The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) takes note of the European Commission’s Communication "Connecting Europe through High-Speed Rail". ETF welcomes the renewed political attention to Europe’s rail network and the Commission’s emphasis on better coordination across borders. Strong, publicly led coordination is exactly what is needed to plan, fund, and operate a truly connected European rail system.

The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure officially suspended plans to close down six railway plants through the integration of Railway Plants. The proposed measures have sparked outrage of unions and workers, as they would have threatened the liquidation of local railway maintenance plants, job losses, and a decline in the safety and efficiency of Poland’s railway network, if put in place.

Press release: Fishers took centre stage yesterday as Commissioner Costas Kadis met with the European Social Partners — ETF, Europêche, and Cogeca— to shape the future of Europe’s fisheries. The discussion focused on ensuring fair jobs, economic resilience and social sustainability in the sector, while addressing key EU policy priorities including the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, the European Oceans Pact and Vision for Fisheries 2040, and the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

From fishers to shipyards, the entire EU fisheries sector unites to demand a fair, funded and practical roadmap for the energy transition. ETF, Europêche, EAPO, COGECA, and SEA Europe have jointly written to European Commissioner for Fisheries and Ocean, Costas Kadis, urging the European Commission to deliver an ambitious and properly funded Roadmap for the Energy Transition of Fisheries.

On 29–30 October 2024, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), together with its affiliate LCGB (Luxembourg), hosted a lively two-day seminar in Bonn entitled “Future of Inland Navigation.” The event formed part of the EU co-funded project “Delivering Fair Transport for All.” After two previous seminars focused entirely on the Danube region, this edition turned the spotlight on how to make inland navigation more appealing to the next generation — by attracting new talent, fostering fresh skills, and equipping workers for the evolving demands of the sector.

“Serbia’s path to the EU must be built on respect for democracy and workers’ rights. These unlawful dismissals occurred just days before the President of the Commission said in Belgrade that Serbia must do more to demonstrate its adherence to EU fundamental values. This was not the first attack on trade union rights in Serbia. We call on the European Commission to demand the effective upholding of workers' fundamental rights.” said Livia Spera, General Secretary of ETF.

On October 15, 2025, in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Infrastructure in Warsaw, the Railway Infrastructure section of NSZZ "Solidarność" organized a protest picket against the planned merger of six railway regional infrastructure management units and in defense of thousands of jobs threatened by the upcoming reorganization of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. (PLK).

Biggest strike by lashers in Dutch history leads to major wins for our dockers — The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) proudly applauds our affiliate FNV Havens and the dockers of the Port of Rotterdam for a historic and hard-won victory — a triumph of solidarity, perseverance and collective action.

Dockworkers from FNV Havens win improved pay and conditions after bringing Port of Rotterdam to standstill with biggest ever strike. Concerted strike action by lashers from International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliate, FNV Havens, has won a new agreement which will guarantee the safety, health and pay of lashers now and in the future. The lashers’ organising and action, the biggest ever seen in the Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s busiest and largest port – brought the port to a standstill last week.

Yesterday, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) sent a joint letter to Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut, urging them to urgently intervene in the recent dismissal of two leaders of the Sindikat kontrole letenja (SKL) - the trade union representing air traffic controllers in Serbia.

The European Labour Authority (ELA) dedicated 2025 to workers’ social security and the ETF has been happy to contribute to it, most recently by organising a two-day conference with the agency. Bringing together 24 ETF affiliates from 14 countries, 12 national authorities, as well as lawyers, policy experts, and representatives from the European Commission, we collectively shed light on one of the most urgent issues facing Europe’s transport workforce: the lack of effective and fair social security coverage.

Urgent letter from the European Trade Union Confederation and the European Transport Workers’ Federation: We are writing to you on behalf of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), representing 45 million workers from 94 national trade union confederations across 42 European countries, including Serbia, and 10 European Trade Union Federations, as well as of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the voice of 5 million workers in transport from over 150 trade unions in 38 European countries.