Statement November 2, 2023 Serbia: Unite against the discrimination of cabin crew in Air Serbia! In recent months, the Central Union of Aeronautical Stewardesses and Stewards (JSSSV) of Serbia has faced an unprecedented challenge. The dedicated union activists, including the President of JSSSV, have come under immense pressure for their union activities within Air Serbia. This troubling situation arose after collective bargaining negotiations collapsed earlier this year, and management unsuccessfully interfered in the latest cabin crew union elections.
News October 27, 2023 ETF Launches “Get Me Home Safely Campaign” for Civil Aviation Workers The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has taken a step in advocating for the safety and well-being of civil aviation workers with the launch of its “Get Me Home Safely Campaign” for the Aviation sector. A video on the safety of aviation workers was unveiled during a joint webinar with the Airport Regions Council (ARC), shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of safe commuting for airport employees, especially women. In the next weeks, new videos will be released.
Statement September 29, 2023 Italian Ground Handlers on Strike: A Crisis in Social Dialogue and Workers’ Rights The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stands in full solidarity with the ground handling workers of Italy and its affiliate unions Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and UILTRASPORTI. It is essential for governments to support social dialogue and the rights of workers. The ETF calls upon the Italian government to honor its constitutional obligations. It is not the time to undermine workers; it’s the time to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve these long-standing issues.
Opportunity to Tender September 11, 2023 Call for tender | Training expert in aviation The aim of the project ‘No Going Back: Protecting rights and promoting social dialogue in aviation through times of crisis’ is to learn from the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and help prepare trade unions for future crises through a combination of written guidance material and practical training through implementation workshops. A particular focus will be on change management and the expected changes through the green and digital transition and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the aviation sector.
Press Release July 20, 2023 Prioritising workers, it is the only way towards a sustainable aviation sector The ETF welcomes the recent report published by Greenpeace, revealing the urgent need for better working conditions and employment standards in the aviation industry. There is no aviation industry without its workers, and they should become the 1st priority within the entire sector.
News July 10, 2023 Greening Europe’s aviation sector must lead to good jobs Aviation trade unions representing manufacturing and transport workers discussed about realities of the green and digital transitions for the workforce during an aviation workshop, as part of the joint ETT-IndustriAll JT4MOBILITY project. Participants in the workshop taking place in Charleroi – an important European hub for aviation – tried to identify possible recommendations and tools to ensure that the transitions are socially responsible.
News July 10, 2023 All unions, employers and authorities in Norwegian aviation join forces to address the increasing challenge of unruly passengers All players in the aviation industry in Norway engage into cooperation to reduce number of incidents with unruly passengers, as well as to develop and implement best practices and guidelines to prevent and handle such cases.
Press Release May 31, 2023 ETF warns: until real social improvements occur, the chaos will continue in aviation Until the aviation industry is ready to offer real solutions to address the ongoing social issues in the sector, the 2022 summer chaos will repeat in 2023, warns ETF. In a letter to the EU Commissioner for Transport, ETF indicates that an honest social dialogue and ensuring that aviation is a good place to work are crucial to building a sustainable aviation industry.
News April 28, 2023 Unions are the only guarantee for workers’ rights to be respected Trade unions play a vital role in representing workers’ rights and interests. They are the credible voices demanding social protection for workers: unemployment benefits, pensions, or access to healthcare. Aviation workers across Europe are saying that the chances of decent working conditions and fair pay are non-existent unless a union represents workers.
News April 21, 2023 Sealing a deal or how a CBA becomes a reality at the end of unions’ laborious work Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) are vital in ensuring fair working conditions and wages for aviation workers. On the unions’ side, negotiating a CBA is a complex exercise. At the end of this multi-faced process, the right balance between union members’ expectations and what the employer can offer must be found.
News April 14, 2023 Why must CBA be the rule? A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a must within the aviation industry. Whether flight attendants, pilots, ATM workers, or ground staff, our aviation workers consider a labour agreement as the only guarantee for being treated fairly by their employers regarding working conditions, wages, job security, health, and safety.
News March 29, 2023 ITF and ETF stand with pilots over safety threat ITF and ETF stand together with IFALPA, ECA and US-ALPA in saying NO to reducing the number of pilots in the cockpit, as such a plan is nothing but “a profit-driven scheme that poses a significant safety risk”.
Statement March 27, 2023 Solidarity with workers across Germany taking strike action for fair pay ETF expresses solidarity with ver.di and EVG, as well as all workers across Germany taking strike action for fair wages.
News February 17, 2023 Zero tolerance to unruly passengers Together with our European partners in sectoral social dialogue, we developed a Compendium of best practices to prevent or manage situations caused by disruptive passengers. It is the first document at the EU level presenting what aviation workers or authorities have successfully applied across Europe in civil aviation when confronted with disruptive passengers in the last few years.
News February 6, 2023 Ending Social Abuses in Aviation: Europe’s Aircrew Need a Revised EU Air Services Regulation NOW! ETF and ECA call the EU Transport Commissioner to propose a revision of the EU Air Service Regulation by May 2023. Europe’s pilots and cabin crew have been waiting for the EC to issue such a proposal for over eight years.
News February 1, 2023 EU ATM Social Partners agree Joint Declaration on the Future of Social Dialogue In a Joint Declaration on the Future of Social Dialogue, EU ATM Social Partners – ATCEUC, CANSO and ETF – engage in addressing together the forthcoming challenges of air traffic management.
News January 18, 2023 Crisis management in ATM Social Dialogue The European Social Partners’ revised toolbox for successful social dialogue in the ATM sector is out. With this updated set of tools, ETF, ATCEUC and CANSO want to build together an effective social dialogue in air traffic management.
News December 20, 2022 Lithuania’s labour issues require European solutions The issues trade unions and transport workers face are not just Lithuanian but European and therefore require a European solution.
News December 15, 2022 No going back: Protecting rights and promoting social dialogue in aviation through times of crisis With the new EU-funded ‘No going back’ project, we want to encourage and support our affiliates to go through a transformational process to be better prepared to react to any future challenges.
Press Release December 9, 2022 ETF calls for fair distribution of airspace charges The ETF released today its vision for the Air Traffic Management (ATM) performance charging scheme given the proposal for Reference Period 4 (RP4) of the Single European Sky (SES) Performance Scheme starting is expected to arrive soon.
Statement December 9, 2022 ETF solidarity with ver.di Cabin Crew in Germany ETF stands in solidarity with the German Ryanair network, which bravely decided to establish a workers’ representation in one of the strongest anti-union companies in the world.
News December 8, 2022 The ETF CAS SC condemns unfair practices of air operators in the context of the Canary Islands The ETF CAS SC condemns the air operators’ behaviour in applying unfair increases that negatively affect every European citizen and calls on the Spanish Government to apply similar PSO obligations to the airfares to mainland Spain as currently exists between inter-island services in the Canary Islands.
Press Release November 7, 2022 Airline industry and EASA must implement new cabin air safety standards The European Transport Workers’ Federation, the European Trade Union Confederation, the Global Cabin Air Quality Executive, and the European Cabin Crew Association call for the immediate implementation of the first European standards on cabin air quality on civil aircraft.
News October 26, 2022 Aviation week at ETF Last week, aviation week was held at the ETF, where we gathered our members from JAC, GSC and ATM Committees in Brussels for their specific sector meetings, the Civil Aviation Section meeting, and the Civil Aviation Sectoral Social Dialogue.
News October 21, 2022 ETF Civil Aviation Section – Statement on ‘Redefining the future of aviation’ One month after the ETF’s largest-ever conference dedicated to aviation workers, the Civil Aviation Section (CAS) members approved a statement presenting workers’ critical demands for the sector to move forward after the 2022 summer crisis while recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic.
News October 17, 2022 Trade unionism is the right way to move forward in Poland Proud of our Polish aviation affiliate, TOZPliN, for the successful trade union information campaign organised for LOT Polish Airlines pilots and cabin crew, despite all the obstacles on the way!
Press Release October 14, 2022 Joint Press Release I Aviation unions welcome global agreement on net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 International and European trade unions welcome a new global agreement for net-zero carbon aviation emissions by 2050 but call for stronger commitments at the country level, including on social criteria. No worker or region should be left behind; we need a Just Transition for all!
Statement October 5, 2022 Fresh waves of transport strikes will hit Europe until workers secure decent pay Transport workers’ conditions are at an all-time low while the cost of living is at an all-time high, bringing a new wave of strikes in transport. Transport workers are determined to get their due: improved working conditions and fair pay to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
Press Release September 22, 2022 EU Social Partners in civil aviation say NO to abusive behaviour against aviation workers In a joint statement, the European Social partners in Civil Aviation agreed to join efforts to tackle one of the large spread issues which highly impacted the sector during the COVID pandemic and the summer 2022 season: the disruptive passengers.
