ETF Vision for Civil Aviation

We live in times of tremendous change and uncertainty. Established geopolitical relations, perspectives, and economic assumptions are being reassessed and reframed. In parallel, the effects of liberalisation continue to shape the aviation sector, increasing the vulnerability of the industry. Learn more about ETF priorities for the coming years in the ETF Vision for Civil Aviation here.

Young Aviation Workers Demand Change!

From the outside, aviation may still seem like a glamorous industry. But for many young workers – aircrew, ground staff, and air traffic management (ATM) personnel – the daily reality is a grind of fatigue, insecurity, and unsustainable schedules. In two recent workshops hosted by ETF, young aviation workers shared their lived experiences around the topics of work-life balance and mental health.

ETF warns: Lowering air passenger rights will put frontline workers at risk

Aviation workers are concerned about the Council of Transport Ministers agreement on the air passenger rights reform decided by yesterday’s Transport Council. The agreed attacks on passenger rights, such as increasing the threshold for compensation from 3 to 4 hour delays, can have serious consequences for airlines and airports frontline workers, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) warns.

Airport legislation up for review

The Commission has initiated a fitness check of key airport regulations. If you agree that there are better ways to organise ground handling, to ensure the operational stability and social resilience, please engage and help us make sure that the voice of frontline workers and trade unions is heard. We show you how to take part in the survey sent out by DG Move.

Rising Traffic Demands Binding Safety Targets and Urgent Investment in ATM Staff

As flight numbers surge, the system designed to keep Europe’s skies safe is under growing strain. EU policies continue to demand more with less — putting safety, sustainability, and workers’ wellbeing in jeopardy.

ETF Welcomes New Ground Handling Regulation as a Watershed Moment for Aviation

On 7. March the European Commission published its new regulation raising standards for ground handling operations. The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes this publication as a significant milestone for the industry. Having been actively involved in the development of the regulation, ETF has provided expertise, insights, and recommendations to help shape the final outcome.

NGB Trade Union Guide – a new tool to prepare for crisis

In the last two years, the ETF has implemented the NGB Project – No going back: Protecting rights and promoting social dialogue in aviation through times of crisis. The NGB Toolbox Suite and NGB Trade Union Guide are now available for download.

Joint statement of Social Partners in Civil Aviation to address gender balance in aviation

Women in aviation – n this joint statement, the aviation social partners agree that the issue of gender balance in aviation should be considered a high priority for all stakeholders involved in the aviation sector.

Aviation: We are Not Going Back!

ETF has been pushing for crisis preparedness amongst unions in the aviation sector through the ‘No Going Back’ Project, an EU-funded initiative. Extensive research has been done under this project, leading to the creation of practical tools that will soon be provided to all ETF affiliates and the general public.

ETF Attends Court Hearing on Union Busting Case in Air Serbia

Since last year, Air Serbia management has been carrying out flagrant union busting activities, notably by targeting the leading members of JSSSV. After numerous calls for international action and a petition in 2023, the ETF persists in its solidarity with the workers of the Central Union of Aeronautical Stewardesses and Stewards (JSSSV) of Serbia.

For fair and sustainable employment in aviation: participate in the Ghent Study v2.0

In collaboration with social partners ECA and ENAA, the ETF has actively contributed to updating the Ghent Study survey, adapting it to the increasing complexity of aircrew employment, the liberalisation of the European aviation market and the emergence of new business models, such as wet-leasing. The resulting survey is now equipped to better capture complex working-hour schemes, intricate contractual ties and mental health struggles of aircrew workers.

Navigating Crisis in Civil Aviation: Insights from Meeting in Helsinki

On April 25th-26th, representatives from various civil aviation unions met in Helsinki for an intensive training session led by Kris Major,  Chair of the Joint Aircrew Committee and representative of the UK’s union Unite. The training was aimed at “bringing the crisis guide to life”, infusing it with the collective experience and insight of the attendees. This guide will eventually serve as a comprehensive collection of guidelines to equip union representatives with the essential skills and support to navigate crises adequately.

Germany: Breakthrough in Ground Handling: Industry Collective Agreement Signed!

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.

EU Elections: ETF Sectoral Manifestos Launched

Building on the groundswell of support for our comprehensive “A New Deal for Fair Transport” manifesto, we are proud to announce the launch of sectoral manifestos dedicated to Aviation, Logistics, Dockers & Seafarers, and Railways. These focused documents delve deeper into the specific challenges and demands of each sector, solidifying our unwavering commitment to securing fair treatment and decent jobs for all transport workers across Europe.

ETF Backs Serbian Workers in Fight Against Union Busting at Air Serbia

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has shown strong support for Serbian workers facing union suppression at Air Serbia, a state-owned airline. Demonstrating their commitment, ETF representatives visited the Serbian Embassy in Brussels on Monday, 11 December, delivering a petition signed by over 4,000 individuals This petition calls on the Serbian government to stop union busting within the public company.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to our new Steering Committee of the ETF Aviation Section!

Welcome to our new Steering Committee of the ETF Aviation Section!

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

#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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Ryanair: Reinstate sacked union leaders at Prague base!

ETF launches a petition to urge the Czech authorities to protect workers’ rights at Ryanair.

“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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transport workers for climate justice

ETF joins the Global Action Week for Climate and calls for climate justice for transport workers!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Ryanair workers visit European Parliament

We joined a group of activist workers meeting MEPs to tell them about their continuing struggles at the airline.

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.

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.

ETF and ITF congratulate Fórsa on Ryanair recognition deal

European transport workers end the year with a run of good news

Victory for Portuguese affiliate in negotiations on ground handling sector

Toolbox for successful Social Dialogue in Air Traffic Management

ETF meets Commissioner Thyssen to address social issues in transport

ETUC fears Low Fares Airlines induces race to the bottom

Support dismissed Wizz Air workers

European social partners fight against Flags of Convenience in Aviation

ITF and ITUC present Qatar Airways case to ILO

ITF acting general secretary backs workers’ rights in Sweden

ITF unveils new network for DHL pilots

Luxembourg unions celebrate dispute victory

ITF acting general secretary takes action on members’ concerns

Swissport’s Spanish strike continues despite strike-breaking

Interview with Ingo Kronsfoth on ETF 2013 Congress

European walkout for passenger safety

ETF and ITF call for re-opening of Helios Airways accident investigation

More Turkish airline workers reinstated after labour court order

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.