The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is calling for urgent action to combat the rise of so-called “shadow fleets,” which continue to operate outside international norms, undermining basic worker protections, environmental safeguards, and maritime safety regulations. These fleets, comprising vessels with obscure ownership and frequently shifting registries, expose serious flaws in international shipping practices by allowing companies to bypass regulatory oversight, evade sanctions, and neglect seafarers’ rights.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing millions of workers across Europe’s transport sector, listened closely to yesterday’s confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The transport sector is facing a multitude of problems and ETF is determined to build a dialogue with Mr. Tzitzikostas to address the sector’s greatest challenges. Transport workers, who keep Europe moving, deserve a sector that values their contributions and meets their needs. We will watch closely for the next steps and expect a commitment to the practical changes that will benefit all Europeans.

The European Transport Workers' Federation has released an enhanced toolkit and new multilingual training videos to support trade unions and workers' representatives in European Works Councils (EWCs). This update comes at a crucial time when the transport sector faces unprecedented challenges from globalisation, technological change, and corporate consolidation.

After more than 10 years, the legislative process of the Single European Sky 2+ (SES2+) reform has finally been concluded, with the European Parliament giving its final approval on 22 October 2024

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has today delivered a verdict to annul the return of vehicle provision, a core element of the Mobility Package. This decision is a significant setback for efforts to combat unfair competition and labor rights violations, as well as a serious blow to the economic and social sustainability of the industry.

Discussions highlighted the rising prevalence of subcontracting, increasing workplace surveillance, and the urgent need for legislative change to protect vulnerable workers across Europe.

Company restructuring is no longer an exceptional circumstance. It has become a daily reality faced by trade unions and workers and a regular feature across all sectors and activities. The Transnational Restructuring Navigator (TRN) is a new online, interactive tool that helps worker representatives do exactly that. It provides them with the recommended trade union approach to confronting 11 different types of transnational restructuring.

On 20 September the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) sent an open letter to nominated Commissioner-designate for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

Captain and chief mate sentenced without evidence to connect them to drugs found on vessel, after spending year in prison with crew awaiting trial. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) condemns the decision to sentence two seafarers to 30 years’ imprisonment, after drugs were found on a vessel docked in the Black Sea port of Ereğli, Turkey, in October last year.

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and its Rail Steering Committee have issued messages of solidarity to its affiliates and the broader community in Central and Eastern Europe following the devastating floods caused by Storm Boris. This extreme weather event has had a severe impact across Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Italy and Romania, with extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and transport systems.

More than 700 workers united today in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, to call upon the EU institutions to take urgent action to stop exploitation in subcontracting chains and labour intermediation. Hundreds of transport workers participated with their unions, coming from all over Europe to send a clear message to the newly appointed EU Commission.

The maritime industry, a backbone of global trade, relies on the hard work of seafarers who navigate the world's oceans, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently. However, the demanding nature of this job often results in long hours, physical strain, and extended periods away from home, leading to significant fatigue. A critical issue that has emerged in recent years is the practice of requiring seafarers to perform additional tasks, such as lashing and unlashing cargo. This practice not only exacerbates fatigue but also raises serious safety concerns.