Statement September 9, 2022 Once again, Ryanair shows how little its workers matter to the low-cost airline Ryanair’s decision to let go of 100 workers from its base in Brussels Zaventem will change the lives of these workers forever. They will now be forced to move entire families away from Brussels or leave the industry without any say. It is unacceptable.
Press Release September 9, 2022 Aviation workers’ voices will be listened to, at the ETF Conference ‘Redefining the future of aviation’ Aviation workers across Europe will speak up at the ETF Aviation Conference ‘Redefining the future of aviation,’ taking place in Brussels (Belgium) on the 14th of September 2022.
News September 1, 2022 Sustainable Aviation: Landing Desirable Jobs The aviation industry needs an ambitious decarbonisation plan with people at its centre. ETF lays out key principles in its sustainable aviation vision.
News August 8, 2022 Aviation workers’ needs must be the starting point in redefining the future of aviation Redefining the future of aviation for our members’ needs is our primary goal for the autumn. On the 14th of September, we will gather in Brussels all aviation workers from across Europe to learn directly from them the best way for the sector to move forward after this summer and ensure that work in aviation pays.
News July 13, 2022 When reality proves that real social dialogue is not just a rigid concept, but a key principle The ETF supports the position of the SAS pilots and opposes SAS’s attempts to undercut the social dialogue process by declaring bankruptcy. These practices go against every principle of social dialogue and we will not stand for this.
News July 6, 2022 Fighting the right fight – Europe’s hot summer of strike action When Europe’s politicians and companies refuse to listen, and have no mindset to treat workers as human beings with the right to a decent life based on a decent job with fair pay and conditions… transport workers have no choice but to take strike action.
News June 29, 2022 Fair Transport Rally gathers thousands ETF, alongside its transport unions and transport workers from France, Switzerland, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium took Lyon’s streets for Fair Transport.
Press Release June 24, 2022 Thousands to take the streets in Lyon for Fair Transport this 28 June This 28 June, the ETF – thousands of transport workers and their unions – will march in the streets of Lyon, France, for Fair Transport.
Press Release June 22, 2022 For a just transition and a fair transformation of the aviation sector The transition to a more sustainable aviation sector will impact workers and trade unions are demanding concrete measures to ensure a just transition and a fair transformation of the sector which is inclusive and maintains and creates decent jobs.
Event June 22, 2022 Fair Transport rally in Lyon, France ETF will be bringing transport workers’ voices to Lyon – it’s time for Europe to deliver Fair Transport!
Press Release June 20, 2022 The ETF is supporting its aviation members across Europe in industrial action during the summer and expects the situation to get much worse This summer aviation is in serious industrial problems, and that is a certainty by now. The ETF is supporting all industrial action of its aviation members this summer and expects there to be much more disruption and industrial action as the summer develops.
News June 10, 2022 People are not just for profit! Crippled by the huge cuts during the pandemic, the aviation industry is currently struggling to keep up as the air traffic operations increase from one day to another. While airline profits are skyrocketing again, the aviation workers are mostly struggling for survival. It looks more and more like full recovery for profit but exploitation of workers.
News June 7, 2022 The value of teamwork and a good collaboration, crucial for aviation to make it through the summer With the new campaign “Stronger, Safer, Together – Always,” EASA aims to encourage the Commercial Air Transport community to share and discuss its common safety challenges
Press Release May 25, 2022 Frank Moreels and Livia Spera relected leaders of European Transport Workers’ Federation On the occasion of ETF’s 6th Ordinary Congress in Budapest, Frank Moreels and Livia Spera were elected President and General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation.
News May 24, 2022 Wizz Air must behave! Outside the Hungarian Parliament, over 100 ETF members called on Wizz Air to stop union-busting and respect its workers. Once again, we want to ensure that our voice, representing over 5 million transport workers across Europe, is clear and loud.
News May 10, 2022 Low wages, poor conditions and unsocial working patterns: leading causes of current staff shortages in aviation Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been saying that a lack of available staff would be an issue in the aviation sector, and finally, it has arrived. “The industry is very much reaping what it has sown”, believes ETF Civil Aviation President Oliver Richardson.
News May 5, 2022 For a socially and environmentally sustainable aviation sector Finding new ways and solutions to address the climate crisis while making sure we fairly represent the aviation workers’ interests was the main focus of the discussions we had with members of the ETF Aviation Section these last few days in Dublin.
Press Release May 4, 2022 We say NO to forced or unfair implementation of lesser working conditions The ETF makes it clear: there is still no endorsement from the Provisional Council of EUROCONTROL for the staff regulations reform and the European ATM community will not stand for a forced or unfair implementation of lesser working conditions.
News May 2, 2022 In focus: pilots’ working conditions An ongoing survey on pilots’ working conditions and safety aims to investigate the effects of new business models and work conditions on pilots’ health, fatigue and flight safety, linking socio-economic aspects, health and safety.
Press Release April 26, 2022 Collapse of EU Air Traffic Management social dialogue Successful implementation of the Single European Sky directly depends on the adoption of a social and human dimension roadmap for the SES that can only be achieved with the full commitment of all parties.
News April 26, 2022 Welcome to our new Steering Committee of the ETF Aviation Section! Welcome to our new Steering Committee of the ETF Aviation Section!
News April 22, 2022 There is no place in Belgium for breaching the aviation workers’ rights The Belgian cabin crew working for the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair are on strike from today until the 24th of April, after the negotiations with Ryanair management on a new collective agreement on wages have miserably failed.
Worker's Story April 1, 2022 Life in a country at war / Interview with Yuliia Batalina, ETF aviation worker in Ukraine ‘Peace is what I want more than anything now and what I dream of’, confessed Yuliia Batalina – ETF aviation worker in Ukraine – in an interview she agreed to have with us.
News March 16, 2022 Fit for 55 package: fit for aviation workers? One of the most important issues we want to raise with our ETF Civil Aviation position on the European Commission’s Fit for 55 package is just transition and how environmental and social sustainability can go hand in hand if workers’ needs and voice are taken into account.
News March 9, 2022 Once again, Wizz Air abandons their employees in Ukraine It seems to be the same old story that inevitably goes back again and again to the low-cost Hungarian carrier Wizz Air. Just this time, its actions are outrageous as they are directly linked to the war in Ukraine.
News February 7, 2022 Investors divest from Wizz Air over its poor performance on labour rights Danish pension fund Akademiker Pension announced today that they had sold their shares in the London-listed low-cost carrier Wizz Air, after the company failed to convince them that it was taking meaningful actions to address ongoing concerns about how it treats its workers. Livia Spera, General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), commented: “These investors called Wizz Air out for their poor performance back in October 2021, yet it took almost three months for the company to meet them to discuss why Wizz Air does not recognise unions.”
Press Release February 7, 2022 European Trade Union Representatives support Decarbonisation of Aviation and call for Social Sustainability to underpin a just transition towards Carbon-Neutrality ETF, ETUC, EFFAT, UNI Europa, IndustriAll Europe and ECA welcome the Toulouse Declaration on future sustainability and decarbonisation in aviation, which was adopted at the Aviation Summit, a flagship event organised during the French presidency of the Council of the EU.
News February 4, 2022 Social sustainability must be kept at the core of all future engagements part of the Toulouse declaration The ETF welcomes the Declaration on future sustainability and decarbonisation in aviation, or the so-called Toulouse declaration adopted today during the Aviation Summit under the French presidency of the Council of the EU. The Aviation Summit, a flagship event for aviation of the French Presidency, gathered EU ministers, the European Commission, the ICAO president, the Directors General of Civil Aviation, members of the European Civil Aviation Conference, and stakeholders representing the air transport in Toulouse, France.
News January 18, 2022 The rise and the foreseen fall of a Hungarian low-cost carrier trying to build its own European Air Empire / Part II Part II – A Ukrainian story: Coincidence or deliberate action? The idea of having a trade union to represent the air transport workers within Wizz Air in Ukraine began to be shaped by some of the Wizz Air branch crew members in this country in the spring of 2020. Amongst them, Artem and Yuliia.
News January 17, 2022 The rise and the foreseen fall of a Hungarian low-cost carrier trying to build its own European Air Empire/Part I When life outshines any movie that has ever been made! A story with Romanian and Ukrainian flavours
News December 16, 2021 When you’re haunted by the voices you want to silence Spreading fear may generate some complete obedience for some time. But it will not be forever. The voices of those you are trying to silence will be heard again.
News December 9, 2021 Welcome to the new ATM Steering Committee of the ETF Aviation Section for 2022 – 2027 period A new team of the ATM Steering Committee has been elected during the ATM Committee meeting, taking place on 8th and 9th of December 2021.
