On 11 March trade unions in Finland began a wave of strike action which has closed all cargo handling in Finnish ports and halted freight traffic on railways. The strike is currently intended to continue for two weeks. The strikes are in protest at the most serious attack on workers' rights and social security in the history of the Finnish welfare state which have been launched by the right-wing government. The unions are fighting to defend the country's social model.

ITF tells world’s largest shipping company AGM to protect workers and their jobs, create decent work for future Trade unions must be consulted in the process of shipping company Maersk’s expansion into shoreside logistics, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) will tell Maersk executives and shareholders today (Thursday) at the company’s AGM in Copenhagen.

After two years of negotiations, the EU has finally adopted the Platform Work Directive. The Council approved the provisional agreement on March 11, aiming to improve working conditions and clarify employment status for platform workers.

Overall, this directive will help improve the situation of platform workers by giving them easier access to their employment rights. While it does not go as far as we would have liked but it is a very valuable tool for platforms and unions to take action at national level. For the first time ever, it provides better data privacy and regulation of algorithmic management.

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) is pleased to announce significant progress in securing the safety of dockworkers through amendments to the EU's Maritime Accidents Investigation Directive.

C188 enters into force in Spain. A milestone for this fundamental ILO Convention.

On March 6, during the ITB in Berlin, EBU, ETF and IG RiverCruise signed a binding framework agreement to improve the working conditions on board river cruise vessels as well as to ensure a level playing field for the sector. This agreement is a first important step for the improvement of the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

New reports by the European Commission's Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) paint a concerning picture of a 40% rise in driver shortages across Europe since 2020, leaving the continent with a gap of 105,000 drivers. This crisis, fueled by an ageing workforce and competition from other sectors, threatens the smooth operation of public transport systems, which are vital for our cities' future. ETF demands action now.

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) is deeply troubled by the outcome of yesterday's vote in the European Parliament regarding revised rules for driving licenses. ETF is especially concerned about the proposal to require all EU Member States to allow 17-year-old lorry drivers to drive heavy goods vehicles. The decision on minimum age requirements marks a significant setback in efforts to ensure road safety and prioritise the improvement of working conditions for drivers across Europe.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliate ver.di has secured an historic collective agreement, including improved wages and working conditions for over 30,000 employees at major German airports following strike action earlier this week. This historic agreement sets a precedent by replacing numerous individual agreements and sets a new standard for the industry.

The European Transport Workers' Federation partnered with the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) to deliver a pilot training on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the logistics sector for union representatives. Held in Antwerp on February 7-8, 2024, the program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving landscape while strengthening collective bargaining efforts on behalf of logistics workers.

ETF german affiliate Ver.di has secured a historic collective agreement, including improved wages and working conditions for 30,000 employees at German airports.This is major victory for fair treatment and better working conditions in the ground-handling industry.