Last week, Finland witnessed a significant moment in its labour movement history as thousands of workers took to the streets in a powerful demonstration against proposed government cuts. On February 1 and 2, the Finnish capital, Helsinki, became the epicentre of a massive mobilisation led by the trade union confederations SAK and STTK under the banner "STOP Now!" This nationwide protest was a direct response to the right-wing government's plans to implement cuts in working life policies and social security, sparking widespread concern among the workforce.

Hundreds of thousands of workers have been taking part in strike action across Finland in protest at the right-wing governments plans to attack workers’ rights. Prime minister Petteri Orpo of the National Coalition party plans to restrict the right to strike, to undermine the system of wage negotiation and cut unemployment benefits.

In a recent initiative highlighting the global nature of the fisheries sector, European social partners have turned their focus towards Taiwan, particularly due to the significant employment of Asian migrant fishers on Taiwanese-owned vessels. These workers face distressing labour abuses, especially within Taiwan's extensive distant water fleet, which operates far from the country's shores.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stands in absolute support of the rights of workers across the world to take strike action.

Sisters, brothers, comrades. On behalf of the whole ITF team, I want to wish you all a happy new year for 2024.

In her opening remarks, ETF General Secretary Livia Spera emphasised the urgent need for European and national transport policies to become more coherent and worker-centric. "Without immediate action," Spera warned, "Europe risks facing a severe shortage of personnel to operate our trains, buses, trams, and trucks."

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), a keen observer and active participant in the formulation of this strategy, has played a crucial role in influencing the report’s final content. Initially, the draft report had a glaring omission – it failed to address the workforce, a critical component of the port ecosystem.

In a bid to tackle the exploitation of migrant fishing workers in UK waters, a two-year pilot programme has been launched that, if successful, will see migrant fishers working in UK waters be subject to the rights and protections of UK employment laws.

In response to the EU finance ministers finalising the Council’s position on reforming the EU’s economic governance rules, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has expressed serious concerns. These reforms, perceived as a renovation of austerity measures, are detrimental to workers, and public funding for transport in Europe.

The commission set up by the French parliament to investigate the French government’s decision to shut down SNCF Fret decides against the closure. The ETF joins its French railway member organisations in welcoming this decision.

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) call for immediate action to urgently address this alarming situation. The lives and safety of our seafarers are put at risk, with attacks increasing on a daily basis. Seafarers are the beating heart of the shipping industry, and their ability to perform their duties without fear for their safety is essential.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is cautiously optimistic about the provisional agreement on the Platform Work Directive, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the fight for the rights of millions of gig economy workers. In solidarity with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), ETF welcome what we hope will be a major advancement in correcting the long-standing misclassification of platform workers. However, we still need see the final text once agreed by all parties.