News December 8, 2021 ETF asks the European Commission to urgently step in and stop the continuous illegal decisions of the Hungarian government infringing the Hungarian Air Traffic ‘Controllers’ Right to Strike
News November 29, 2021 ETF and ver.di welcome German proposal on minimum pricing for flights The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the United Services Union (ver.di) are in favor of setting a minimum price for airline tickets at EU level
News October 25, 2021 SAS pilots are not disposable The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stands in solidarity with SAS pilots and their unions and condemns actions being taken by SAS that worsen income and working condition for workers
Statement October 7, 2021 Solidarity Statement with EUROCONTROL workers Air safety goes hand in hand with workers’ rights. EUROCONTROL workers face threats of worsening working conditions in what should be Europe’s air safety nerve center.
Statement October 1, 2021 Solidarity in the Mediterranean sky! European and Arab world’s aviation unions’ joint Statement on the future of aviation
Press Release September 10, 2021 ETF calls on the European Commission to immediately stop the breaches of labour rights of the Italian workers, to be hired by ITA after Alitalia ceases its activity ETF strongly condemns the fact the European Commission’s “business ” approach to the Alitalia case.
Press Release August 20, 2021 ETF demands minimum working standards within Lufthansa Group Defining the minimum standards of working conditions for the people working across all of the Lufthansa Group is a non-negotiable demand!
Press Release August 10, 2021 ETF calls on Scottish government to reconsider closure of six ATC towers in the Highlands and Islands ETF condemns the most recent intentions of the company Highlands and Islands Airports Limited of reducing the current level of the air traffic control services at six airports in Highlands and Islands and further centralizing them remotely.
News August 5, 2021 Hungary: Stop denying air traffic workers their right to strike Join us in telling the Hungarian government and Hungarian Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to respect air traffic workers’ right to strike.
Press Release July 29, 2021 Attacks on air traffic workers by Hungarian government disrespect rule of law ETF asks EC to take immediate action to stop what seems to be another case of breaching the rule of law by the Hungarian Government and also, a clear situation of union busting within this EU Member State.
News July 12, 2021 Trade unions across Europe sound alarm over Wizz Air chief executive’s bonus pay of £100 million The European Transport Workers’ Federation condemns the decision to pay out a £100 million bonus to Wizz Air’s CEO József Váradi as a reward for the rapid growth of the carrier.
Union Action July 8, 2021 Buzz continues to refuse social dialogue with B.United Since Ryanair still denies B. United social dialogue, Paulina Puchala, union representative for TOZPLiN, attempted to deliver a letter to Ryanair Sun (Buzz) in Warsaw in person on behalf of B.United Presdient, Matteo Pizzolato. The letter simply called for social dialogue but was outright refused.
News July 6, 2021 ETF expresses solidarity with Italian aviation workers Italian aviation workers will exercise their right to strike today after unions representing aviation transport workers across Italy called for a 24-hour strike in defence of workers severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Union Action June 30, 2021 USO sues Lauda Europe for unfair dismissal of trade union rep USO trade union representative fired for reporting precarious salary conditions of Lauda Europe cabin crew and refusing to reveal the informants’ identity – the union is now suing the airline for unfair dismissal.
News June 25, 2021 The world’s first bloc-to-bloc Air Transport Agreement enshrines a labour clause Together with our aviation affiliates, we worked hard to ensure aviation workers’ rights and conditions are safeguarded. AE CATA contains a labour clause to this end, and now we will closely monitor its implementation as well as its effectiveness.
Statement June 23, 2021 European Parliament approves dangerous air traffic management reform TRAN Committee position in support of controversial Single European Sky 2+ and Performance Review Body reforms of the air traffic management sector favours liberalisation, ignoring workers’ concerns, and showing little consideration for the social and human consequences the major reform will have.
Statement June 14, 2021 ETF and ITF express solidarity with Aéroports de Paris unions preparing for industrial action The ITF and the ETF express their firm solidarity with French trade unions as they prepare to take industrial action at the Aéroports de Paris (Charles de Gaulle-Roissy and Orly airports) between 1 July and 5 July.
Statement June 14, 2021 European aviation sector is not in the clear yet The European aviation sector needs dedicated support measures in order to survive the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ETF urges European institutions as well as Member States to provide additional support measures to the European aviation sector and its workers.
Statement June 11, 2021 National football teams must take a stand against social dumping in aviation ETF is deeply concerned about reports that the German national football team will be using the Lithuanian carrier, KlasJet, for its travel during the UEFA Euro 2020 football tournament. Germany will be the second national team to use this company which has advertised cabin crew jobs operating on this “VIP” carrier with salaries as low as €540 per month.
Statement June 10, 2021 ETF voices concern over new social dumping brand within Lufthansa Group The ETF and its affiliates call on the Lufthansa Group to ensure that their respective brands will engage in social dialogue with our affiliated unions with immediate effect if this does not currently exist in a coherent and permanent fashion.
Statement June 9, 2021 Reports of “Management by fear” in EASA: Union activity is not the problem As the representative body of all aviation workers in Europe we have seen first-hand the damage to workers and indeed to air safety caused by a “management of fear” which is attested to in a recent report. Therefore, we are deeply alarmed by the claims that this is potentially the style of management employed by EASA whose role is to protect air safety and promote just culture throughout the aviation industry.
Press Release June 7, 2021 Belgian Red Devils must refuse to fly with airline company KlasJet The Red Devils are set to take off this Friday for the UEFA European Football Championship with a plane from the Lithuanian company Klasjet. In a letter, the European Transport Workers’ Federation asks them not to. Klasjet is a carrier that practices social dumping and pays its staff wages well below Belgian standards. The ETF calls on the Belgian national team to “Take a stand for the transport workers of Europe by refusing to fly with Klasjet.”
Press Release June 3, 2021 Council agrees its position on air traffic management reform, echoing ATM workers’ concerns The ETF welcomes the Council position on the reform of the Single European Sky. The 27 EU Member States today unanimously endorsed the modified text of the ATM reform prepared by the Portuguese Presidency.
Statement June 2, 2021 ETF to EU Transport Ministers: “It’s time to step up for fair transport!” Ahead of tomorrow’s Transport Council which will see discussions on the Smart Sustainable Mobility Strategy, the ETF implores transport ministers to lead the debate for change and show political will to set the basis and shift the paradigm of low-cost models, liberalisation and competition based on a race to the bottom that has dominated transport policies over the last decades.
Statement June 1, 2021 ETF condemns flight diversion by Belarusian authorities and calls on EU Institutions and European countries to ensure aviation safety ETF Executive Committee condemns the actions of Belarusian authorities and stands in solidarity with aircrew members affected by this event. Immediate action must be taken to ensure the safety and security of aviation for all.
Press Release May 10, 2021 Aviation social partners present a joint four-step plan for safely resuming travel Based on the crucial lessons learned during the pandemic, European social partners in Civil Aviation propose a 4-stage action plan that will ensure a strong recovery of the industry.
News May 7, 2021 To bring about just transition, aviation industry must focus on people, not profits In April, the ETF held a series of internal discussions on sustainable aviation, with guests ranging from employers’ groups to environmental NGOs. Some clear-cut themes emerged from the lively debate, building a foundation for the ETF’s future work on the topic.
Statement April 30, 2021 Labour Day 2021: Policy makers, it’s time to take action for fair transport! Ahead of Labour Day, the ETF addresses an open letter to European and national policy makers to remind them about the reality of transport workers and urge them to take action for fair transport:
Union Action April 30, 2021 “They aim to divide workers” – Trade unionists in Spain expose Ryanair’s tactics ETF affiliates Sitcpla and USO have been fighting Ryanair in courts for years, and they’ve won many significant battles. We spoke to them about their union strategy, the reasons behind it, and how they’ve used it to help their members.
News April 22, 2021 Watch the gap! – Booklet on workers’ influence on outsourcing and tender processes Syndex has just published a report on outsourcing and transfer of employment contracts that provides useful tools, good practices and recommendations on workers’ influence on outsourcing and tender processes.
News April 22, 2021 Meet the team: Eoin Coates, ETF Head of Aviation We catch up with Eoin Coates, ETF Head of Aviation, to talk about what it’s like to work with aviation workers in the current crisis, the state of the industry, and ETF work priorities in aviation.
Worker's Story April 21, 2021 “They tried to destroy the union, but we won” – Wizz Air aircrew union in Ukraine declared lawful by a court Union activists who were fired after the union was created last year shared their story with us, describing the different tactics Wizz Air has used against them and why they persist.
