secretary. “Europe does not need competition for the sake of competition to the detriment of workers’ social conditions and employment security.”
The Council’s ‘common approach’ will represent the base for negotiations with the European Parliament to complete the 4th Railway Package.
The ETF invites the press to a press conference on 8 October at 10:30 at the Headquarter of the Railway Union FNCTTFEL/Landesverband (63, rue de Bonnevoie, 1260 Luxembourg).
For questions or further information, please contact Sabine Trier (ETF), s.trier@etf-europe.org, T: +32 (0) 2 285 46 67 or Andrea Albertazzi, a.albertazzi@etf-europe.org, T: +32 (0) 2 285 45 88
