Skip to main content
ETF black logo ETF black logo ETF black logo ETF black logo

Google Translate

We are all EQUALly different – ETF stands for diversity and inclusivity

News

ETF commits to stepping up work on equality issues with Diversity and Inclusivity Event “We are all EQUALly different” in Budapest.

On the occasion of its 6th Ordinary Congress in Budapest, the ETF gathered all together with our unions and guests at our Diversity and Inclusivity event: “We are all EQUALly different”.

Keynote speakers included Livia Spera, ETF Acting General Secretary; Frank Moreels, ETF President; Sara Tripdoi, ETF Women’s Committee Chair; Anna Tari’, Outgoing ETF Youth Co-Chair; James Mitchell of Unite the Union, Dorottya Rédai of Labrisz Lesbian Association, author of « A fairytale for everyone », and Dombos Tamás of Háttér Society.

“The ETF stands for diversity and we are committed to an inclusive society!” Frank Moreels, ETF President

To kick-off, speakers from trade union and activist backgrounds took the floor, and unanimously agreed: We are the people who will make the change. We are the resistance, and if we stand together, we will achieve our goals.

“We must practice what we preach!”, declared Livia Spera.

As trade unions, we are beacons of democracy and defenders of human rights, our movement is inherently diverse and inclusive.  With the rise of the far-right movement, we must lead by example: it is now more important than ever to show our unity in the face of adversity. Our diversity unites us – and we will never give in to attacks on labour, civil and human rights!

The ETF’s vision is Fair Transport and centres workers where human, labour and trade union rights are guaranteed. This vision is inclusive of everyone, and actively supports young and women transport workers, black transport workers, migrant transport workers, transport workers of colour and ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ transport workers, and transport workers with disabilities, both in the labour market and society.

At ETF Congress, key decisions on the future work programme of ETF will be made, and delegates will vote on the Main Motion, mapping out our work for the next five years which includes more focus on civil rights.

ON THE GROUND

News

Keeping a warming Europe moving: how hot temperatures affect transport workers and what can be done about it

As part of the European continent undergoes its fourth heatwave of 2026, it has become abundantly clear that occupational heat exposure is no longer an exceptional or occasional summer hazard. It is an emergent occupational hazard only destined to escalate. Europe is the second fastest-warming region of the globe after the Arctic. According to EU-OSHA 2025 numbers, one in five workers in the EU signaled exposure to extreme heat at work in the previous 12 months, a figure rising to one in three in some countries.
News

Unruly passengers: more than just summer headlines

Summer may be synonymous with relaxation for holidaymakers and every summer seems to produce its share of eye-catching headlines. Just days ago, The Guardian reported on a drunk British holidaymaker who tried to kiss a flight attendant on a plane and was arrested on his way back through Palma airport. A week earlier, headlines were dominated by reports of a flight from Dublin to Ibiza descending into what was described as "sex and booze chaos," leaving fellow passengers shocked.
News

UK public transport unions sound the alarm over lack of toilet access for drivers

Public transport unions in the United Kingdom are raising urgent concerns about the lack of access to toilet facilities for bus and train drivers, a problem that has persisted for years but is now reaching a breaking point. Reports from across the UK show drivers being forced to work entire shifts without guaranteed access to a toilet, leaving them to rely on improvised or unsafe alternatives, including urinating in bottles in their driving cab. Some unions are now considering industrial action to force employers and authorities to act.