Union Action April 14, 2021 Romanian court system forces Wizz Air to give back jobs to fired pilots and cabin crew In a new union victory against Wizz Air, courts in Romania rule that Wizz Air must reinstate four pilots and ten cabin crew.
Press Release April 9, 2021 “Now is the time to clean up the airline” – internal leak exposes Wizz Air anti-worker practices A transcript of a secret Wizz Air management meeting from 4 April 2020 which was leaked to staff has been passed to the ETF, revealing that management saw the COVID-19 crisis as the opportunity to “clean up the airline” by using discriminatory and anti-worker criteria in deciding which pilots to dismiss.
Statement April 8, 2021 ETF condemns attacks on air traffic controllers in Albania Air traffic controllers in Tirana declared a temporary inability to work due to stress earlier this week, and the state reacted with force. The ETF stands in solidarity with the protesting workers and condemns the aggressive backlash of the state.
Union Action March 29, 2021 Airport workers in Portugal seek a long-term solution for the future of Groundforce Groundforce airport workers call for a long-term solution after their jobs are put at risk because of the main shareholder’s irresponsible behaviour.
News March 11, 2021 “Fair transport remains an objective, rather than a reality” – ETF brings together key stakeholders in discussion on sustainability To kick off Sustainable Transport Days, the ETF brought together key players in EU transport and beyond to reflect on the future of these industries.
News March 5, 2021 In latest display of anti-worker behaviour, Norwegian neglects social obligations in France Norwegian Air workers in France are demanding respect for their labour rights after the company announced it has gone bankrupt and wants to let them go without any compensation.
Union Action March 2, 2021 “Can you hear us? This is our final warning!” – Schiphol Airport workers strike for quality jobs Schiphol Airport workers are on strike, demanding that management changes their subcontracting practices and protects labour standards. The ITF and ETF stand with the Schiphol airport workers and join their call to Schiphol Airport management. It’s high time for decent working conditions to become a prerequisite for subcontracting.
Press Release February 24, 2021 Coordinated COVID-19 measures needed to save jobs and upcoming summer season, say European aviation and tourism stakeholders Ahead of the 1 March Extraordinary meeting of Ministers of Tourism, 14 European stakeholders in aviation and tourism urge the Portuguese presidency of the EU to put their efforts into the coordination of all restrictive measures related to COVID-19.
Event February 18, 2021 ETF-ETUI Sustainable Transport Days ETF-ETUI Sustainable Transport Days is a series of seminars for ETF affiliates and their members on the topic of Future of Transport policies in Europe. Seminars will kick off with an event open to all on the EU mobility strategy and Fair Transport.
Union Action February 18, 2021 Workers protest in Rome over the surprise bankruptcy announcement in Norwegian Air Low-cost airline Norwegian Air has recently started a bankruptcy process for its Irish branch, directly affecting its workers in Italy. The ETF stands with Italian transport union federations and joins their call to Norwegian and Italian authorities to support them in making Norwegian Air take responsibility towards their employees.
News February 12, 2021 Plans for Alitalia successor must protect jobs and working conditions Alitalia employs more than 10,000 people in Italy, and its fate will impact not only all of their lives but also the broader Italian aviation, transport and tourism industries. To stimulate the discussion on the future of the company and allow unions to seek answers, the ETF brought together representatives of Italian unions and DG COMP on Wednesday.
News February 5, 2021 Inclusion of frontline aviation workers in vaccination plans is key to European economic recovery Several European social partners in civil aviation released a joint statement highlighting the importance of the aviation industry for European economic recovery and calling for frontline aviation workers to be included in national vaccination plans.
News February 2, 2021 #HoldBizAccountable: Workers demand accountability for rights violations Workers are joining the fight to #HoldBizAccountable. Make your voice heard and demand accountability for rights violations and environmental destruction!
Press Release January 26, 2021 Ground handling sector fights for its survival as more than half of airport-based workers are out of work ETF estimates that almost 60 per cent of ground handling workers are out of work, putting European aviation’s long-term stability in danger.
Statement January 26, 2021 ETF pledges solidarity to unions in their fight against FedEx decision to cut its European workforce by thousands FedEx has announced the decision to fire 6,300 employees in midst of booming e-commerce; the ETF joins all concerned workers and unions in their fight against these unfair and unacceptable redundancies.
Publication January 15, 2021 Single European Sky reform mustn’t be used to further liberalise ATM services The ETF issues a position paper on the SES2+ recast proposal by the European Commission, expressing disagreement with the proposal’s aim to further liberalise ATM services, and in effect causing negative social consequences for workers.
Press Release January 11, 2021 Discussion on slots ignores aviation workers’ main concerns The ETF reacts to European Commission’s “Slot Relief” proposal, highlighting the fact that the proposal ignores the significant issue of job losses and the social consequences of this pandemic as well as a severe lack of sustainable and long-term job protection.
Statement December 16, 2020 EU must protect all transport workers’ rights in the event of a no deal Brexit The ETF welcomes the publication of the proposed targeted contingency measures in the absence of an agreement with the United Kingdom on a future partnership, put forward by the European Commission last week, and points to some concerns in road transport and civil aviation.
Press Release December 9, 2020 EU’s Mobility Strategy must step up its game in shaping socially and environmentally sustainable transport Transport workers are the sector’s “most valuable asset” reads the newly published Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, but proposed initiatives fall short in matching this statement. The ETF reiterates that to fulfil the goals of the Strategy and enable the transition to greener transport, it is essential to address social issues and foster worker engagement.
News December 3, 2020 EU Mobility Strategy – not without transport workers! In its response to the upcoming Strategy for a Sustainable and Smart Mobility, the ETF sets out five key pillars to ensure that future industrial policies for transport combine both employment and climate protection and ensure fundamental change to build an environmental and socially sustainable sector.
News December 2, 2020 ETF affiliates commit to continued Europe-wide fight for fair transport Union responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and a strong recovery that puts social first were at the heart of discussions when ETF affiliates came together online last week.
Statement December 1, 2020 Solidarity with the striking workers at Heathrow Heathrow workers have announced four days of strike action in December, the first one being today. ETF stands with Unite the Union and the striking workers and condemns Heathrow Airport Limited’s attempts at making the workers pay the price for corporate irresponsibility.
News November 26, 2020 European trade unions call for more democracy at work The ETUC and ETUFs handed over a petition for more democracy at work to the European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and MEPs, calling for concrete and rapid actions to guarantee the effective enforcement and compliance of workers’ rights to be informed, consulted and to participate in decision-making before any decision is adopted.
News November 18, 2020 ETF meets with Commissoner Schmit to discuss key issues affecting transport workers ETF met with Commissioner Schmit to discuss key issues affecting transport workers. Livia Spera, ETF General Secretary, extended an invitation to build, together with Commissioner Schmit, a new vision for the future of transport work.
Press Release November 16, 2020 EU Aviation Maps a Sustainable, Post-Crisis Future in Round Table Report Over 20 associations collectively representing the entire European aviation ecosystem have issued a comprehensive collaborative analysis today, detailing ways aviation can recover sustainably and more resiliently from the COVID-19 crisis whilst supporting the European Union’s Green Deal objectives.
Statement November 9, 2020 TUI fly Germany proceeds with plans to dismiss workers after receiving state aid TUI fly Germany is implementing its restructuring plans that will leave many workers in Germany jobless, despite receiving state aid. The ETF is joining Ver.di in their call for social conditionality in state aid – companies should not be allowed to use crises to restructure, dismiss workers and worsen their working conditions.
Union Action November 5, 2020 “We won’t let Wizz Air jeopardise Norwegian working life model!” – unions protest in Norway as Wizz Air begins its operations Wizz Air is launching domestic flights in Norway today. In response, Parat’s pilot and cabin crew unions organised awareness-raising actions, with one clear message: Wizz Air must respect Norwegian law and the workers’ right to organise.
News October 30, 2020 Joint Statement by the European social partners in Civil Aviation on payroll support schemes for aviation in response to the Covid-19 pandemic European civil aviation social partners urge EU member states to extend payroll support schemes to protect jobs and employment.
Press Release October 26, 2020 Air quality on flights to improve if EU backs new expert standard Airline passengers and aircrew will enjoy safer air during flights if the EU accepts new safety standards drawn up by industry stakeholders.
News October 20, 2020 International Day of the Air Traffic Controller 2020 A message by Eoin Coates, ETF Head of Aviation, on the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller
Worker's Story October 19, 2020 “It’s an environment that encourages union-busting” – Wizz Air pilot speaks out A story of a former Wizz Air pilot, dismissed by the company earlier this year. He describes a working environment marked by overwork and anti-union tendencies.
