In Summary
Only 22% of transport workers are women, which makes transport one of the most gender segregated sectors of the economy.
Transport jobs are gradually becoming more open to women, but the workplace culture in many transport industries is still male-focused. Furthermore, the sector has a lot of work to do to ensure that women have equal access to employment with equal pay and career opportunities. Women transport workers also face shocking levels of harassment and violence. Until these problems are addressed, women’s participation and leadership in the sector will not improve significantly.
The ETF Women’s Committee strives for the improvement of women’s employment and quality of work. We campaign for a violence-free workplace and fight against the social dumping and precarious work that affect women transport workers.
Read more about our priorities.
Latest news about gender equality
View allPride Month: “Equality Is Not Declared: it must be Built” – An Interview with Béatrice Lestic
French union leader Béatrice Lestic calls for zero tolerance against workplace discrimination, arguing that true equality requires unions to actively create inclusive environments where LGBTQIA+ workers can be themselves without fear. Her message comes ahead of ETF’s “We are all equally different” conference in Paris on June 26-27, with registrations still open.
ETF Marks Pride Month: Fighting for LGBTQI+ Equality in Transport Workplaces
As Pride Month begins, the ETF reaffirms its strong commitment to equality, dignity, and respect for LGBTQI+ workers in the European transport sector. Despite legal progress in many countries, LGBTQI+ people – particularly trans and intersex individuals – still face daily harassment, hate crimes and discrimination. Much of this happens in public spaces and at the workplace: spaces where everyone should feel safe.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Together Against Discrimination
No one should fear being themselves at work—but for too many LGBTIQ+ people in Europe, that fear is still a daily reality. Nearly 1 in 5 report discrimination at work. Trade unions must take action. We demand safe, inclusive workplaces and strong EU-wide laws that truly protect everyone—on the job, in schools, and beyond. It’s time to move from promises to protection.