Today, the Dutch Court of Appeal ruled that preliminary questions will be brought before the European Union (EU) Court of Justice on the Non-Seafarers’ Work Clause (NSWC). The EU Court of Justice will be requested to shed light on whether the NSWC forms a breach on the freedom of free competition and, if so, whether the NSWC is justified considering the fundamental freedom of collective bargaining. As a result, at this moment, the initial positive ruling of the Rotterdam Court confirming the validity of the NSWC still stands.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) released today the first results of its new survey on violence and harassment against women in the transport sector. The findings reveal an alarming reality: nearly three out of four women transport workers (74%) reported having experienced violence or harassment in their current workplace.

Today, the ETF sent a letter to Commissioner Kadis on the functioning of Advisory Councils, expressing our concern with recent proposals that seek a fundamental reform of the Advisory Councils' (AC) structure, risking to undermine ACs and the essential role played by the fishing sector.

Fisheries are inherently global in nature. The European Union, with its expansive waters, sizeable fleet, and influential seafood market, plays a central role in shaping how this sector operates worldwide. Beyond conserving fish stocks and managing access to resources, the EU has the opportunity - and indeed the responsibility - to influence how social, economic, and environmental sustainability intertwine in global fisheries.

Following a meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador to the EU in Brussels, ETF and the European Trade Union Federations reiterated their call for decisive EU action on Gaza. We urge the EU to enforce trade sanctions, end economic relations with illegal settlements, and ensure that workers who refuse to handle weapons consignments are not criminalised.

Coming together in Rome, ETF affiliates from across Europe will today share experiences from their respective countries and launch a united call addressed to governments, employers and manufacturers that every bus driver has the right to a safe working environment.

Following an ETF initiative, a large group of European social partners in Civil Aviation has just issued a joint statement calling for the generalised ratification and implementation of the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14) in Europe. This is a strong message by the representatives of aviation workers and employers that must be heard by all EU member states and EU institutions.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation expresses its total solidarity with French affiliates striking today (September 18th) against the French government’s proposed austerity budget. Once again, working people are being forced to pay the price of the government’s own mismanagement. The removal of two days of public holidays, more cuts to public services, freezing of social benefits and public sector pay, among many other questionable measures, will hurt the well-being of French workers and will not lead to lower debt.

For two years, unions from Austria, Italy, and Germany (under the umbrella of the ETF) have consistently called for meaningful involvement in the Brenner Corridor Platform (BCP). Despite being a recognised European social partner in the railway sector, ETF has been denied access to critical discussions, including those on rest areas, operational language and safety protocols.

Today marks the beginning of the European Mobility Week, the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaign on the sustainable urban mobility. Over 1518 towns and cities across Europe are participating in this year’s campaign, including car-free days in cities such as Brussels and Paris.

The Dockers’ Section of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing over 75.000 dock workers across Europe, stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are enduring unbearable suffering, destruction, and loss of life.

The ETF has joined 470 civil society organisations, trade unions, and public interest groups in sounding the alarm over the European Commission’s plans to dismantle essential protections for people and the planet. Ahead of President von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, we have made clear that our rights and protections cannot be sold for profit.