News October 7, 2020 ‘ETF Talks’ launch on World Day for Decent Work: Trade Unions Build Back Better! In honour of World Day for Decent Work, the ETF has released its very first episode of ETF Talks: Conversations that Put Social First! This very first segment, Trade Unions Build Back Better!, focuses on the effects of COVID-19, the vital role of trade unions, the road to recovery, and what the future of transport could look like and what it will look like if workers are not an integral part of it all.
Press Release September 24, 2020 Trade unions sound alarm over Ryanair CEO’s bonus pay in the time of mass dismissals and state support provided to the airline ETF and ITF condemn the shareholders’ decision to pay out a €458,000 bonus to Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary after the carrier made thousands of workers redundant, cut workers’ salaries and took state pandemic support.
News September 24, 2020 COVID-19 and aviation: Time to rethink! ETF statement on COVID-19, calling on policy-makers and aviation stakeholders to use the crisis to rethink the ‘old’ system and to ‘repair’ its structural weaknesses and distortions that the crisis revealed.
Press Release September 23, 2020 Single European Sky SES II+ proposal: another missed opportunity to improve ATM functioning ETF responds to the new SES proposal. Initial analysis shows that the proposal ignores countless issues that air traffic management has been facing, and instead focuses on reducing costs of ATM services and aims to bring more competition into the sector.
Statement September 21, 2020 #EU4FairWork – End bogus self-employment! The ETF takes part in the European Commission’s Week of Action to tackle undeclared work by shedding light on the growing issue in various transport sectors – bogus self-employment.
News September 18, 2020 ETF joins industry coalition in a call for travel restriction coordination A coalition of stakeholders from aviation, transport, and tourism industries addressed a letter to Ursula von der Leyen today, expressing support of the Commission’s proposed EU coordination framework for travel restrictions.
News September 17, 2020 ETF brings transport workers’ voices to the table at social partners’ Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy hearing Yesterday, ETF’s sections made their demands on the future EU mobility strategy loud and clear at the Social Partners’ dedicated hearing. Workers must be at the centre of the strategy if the Commission truly wishes to achieve sustainability in transport.
Press Release September 10, 2020 ETF responds to Eurocontrol’s Hardtalk series: A balanced approach is needed towards CEOs and industry leaders ETF calls on Eurocontrol to rethink their approach to giving industry leaders a platform without challenging their labour practices.
News September 10, 2020 Fair recovery: only if we reform transport policies! Taking the floor at a panel discussion at ETUC’s annual European Works Council conference, Livia Spera, General Secretary of European Transport Workers’ Federation denounced the many transport companies taking advantage of the crisis to lower working terms and conditions and disrespecting social dialogue and consultation rights at all levels.
Press Release September 9, 2020 Wizz Air: Stop union busting in Ukraine! ETF and ITF launched an online petition, calling on Ukrainian authorities to investigate the union-busting and wider allegations of labour law violations.
Worker's Story August 28, 2020 Dismissed Wizz Air workers speak out Wizz Air has been waging an anti-union campaign for months now in the Kyiv base. Three of the workers that were recently dismissed speak about their experiences with the company.
News August 26, 2020 Wizz Air dismisses four trade unionists in latest union-busting endeavour WizzAir seems to be using the COVID-19 pandemic to attack workers’ rights and prevent unionising. ETF and ITF call upon Wizz Air to reinstate the recently dismissed trade-unionists, recognise the union, and enter into dialogue with workers’ representatives.
News August 11, 2020 Cabin air quality: CEN standard in sight but the battle goes on After 65 years of use of bleed air in aeroplanes, thousands of fume events and hundreds of studies, CEN is about to propose a standard for cabin air quality.
Statement July 31, 2020 ETF Pilots offer solidarity to Icelandair Cabin Crew Members Learning of Icelandair’s intention to lay off all of its cabin crew and replace them with pilots which was put to a stop by a last-minute agreement between Icelandair and trade union, Icelandic Cabin Crew Association, ETF CAS issued a statement in solidarity with the cabin crew and their union.
Statement July 27, 2020 Trade unions across Europe sound alarm over EasyJet’s approach to workers’ rights and aviation safety The European Transport Workers’ Federation condemns EasyJet’s despicable attacks on workers’ rights and questions the carriers’ attitude towards safety.
News July 15, 2020 World Youth Skills Day 2020 – Skills for a resilient transport sector! On World Youth Skills Day 2020, the ETF highlights the need for quality training, skills, room for professional development to attract young workers to the transport sector, but above all emphasises the need for decent working conditions!
News July 13, 2020 Aviapartner: stop ignoring workers’ representatives and engage in dialogue! For the past few months, Aviapartner has been ignoring calls by EWC representatives and trade unions in different countries to engage in dialogue. The ETF urges Aviapartner to stop with this harmful behaviour immediately.
News July 8, 2020 ETF appeals to Trio Presidency ministers: It’s time for a fair, socially sustainable transport sector! Responding to their Trio Programme, ETF addressed a letter to transport ministers of Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal, urging them to use their presidencies to steer European transport to a fair future.
News June 29, 2020 ETF response to József Váradi: Aviation workers of Europe are ready to fight and stand up for their rights In a recent interview, Wizz Air CEO József Varadi reflected on some of the company’s business practices and boasted of its anti-union activities. ETF responds.
News June 25, 2020 Ryanair: Reinstate sacked union leaders at Prague base! ETF launches a petition to urge the Czech authorities to protect workers’ rights at Ryanair.
Event June 25, 2020 Aviation unions meet to discuss impacts of COVID-19 and the way forward ETF’s civil aviation Section met last week in a series of online meetings. They discussed priorities, impacts of COVID-19, as well as plans for the future.
Press Release June 23, 2020 Save your sky! – For a safe and resilient air traffic control system To inform the EU citizens of the current situation of Air Traffic Services and potential consequences for the safety in the skies, Unions and Professional Associations representing ATM/ANS (Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services) staff (ATCEUC, ETF, IFAIMA, IFATCA, IFATSEA) have decided to launch a petition.
News June 18, 2020 “Do it!” – EU Recovery Plan must pave the way for fair transport ETF joins the ETUC in calling on the EU Council to speed up payment of EU emergency support for health and protecting incomes and jobs and agree on an EU Jobs Recovery Plan for massive investment & solidarity. For the transport industry, a recovery plan should not be back-to-business-as-before – a policy shift must accompany it!
Worker's Story June 17, 2020 Cabin crew member speaks out about Ryanair’s dubious practices In April 2020 a cabin crew member won a case against Ryanair’s employment agency – Crewlink – in Ireland. He shared his story with us, giving us insight into the case, as well as reflecting on other Ryanair’s actions.
News June 16, 2020 ETF’s open letter to EU Transport Ministers: “It’s time to shape a fair future transport policy!” In an open letter addressed to the EU’s Transport Ministers, the ETF makes a plea for a transparent, inclusive, and open process to shape up the future transport policy.
News June 11, 2020 ETF and ZZPPiL back conditional state aid for PLL LOT Awaiting European Commission’s response to the Polish government’s state aid to PLL LOT, ETF and Związek Zawodowy Personelu Pokładowego i Lotniczego (Trade Union of Cabin and Flight Crew) addressed a letter of support to the Commission’s president Ursula von der Leyen, expressing their support with the – conditional – state aid.
Union Action June 8, 2020 Czech union supports dismissed Ryanair union members in their fight for justice Czech transport union Odborový svaz dopravy has been supporting Ryanair cabin crew in the Prague base for a couple of months now. What started as guidance in setting up union structures and getting the union officially recognised, turned into a fight for the right to organise last week, when Ryanair fired three of the leading members.
Worker's Story June 5, 2020 Ryanair cabin crew members in Prague fired after unionising Only a day after a new cabin crew union in Prague notified Ryanair of their existence and requested a meeting to discuss working conditions, three union leaders were fired. They shared their story with us, taking us through their experience of working for the company, shining a light on Ryanair’s anti-union practices.
Union Action June 3, 2020 CFDT groupe Air France & UNPNC-CFDT say STOP to violence and harassment against women at work CFDT Groupe Air France and UNPNC-CFDT have released a leaflet denouncing the unacceptable sexual violence in the workplace and have put forward their demands: they want an agreement to fight violence and harassment against women at work!
Press Release June 3, 2020 ETF to stop all activities linked to DG MOVE in ATM field over attacks to jobs and working conditions ETF has decided to stop all activities related to DG MOVE in the air traffic management field for the next three months, after receiving several reports of employers being pushed by DG MOVE to lower ANSPs’ labour costs.
Press Release May 29, 2020 ETF and ECA call for a fair deal for the Lufthansa Group ETF and ECA call on the European Commission to reconsider one of the conditions attached to the approval of state aid for Lufthansa Group, as it would benefit some of the most notorious airlines that continue to lower working standards around Europe.
