Over 10,000 London Underground staff are on strike this week to demand better pay and safer conditions. In a separate dispute, workers operating the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and outsourced cleaners on the DLR are also on strike. The European Transport Workers’ Federation stands in solidarity with the essential transport workers that keep London moving and their union, ETF affiliate RMT.

European Vice-President and Commissioner for Social Rights, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu witnessed first-hand the harsh realities facing Europe's truck drivers during a landmark visit to Belgian parking areas on Thursday with ETF and other road transport stakeholders.

This is a moment of profound grief for the families affected, for the city of Lisbon, and for all transport workers across Europe. The Elevador da Glória is not only a symbol of Lisbon’s heritage. It is a workplace. And this tragedy reminds us, in the most painful way, that safety in public transport must never be compromised.

Today, the ETF met with Roxana Mînzatu, the EU’s Vice President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. We highlighted the growing challenges facing transport workers across Europe, and the urgent need for decisive EU action. Labour shortages continue to deepen - driven by a steady decline in job quality caused by liberalisation, lack of enforcement, and unchecked subcontracting practices. In sectors like road transport, enforcement remains alarmingly weak. The European Labour Authority (ELA) must be empowered and equipped to act to prevent cross-border exploitation and enforce fundamental labour rights.

The report, which assessed the implementation of the 2021 binding European Social Partner Agreement on Women in Rail, shows that women now represent 23% of the railway workforce, up from 21% in 2018. Among new hires, the proportion of women has reached 25%, signalling positive momentum for the future of the sector. While we celebrate the progress made, with women now representing nearly a quarter of the railway workforce, we recognise there is still work to be done to achieve full implementation of our agreement.

Together with other European trade unionists committed to justice, human rights, and international law, we wrote to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas today regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing actions of the Israeli Government.

The ITF welcomes the news that Captain Bekavac has been able to return home to Croatia and reunite with his family after a long period of detention. At the same time, we are extremely concerned for Chief Mate Ali Albokhari, who remains in detention and separated from his loved ones as he awaits appeal. We continue to call for his immediate release.

The ETF warmly welcomes the decision of Enter Air employees to join the NSZZ “Solidarność” Aviation and Ground Personnel Union (TOZPLiN). TOZPLiN, an established and active part of the ETF family, now gains new members from one of the largest charter airlines in the European Union. This marks a major step forward for social dialogue in Polish aviation and a proud moment for all of us who believe in worker unity and collective strength.

A deeply troubling case of labor rights violations is unfolding on the Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia. Six Ukrainian crew members remain stranded aboard four inland vessels, reportedly without wages, employment contracts, or adequate living conditions for over a year. Based on information received from workers and local union representatives, each crew member is allegedly owed between €6,000 and €15,000 - with total unpaid wages estimated to exceed €100,000.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes the recent decision by the European Commission to approve a €36 million Danish state aid scheme to support the uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This funding will be used to green domestic aviation operations in Denmark, significantly exceeding the minimum SAF use requirements set by the European Parliament. We support the Commission’s conclusion that state aid for decarbonising aviation is necessary, effective, and proportionate.

Every summer, Europe's air traffic management system struggles to deal with the increase of air traffic. ATM workers know that the main reason for this is the unfit ATM Performance Scheme brought by the EU on national ATM providers. While we acknowledge the need for such a EU-wide scheme, we need deep changes in the one we have! In a new position paper, we present the main shortcomings of the current scheme and innovating ideas to reform it.

As investigations into the cause of this accident continue, the ETF reaffirms our unwavering commitment to railway safety and the protection of both transport workers and passengers. Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of their shift, and every passenger deserves safe and secure transport.