The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and Europêche, as the European Social Partners in the fisheries sector, have submitted a joint position paper to the European Commission. This response is part of the Commission's ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Both organizations emphasized the need to address the CFP’s socio-economic shortcomings and its impact on workers and communities in the fishing industry.

ETF, EFBWW (European Federation of Building and Woodworkers), and EFFAT (the European Federation of Food, Agriculture, and Tourism Trade Unions) will join in a first-ever joint demonstration outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The demonstration will gather more than 700 workers. We want to ensure equal treatment across subcontracting chains, regulate labour intermediation, and include the prohibition of intermediaries in posting. Enhances inspection mechanisms to protect workers' rights.

As the world reflects on the 2024 Paris Olympics, the spotlight often shines on the athletes, venues, and the grandeur of the event. Yet behind the scenes, a critical workforce ensured the smooth functioning of this global spectacle: transport workers.

With deep regret, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of Alexander Mikhailovich Bodnya, Vice-President of the Seafarers Union of Russia (SUR) and President of the SUR Baltic Regional Organization, at the age of 72. Alexander's maritime career began after graduating from Leningrad Maritime School with a degree in Navigation. He served on the ships of the Baltic Shipping Company, participating in significant voyages to North America, Cuba, and the Arctic.

In a formal letter calling for close cooperation with the Chair and the whole Committee, ETF General Secretary Livia Spera outlined the analysis and demands contained in the Manifesto that the Federation adopted ahead of the EU elections. Central to these demands is the need to put workers at the core of EU transport policies, notably to reverse the severe labour shortage crisis that is currently plaguing the sector.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Pavel Krenk, a revered leader in the global trade union community and long-serving chairman of the Czech Trade Union of Seafarers, who left us on 24 June 2024 at the age of 64. His untimely departure followed a brief but courageous battle with illness. Krenk's journey in maritime began at the Nautical Academy in Kaliningrad, where he graduated before embarking on a career as a deck officer with Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping.

More than 130 migrant fishers impacted by forced labour in seafood supply chain for scampi that ends up on UK plates The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has successfully appealed against the false labour and human rights claims of the UK Nephrops (scampi) Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).

Maritime industry representatives came together at ITF House for the Ukraine Maritime Forum. Ukrainian seafarers were top of the agenda last month as representatives from across the maritime industry came together at ITF House, in London, for an event run by the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU).

The initiative raises awareness on key areas such as onboard digitalisation, cybersecurity, internet access onboard, e-certification, digital skills and attractiveness of the maritime profession and put forwards policy recommendations for further cooperation between the industry and the unions, the policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) unequivocally condemns the horrific bombing of the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv by Russian forces. At least 42 people have been killed, many more wounded and an unknown number of people remain trapped under rubble.

ETF acknowledges the European Commission’s decision to approve Lufthansa’s acquisition of a stake in ITA Airways. This decision is pivotal not only for the future of ITA Airways but also for job stability and the broader competitiveness of the EU aviation sector. Throughout the process, ETF’s Italian and German affiliates have had a continued dialogue and cooperation, with the common objective of improving workers’ terms and conditions.

The final conference of the EU-funded TeamHub project presented key findings from a comprehensive study of the e-commerce and logistics sector across nine European countries. The research sheds light on the precarious working conditions, environmental impacts, and need for policy reforms to ensure sustainable growth in this rapidly evolving industry.