Statement May 29, 2020 ETF welcomes B.United to the union family and encourages Ryanair to engage in meaningful social dialogue A cabin crew union B.United has just been set up in the Prague base of Ryanair, representing the workers employed directly by Ryanair, as well as the agency workers. ETF welcomes them to the union family and invites all the parties to engage in meaningful social dialogue.
Publication May 25, 2020 COVID-19: Guidelines for safe skies Throughout the crisis, EASA has been publishing guidelines on the measures that need to be introduced in the new COVID-19 reality to protect workers. We’ve collected the key documents that are aimed at keeping the skies safe.
Statement May 25, 2020 COVID-19: Solidarity with cabin crew in Iceland Learning about Icelandair management’s use of the current crisis as an excuse to break apart collective workers’ action and introduce lower standards in working conditions, ETF CAS issued a statement in solidarity with the cabin crew and their union.
News May 20, 2020 We are all one in the sky | Open letter Responding to EASA’s Opinion No 01/2020, aviation stakeholders addressed a letter to Adina-Ioana Vălean, the EU Commissioner for transport.
Statement May 20, 2020 COVID-19: European aviation needs to protect ground handling workers and airport infrastructure for a safe take-off While airlines have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 recovery discussions, a different vital part or infrastructure – the airports and ground handling service providers – is often overlooked. CAS responds with a statement, highlighting key measures for a socially sustainable future.
Statement May 20, 2020 COVID-19: ETF reacts to EC’s guidelines for travel and transportation On May 13, the European Commission adopted guidelines and recommendations to “help Member States lifting the travel restrictions”. What is the real added value of these guidelines for transport workers in the EU? The ETF answers this question with comments, recommendations and sector-specific remarks.
News May 8, 2020 COVID-19: A plan for European aviation In a new plan for European aviation, ETF Civil Aviation Section introduces short- and the long- term measures, covers all the different areas of civil aviation, and embraces social and environmental sustainability.
News May 8, 2020 COVID-19: Destructive actions by civil aviation companies ETF Management Committee expresses its full support for the workers of British Airways and reiterates its opposition to opportunistic and destructive tactics by airlines. Using a global pandemic as an excuse to cut jobs and worsen working conditions is not acceptable!
Union Action May 7, 2020 COVID-19: Polish unions united in ATM negotiations Several Polish unions have been negotiating with the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency for the past few weeks. Despite their efforts, the employer has been acting with arrogance and refusing to take the negotiations seriously.
News April 30, 2020 May Day 2020: Why trade unions matter now more than ever Now more than ever, it is important to acknowledge transport workers all over Europe and highlight the key role unions will play in protecting their working conditions, wages and employment after the health crisis subsides.
News April 29, 2020 Training package – EASA Capacity Building In its project EASA Capacity Building, ETF produced a 5-part training package that is now available to download and use.
News April 28, 2020 Another big victory in the fight to make Ryanair comply with social standards Spanish trade unions Sitcpla, USO and Sepla have again brought Ryanair to court and won the case for 224 concerned workers.
Statement April 28, 2020 IWMD: Hold your applause, protect transport workers’ safety! Today, we remember the dead and fight for the living! Transport workers deserve dignity and safety at work and we are fighting for their rights!
Statement April 22, 2020 ETF addresses letter to German Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure ahead of German Presidency in Council of the EU In the light of the upcoming German Presidency in the Council of the European Union, the ETF has addressed a letter to Andreas Scheuer, Germany’s Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. We pinpoint the issues in the transport sector that are currently of the utmost urgency in the context of the COVID-19 crisis as well as outline our priorities for the future EU transport policy.
News April 15, 2020 COVID-19: As issues persist in European transport, ETF calls for swift action While some action has been taken by the European Commission to address the issues related to COVID-19, much more is required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of transport workers. ETF responds to this situation with a letter to Commissioner Vălean.
News April 15, 2020 COVID-19: Take action to prevent collision! ETF Air Traffic Management Committee released a new statement, detailing measures to be taken to ensure the provision of ATM services now and in the future.
News April 10, 2020 COVID-19: Transport workers have a right to protective equipment! ETF prepared an overview of EU legislation that protects workers’ right to protective equipment in the workplace.
Worker's Story April 7, 2020 COVID-19: Belgian cabin crew member takes us through the stages of the pandemic A cabin crew member in Belgium shared with us her view on the current crisis and described the stages of the pandemic as experienced by her and her colleagues.
Union Action April 3, 2020 COVID-19: Importance of trade union action and social dialogue in extraordinary times Lukas Krupitza, vice president of Swiss cabin crew union Kapers, gives us an overview of what cabin crew is dealing with in Switzerland at the moment and in what ways union is helping them.
Statement April 3, 2020 “Time for real Europeans to stand up!”, says Frank Moreels Frank Moreels, president of European Transport Workers’ Federation, is urging European leaders to take heed as the COVID-19 crisis further exposes the cracks in the foundation of the transport industry.
Union Action April 2, 2020 Union action in the time of COVID-19: Affiliate actions Our affiliates are hard at work defending workers’ rights! You can find their actions here!
Statement April 2, 2020 COVID-19: ETF calls for an aviation rescue plan and EU fund to help protect a strategic industry European aviation has been amongst the first industries to be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and will be one of the hardest hit. Support to the workforce and the industry will ensure a lifeline for the sector that will guarantee its recovery after the pandemic. ETF calls for conditional financial aid to aviation-sector companies and immediate support to all workers in civil aviation, with special attention given to the most vulnerable among them.
Worker's Story March 31, 2020 COVID-19: Spanish cabin crew speaks out Antonio Escobar, a cabin crew member, and a union rep for SITCPLA shows us his working day during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Press Release March 27, 2020 COVID-19: Social partners’ statement on urgent need for action in European aviation Members of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Civil Aviation prepared a joint statement, calling for action in response to the crisis caused by COVID-19.
News March 24, 2020 COVID-19: ETF responds to the EC Green Lanes communication European Commission’s communication on the implementation of the Green Lanes does not provide the concrete measures that are needed to protect the transport workers who are on the frontline and who will bear the consequences of inaction.
Statement March 24, 2020 COVID-19: European Aviation at Crossroads ETF CAS statement on continuous developments in civil aviation. The situation is dire, and there is a clear need for a long-term vision.
Statement March 19, 2020 COVID-19: ETF responds to the outcome of Council of Transport Ministers Meeting In the wake of the informal meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, the ETF has once again sent a letter to Commissioner Vălean. The ETF waited for the outcome of this meeting, in hopes that concrete measures to protect our transport workers would emerge from it. What emerged was the exact opposite, and we are extremely disappointed in the Council’s (un)willingness to tackle this safety emergency that poses a threat, which grows by the minute, for transport workers.
News March 17, 2020 COVID-19: Latest developments from transport workers around Europe Ahead of tomorrow’s extraordinary meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, the ETF is once again reiterating its previous demands to the European Commission and has sent an overview of the latest developments in the transport industry.
Statement March 17, 2020 COVID-19: Aviation workers urge the EU and the Member States to save and rebuild European aviation ETF Civil Aviation Section is closely monitoring the developments in European aviation caused by the spread of COVID-19. It is clear that we are dealing with an unprecedented crisis and that aviation will not be the same once the immediate threat is over. To ensure that the industry is saved and rebuilt, a series of aviation-specific measures need to be taken in short, medium and long-term perspective both by the European Institutions as well as the individual Member States.
Statement March 13, 2020 COVID-19: Transport workers need protection and Europe needs to act now! ETF is now once again calling upon the Commission to take concrete action to protect Europe’s transport workers as new developments arise every day. Reports received from around Europe show that some employers are not taking the pandemic seriously, and are putting workers in danger with their failure to act appropriately.
News March 12, 2020 Appeal to the European Commission: Don’t let one giant airline catering business dominate the market! In the name of airline catering workers in Europe, European Transport Workers’ Federation and EFFAT European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions provided input to an EC merger control case that relates to Lufthansa selling its European operations of LSG catering group to Gategroup. We appeal to the European Commission to investigate the case further and not to allow the creation of one giant airline catering business dominating the market.
Statement March 11, 2020 COVID-19: ETF calls for additional measures to prevent dire social consequences in civil aviation! Yesterday, the European Commission announced that the rules about airport slots will be temporarily relaxed. This is an important step to ensure the stability of the airline industry in Europe. If introduced in isolation, however, it fails to address the very real social cost civil aviation workers will pay because of the decline in air travel. In parallel with the changes of rules for airport slots, all EU member states need to ensure that workers whose employment is in danger are protected, in line with the provisions that exist in their national legislation.
News March 9, 2020 COVID-19: ETF calls upon Commissioners Vălean and Schmit to devise a plan that protects transport workers! In view of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and its on impact transport workers, we sent a letter to Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport and Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights where we outlined our concerns, and what a plan to remedy the current situation should look like.
Event March 9, 2020 What does the future hold for workers in civil aviation? On 13 and 14 February, trade unionists from all sectors of the civil aviation industry gathered in Madrid to take part in the automation and digitalization (A&D) workshop. The workshop aimed to get an overview of the current state of A&D in the different civil aviation sectors around Europe, reflect on the A&D toolkit, and think about ways these topics could be tackled going forward.
Statement March 5, 2020 Keep Europe moving! We were sad to learn about another bankruptcy in civil aviation today – UK’s regional airline Flybe. The spread of the COVID-19 has had an important impact in accelerating the process towards the bankruptcy of the airline, which represents just one of the symptoms of a Europe-wide crisis. Decisive action needs to be taken to keep Europe moving. To prevent a complete collapse of the air transport networks in the immediate future, the EU, European countries and other key authorities such as EASA need to come up with a detailed, clear and effective contingency plan.
News January 21, 2020 Workers’ rights in civil aviation: 2020 priorities Representatives of civil aviation workers from around Europe discuss the current issues workers are facing and how European trade union cooperation can help in addressing them.
Statement January 15, 2020 European minimum wage initiative – Consultation is underway! On 14 January, the European Commission launched First phase consultation of Social Partners on a possible action addressing the challenges related to fair minimum wages. While the ETF strongly believes that workers of Europe need a pay rise, we don’t support simplistic approaches and half-baked solutions that could endanger the autonomy of social partners around the continent. A simple prescriptive mechanism cannot solve wage stagnation – instead, we need to address the core causes of it, such as precarious work, anti-union measures, digitalisation, and austerity.
Event January 7, 2020 EASA Capacity Building project – final conference On 19 and 20 November 2019, an ETF civil aviation conference brought more than 100 participants from all over Europe to Dublin. Among them were numerous workers’ representatives, as well as representatives of the European Commission and EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Statement December 18, 2019 Through the eyes of transport workers: more needs to be done for the rights of migrants! The work of the ETF has always been about decent work, decent life, and justice. All of these themes are central to today’s International Migrants Day, the day that combines the aspirations of migrants – people searching for a decent life, decent work, and struggling for justice.
News December 16, 2019 Young transport workers in Europe survey Who are you, young transport workers in Europe? We are curious to know what you think about your work and the future of the sector. What are some of the main issues you face at work and are trade unions there to help you overcome them? How can we do better? Please fill in our short survey!
Statement December 11, 2019 ETF’s first reaction to the European Green Deal ETF welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the European Green Deal. As representatives of transport workers in Europe, we are perfectly aware that in order to mitigate climate change it is crucial to transform the transport sector. In this first reaction to the Communication, we want to highlight several issues that are crucial for transport workers.
Event December 9, 2019 What does the future hold for low-cost air travel in Europe? We believe it’s fair aviation for all! On 3 December, the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism held a hearing on the future of low-cost travel in Europe. ETF’s acting General Secretary Livia Spera presented the everyday reality of those working for low-cost airlines.
Event December 6, 2019 No to social dumping! Yes to a fair transfer of staff! From 3 to 5 December, Syndex and the ETF organised a working seminar in Sesimbra, Portugal, as part of the project Workers’ influence on outsourcing, tender processes and transfer of employment contract: Watch the gap!
News December 5, 2019 General Strike in France: ETF stands in solidarity! We stand with our French affiliates and support their national strike. May their voices be heard! Solidarity.
Statement December 3, 2019 ETF Statement on Single-Pilot Operations Our pilot’s representatives learned that the aviation industry is pushing for single-pilot operations to be technologically feasible from mid-2020. The ETF expresses its great concern on this evolution of the air transport sector.
News November 25, 2019 Time’s Up for Violence Against Women! To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ETF’s Acting General Secretary, Livia Spera, has joined other women trade union leaders in signing a letter to the European Commission President-designate Ursula von der Leyen, and Equality Commissioner-designate, Helena Dalli, on their proposals to increase EU action against violence against women.
News November 19, 2019 World Toilet Day 2019: Toilet rights are a human right! The lack of accessible sanitation facilities and sufficient break times is an issue that heavily affects transport workers in all sectors. That’s why today of all days especially, the ETF calls for safe, decent and sufficient toilets and other sanitation facilities for all transport workers in Europe.
News October 24, 2019 Thomas Cook collapse: workers need justice! Thomas Cook may have collapsed in the UK, but it’s a European story. Companies, travel agencies, and hotels all over Europe and beyond have been affected, and around 22.000 workers are suffering from the consequences. The ETF stands in solidarity with all Thomas Cook workers and we continue to defend their interests together with our affiliates.
News October 4, 2019 Ryanair crew get justice in the Netherlands A Dutch court has ruled that Ryanair must compensate workers made redundant by the closure of its base at Eindhoven Airport last year.
News September 25, 2019 The ETF attended the High-Level Conference on the Future of the Single European Sky (11 and 12 September 2019 in Brussels) Shaping the future of the Single European Sky is key for the workers in the aviation sector. The ETF participated and influenced a process on European level leading to a declaration on the Future of the Single European Sky and singed the joint agreement together with all other concerned stakeholders.
News September 20, 2019 Transport workers for climate justice ETF joins the Global Action Week for Climate and calls for climate justice for transport workers!
News September 11, 2019 NO TO SALE LSG SKY CHEFS! The Lufthansa Group is preparing to sell its catering arm Lufthansa Sky Chefs (LSG). Our trade union demands are not to sell LSG Sky Chefs, preserve all jobs and keep all social standards.
News September 11, 2019 Toolbox for successful social dialogue in ATM As part of a project co-financed by the EU and under the leadership of the European Transport Workers’ Federation, civil aviation social partners created the brochure ‘Toolbox for Successful Social Dialogue in ATM’. This is the video about it.
News September 4, 2019 Successful Social Dialogue in Air Traffic Management (ATM) More than 70 representatives of the EU social partners are attending a workshop in Roma to discuss the implementation of the Toolbox for successful social dialogue in ATM.
Statement August 8, 2019 Social dialogue is needed more than ever to build the single European sky! ETF comments following the first round table discussions on the future of the Single European Sky on 28 May 2019 and the report of the Wise Persons Group (WPG): Disappointment that not not involved at all in the works of the WPG despite the fact that we represent 30.000 employees (in all categories of ATM staff: ATCOs, ATSEPS, AIS, administrative staff); All ATM social partners from the employee side are quite critical towards the report; The approach followed by the WPG totally ignores the importance of the social dialogue in the EU polices and mechanisms to be implemented
Info August 7, 2019 Flight time limitations: Stop overworking European aircrew! Aircrew – pilots and cabin crew – require keen focus to avoid any accidents and react quickly if dangerous incidents occur. Flight time limitations are supposed to ensure that aircrew are sufficiently rested to undertake their work. ETF has always been in favour of European-wide flight time limitations for aircrew, and we bring expertise and experience to the rulemaking process.
Info August 7, 2019 ETF and the European Aviation Safety Agency Aviation workers have unique on-the-job expertise on aviation safety, and ultimately they will make any safety rules a success. That is why we believe that workers should have a central role in EASA. Our mission is to ensure that the vital regulations which govern aviation reflect the needs, views and knowledge of aviation workers – defending both staff and passengers from unrestrained commercial interests.
Info August 7, 2019 Drones and aviation safety Drones, or unmanned aircraft, are an ever more common presence in Europe’s skies. They certainly have a role to play in the future of aviation, but safety must be the primary concern. Take a look at our comprehensive policy on drones and remotely piloted aircraft.
Press Release August 2, 2019 Unions call foul play on Ryanair’s threatened job cuts Union leaders say job cuts announced by Ryanair are mainly about intimidating its workforce and have little to do with operational justifications.
Press Release July 4, 2019 As Ryanair plans move to Malta, international transport unions meet Maltese government The budget airline is creating various subsidiaries. Aircraft will be moved from France, Germany and Italy to the newly launched Malta Air. These plans must not undermine the better conditions which unions have won from Ryanair in recent months. We met the Maltese Tourism Ministry to set out our position.
News June 14, 2019 Landmark ruling in favour of Ryanair crew A Belgian court has ruled that Ryanair cabin crew are subject to national labour law. This decision will have wide-ranging consequences for European aviation, and marks a real victory in our campaign against social dumping in Europe’s skies.
News May 21, 2019 Safeguard quality jobs in civil aviation! Italian government needs to show responsibility and listen to striking workers Our Italian affiliates FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL, UILTRASPORTI have called a 24-hour strike covering the entire country. We cannot accept that companies exist in a permanent state of crisis with disastrous effects on jobs and working conditions.
Statement May 15, 2019 Dear MEPs, will you help transport workers’ trade unions win fair contracts and conditions at Ryanair? ETF and ITF wrote to the candidates in the European Parliament elections to raise awareness of our campaign for better working conditions at Ryanair and to ask them to make a real difference to the lives of Ryanair workers during their mandate.
Press Release May 9, 2019 ETF Appoints Livia Spera as Acting General Secretary Today our Executive Committee, meeting in London, approved the nomination of Livia Spera as Acting General Secretary. Livia was until now the Political Secretary for Dockers and Fisheries, and will take on the role immediately.
Statement March 29, 2019 ETF is moving forward! As we celebrate the success of our Fair Transport campaign, we are already at work creating the ETF of the future. A special conference gathered affiliates to set a course and explore new ways of working. Commitment was strong, and now it is time to build an even stronger federation for Europe’s transport workers!
News March 27, 2019 Thousands of workers block Brussels for Fair Transport Workers from every corner of Europe and every transport sector brought our campaign to a dizzying end. Thousands marched on the European Commission demanding decent work and the end of social dumping.
News March 26, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day four It’s the final day of actions around Europe, and many affiliates start their journey to Brussels. Meanwhile, our rally in Strasbourg attracts the support of MEPs.
Event March 26, 2019 Transport workers, trade unions and MEPs all together for a Fair Transport Our Fair Transport action week is for workers and policymakers all over Europe. But of course the European Parliament is a very special audience for us. That is why hundreds of transport workers from different countries were in Strasbourg today for a demonstration with trade unions and MEPs.
News March 25, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day three The third day of our action week saw workers demanding fair transport on boats, underground, at ports and at airports…
News March 24, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day two Day 2 of our international action week sees another impressive mix of actions, debate and personal stories – as ever more workers start the trip to Brussels for our demonstration on 27 March.
News March 23, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day one The first day of our Fair Transport action week is behind us and ETF affiliates have already taken part all over Europe. We are astonished at the support that we got in only 36 hours.
News March 13, 2019 Big victory at WizzAir Wizz Air took measures against trade union activists and limited workers’ right to free assembly. The Supreme Court of Romania has ruled that the budget airline’s discrimination against workers based on their trade union membership was illegal.
News March 9, 2019 Trade unions prominent at EASA Ground Handling Conference A first Ground Handling conference took place at EASA Headquarters on 7 March in Germany. This important event marked the beginning of a new journey to ensure better safety for passenger and staff.
Event March 9, 2019 Aviation in the spotlight at European Works Council seminar in Madrid We’ve made a great start on our project ‘EWCs in Transport: more and better participation now!’. There are specific challenges in civil aviation companies when it comes to European Works’ Councils, but ETF affiliates showed interest in addressing a number of companies that meet the requirements for the creation of a new EWC.
Press Release March 1, 2019 European Commission adopts social agenda for aircrews, but it is late and incomplete The European Commission has adopted its report on social standards in aviation. The non-binding proposals, will set the tone for EU work on aircrews. We’ve worked hard for more than one year to feed the Commission with ideas and thoughts that defend workers, and today we are concerned by the Commission’s lack of ambition.
News February 27, 2019 It’s time to take Fair Transport Europe to the next level! In just one month, thousands of workers will be converge on Brussels for a huge demo to mark the high point of our Fair Transport Europe campaign against social dumping. We will march through the city and raise our voice to demand that politicians and employers put an end to exploitation and unfair competition!
News February 25, 2019 Safer skies and fair employment: ETF Aviation hosts EASA seminar in Poland We’re training aviation unions to bring their expertise and interests to the European Aviation Safety Agency. We also joined a successful protest demanind stable contracts for cabin crew at LOT Polish Airlines.
Info January 16, 2019 Legal battles against exploitation at Ryanair Legal battles against exploitation at Ryanair
News December 13, 2018 Ryanair workers visit European Parliament We joined a group of activist workers meeting MEPs to tell them about their continuing struggles at the airline.
Press Release December 13, 2018 Ryanair still needs to stabilise its industrial relations One year ago, Ryanair announced that it would recognise unions for the first time. But there is still a long way to go. Today, our new report with the ITF examines the progress the airline has made and what remains to be done.
Event November 6, 2018 If you can organise Ryanair, you can organise everywhere! ETF joins expert discussion on the roots of industrial unrest at Ryanair.
News October 30, 2018 Ryanair’s chairman is even less popular than we thought New trade union research shows that shareholder support for Ryanair chairman David Bonderman at recent AGM was even lower than initially reported.
News October 4, 2018 ETF defending an ambitious social clause at the Aviation Summit in Vienna ETF has defended the introduction of a safeguard social clause in Air Transport Agreements to protect our social rights, compensate for the negative social effects that might result from a further liberalisation and improve the terms of employment in 3rd countries.
Statement October 3, 2018 Europe needs an ambitious social agenda in aviation Trade unions, employers and five EU states have called on the European Commission to act on unfair competition and social rights in air transport.
Statement September 23, 2018 Ground handling – transfer of staff Europe’s ground handlers need fair rules on transfer of staff
Info September 23, 2018 Our ground handling campaign – the fight so far Our ground handling campaign – the fight so far
Press Release September 4, 2018 ETF and ITF call for new Ryanair chairman The time has come for Mr Bonderman to go. It is hard to see how a business like Ryanair can move on when its chairman is stuck in the last century.
Statement August 8, 2018 Open Letter: Stop social dumping in the air industry! ETF and ITF demand that European Commission acts on unfair competition.
Statement August 8, 2018 EU Institutions must act to end social dumping in aviation ETF and ITF have sent an open letter to leaders in the EU Institutions.
Press Release June 13, 2018 The new EASA basic regulation is an important step in the right direction
Press Release February 22, 2018 Air Traffic Management Unions are Determined to Defend the Right to Strike
Press Release December 15, 2017 ‘We’ll play fair, Ryanair’: unions respond to airline’s recognition decision
Info September 23, 2017 Functional Airspace Blocks – FABs Fostering increased cooperation between and the integration of air navigation service providers, irrespective of national borders.
Statement September 23, 2017 Air quality As health and safety representatives, we are committed to standards that emphasise measures…
Press Release July 20, 2017 Commission commits to create long-awaited social package in aviation at talks with ETF and ECA
Press Release March 24, 2017 Time for aviation to embody Social Europe 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome
Press Release February 21, 2017 European Commission must act on social agenda Aviation Strategy for Europe
Statement February 15, 2017 Joint ATCEUC-ETF Statement on the A4E call for action to attack the right to strike in Air Traffic Management
Statement December 19, 2016 ETF position on drones: “one sky – one safety” Drones are used for task such as aerial filming and photography, safety inspections of pipelines or buildings or for agriculture. However, this new technology brings risks like collision, human errors, terrorist attacks, cybersecurity and third party risks. We call for a robust regulatory framework including categorisation of drones, pilot licenses for drones, training, registration, hardware requirements and airspace separation.
Press Release November 10, 2016 New EASA basic regulation: European Parliament blows hot and cold, ETF welcomes introduction social dimension but denounces attack on workers’ rights
Press Release December 7, 2015 Aviation strategy for Europe: It is time for the Commission to deliver on social issues!
Press Release October 1, 2015 Air Traffic Management partners in Europe sign declaration with European Commission to further improve Aviation safety
Publication November 25, 2014 US-European transport unions call for rejection NAI’s flag of convenience scheme
Press Release July 1, 2014 Europe must stop social dumping and flags of convenience in civil aviation
Press Release June 29, 2014 LAN Argentina workers prepare for strike; Unanimous vote of LAN Peru mechanics for new contract
Press Release May 26, 2014 AFA, ETF and ITF call on the US to deny NAI’s application for a foreign air carrier permit
Event February 28, 2014 Belgian unions demonstrated against anti-social practices of low fares airlines
Press Release October 4, 2013 Vote on Flight Time Limitations by EU Parliament next week – Pilots and cabin crew ask for rejection
Press Release October 1, 2013 Breakthrough for aviation safety – EU Parliament rejects flawed flight time rules
Press Release June 12, 2013 European Action Day calls European Commission to stop dogmatic liberalisation of ATM industry – Stop jeopardizing jobs in European sky
Press Release April 16, 2013 European Parliament adopts an incomplete social position on Ground Handling Services
News September 23, 2010 Capacity Building for Trade Union Officers in New Member States and Candidate Countries EU-funded project to build up the capacity of Trade Unions representatives to engage in genuine industrial relations and policy making.
Publication September 17, 2010 Capacity building for Trade Union Officers of New Member States and Candidate Countries