Press Release March 6, 2024 ETF and River Cruise Industry sign binding framework agreement On March 6, during the ITB in Berlin, EBU, ETF and IG RiverCruise signed a binding framework agreement to improve the working conditions on board river cruise vessels as well as to ensure a level playing field for the sector. This agreement is a first important step for the improvement of the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
News September 15, 2023 Water Transport Employment in Europe: The Role of Governance The European waterborne transport sector should be considered a strategic and key asset. It is just one of the conclusions the ETF underlines in the recently published final report of the EU-funded project “A fair and sustainable waterborne transport in Europe”. The report assesses the current state of water transport employment in Europe, links it to water transport governance and provides recommendations for reform.
Press Release March 31, 2023 Main conclusions of the sectoral consultation on the future crewing standards Conclusions of the second sectoral consultation on the future European standards relating to crews are out! Over 90 participants – employers and employees – participated in the event co-organized by UENF/OEB and ETF under the auspices of CESNI last December.
News January 27, 2023 Inland Water Transport workers and the Posting of Workers Directive As the ETF IWT Sections’ expert for many years on the coordination of social security in the European Inland Waterways Transport sector, Cécile Tournaye proposes a new path to identify the national applicable labour law in IWT. As the IWT sector in Europe has no flag-state legislation, determining the applicable national labour law is extremely difficult.
News January 24, 2023 ETF calls for the eradication of social dumping practices in IWT As Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) functions without having flag state legislation, it is challenging to indicate the national applicable labour law to those working in this de facto cross-border transport mode. ETF strongly urges the European Commission to ensure decent social security rights for all activities in IWT by eradicating social dumping practices in the sector.
News November 29, 2022 Towards a new European Crewing Regulation It’s the right time for ETF and its affiliates to be actively involved in the ongoing negotiations on the future crewing regulation.
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 20, 2022 When is enough going to be enough? We demand that shipping companies, Tug & Towage companies, Port Authorities, and other regulating bodies respect national and international health and safety regulations to provide a safe workplace for all.
News March 29, 2022 Silent no more: overworked tugboat workers are reaching breaking point It’s not surprising that workplace accidents are increasing in severity. Unsafe manning levels are more common. Legal rest times are being violated. Workers’ stress and fatigue levels are rising. The pressure being placed on tug and towage workers is pushing them to breaking point.
News March 17, 2022 ETF calls for solidarity amongst the entire Tug and Towage sector to protect workers’ rights We urge Svitzer Australia management to immediately reach a resolution with our affiliate unions that respects Svitzer Australia workers’ rights and security. At the same time, we ask the Svitzer management team to treat our fellow Svitzer workers with due respect.
News February 23, 2022 ETF calls for solidarity amongst the entire Tug and Towage sector We call on the Svitzer UK to take responsibility and engage in meaningful negotiations with Unite the Union and its inland waterways transport workers to find the best solutions for decent wages and working hours and end the current trade dispute over Pay Claim.
News February 15, 2022 The IWT working time agreement celebrates ten years Ten years after signing the European social partner’s agreement (SPA) on working time for inland waterways together with the European Social Partners – the European Barge Union (EBU) and the European Skippers’ Organisation (ESO) -the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) fully supports the European Commission’s recent urging all EU Member States (MS) to implement the Directive, regardless of the size of the inland water sector in their territory.
News July 15, 2021 Occupational health and safety: FuelEU Maritime lacks long-term vision Without delay, the European Commission must consider health and safety aspects to complete the FuelEU Maritime initiative.
News June 28, 2021 European Commission’s action plan to boost EU inland waterway transport could also boost workers’ rights ETF welcomes the European Commission’s action plan to boost transport on the EU’s inland waterways.
News June 10, 2021 Global minimum tax: a game changer for EU shipping? In light of the G7 summit of leaders starting this Friday, the ETF reiterates its call for an international agreement on a global minimum tax for multinational companies.
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.
News May 12, 2021 Could a global minimum tax be a game-changer for the way EU shipping is governed? The OECD proposal for a global minimum tax for multinational companies would ensure that corporations pay taxes and participate to the common societal effort regardless of where they base their operations.
News May 4, 2021 Inland Waterways in Europe: Market Insight Report April 2021 The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) has published the new Market Insight report April 2021 on European inland navigation. This edition has a special focus on France.
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:
News March 31, 2021 The Ever Given showed the importance of tug and towage workers, but their industry continues to cut dangerous corners The ETF and ITF respond to the blockage of the Suez Canal and emphasise that unless the industry’s ‘race to the bottom’ and workers’ safety concerns are addressed, the world could be in store for another Even Given-type crisis sooner than we think.
Event March 19, 2021 IWT stakeholders to hold Budapest Sessions on the future of the industry PLATINA3, a multi-stakeholder project that the ETF is part of, is holding its first event on 7-8 April in Budapest.
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.
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.
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!
Publication January 15, 2021 Navigating our way to a sustainable future ETF IWT section issues a position on Inland Waterways Transport’s role in the green transition, emphasising the need for significant investments to make the sector environmentally and socially sustainable.
News January 4, 2021 COMPETING: December 2020 Newsletter The COMPETING project aims to improve the recognition of professional qualifications in the inland waterways sector. Check out the newsletter for the latest updates.
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.
News December 1, 2020 Inland Waterways in Europe: Market Insight Report November 2020 The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) has published the new Market Insight report November 2020 on European inland navigation. This edition has a special focus on Austria.
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 Crisis as a game-changer: The future of waterborne transport is fair In light of Digital Transport Days taking place on 18 November, ETF Maritime team has published a paper on the future of waterborne transport. ETF’s vision of a fair and sustainable future of waterborne transport shows that there is an alternative to the current business practices in the sectors.
News October 9, 2020 Meet the Team: Estelle Brentnall, ETF Head of Maritime We check in with Estelle Brentnall to catch up about her work: the expectations, the reality, and the upcoming priorities for the maritime team.
News September 23, 2020 World Maritime Day: Sustainable working environments are essential for a sustainable maritime future ETF Maritime team issues an open letter on World Maritime Day, calling on the EU to be the leading force in working towards true sustainability, in promoting high social and environmental standards, and reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
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 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.
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.
News August 12, 2020 European Inland Navigation can resurface stronger than ever In an open letter, Joris Kerkhofs and Jacques Kerkhof reflect on the effects of the crisis on inland waterways transport (IWT) in Europe. They explore the ways this crisis has impacted the sector and how we can ensure that it plays a role in the sustainable future of European transport.
News July 16, 2020 COMPETING: July 2020 Newsletter The COMPETING project aims to improve the recognition of professional qualifications in the inland waterways sector. Check out the newsletter for the latest updates.
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 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 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!
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 4, 2020 IWT educational network EDINNA meets online Edinna – the educational network of inland waterway navigation schools and training institutes – brought together its members in an online meeting, to exchange information on how they’ve been coping with and adapting to the effects of COVID-19.
News June 2, 2020 IWT social partners respond to EC’s fitness check on market access legislation European IWT social partners – ETF, European Barge Union, and European Skippers’ Organisation – addressed a letter to European Commissioner for Transport A. Vàlean and European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs N. Schmit to present their positions on the coordination of social security in European Inland Waterways.
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 12, 2020 COVID-19: A green exit and growth strategy for inland waterways Representatives of inland waterway transport operators and workers, waterway authorities and ports addressed a letter to the European Commission, outlining a future of inland waterways. A future that sees the Green Deal as an exit and growth strategy out of the COVID-19 crisis.
News April 30, 2020 Inland Waterways in Europe: Market Insight Report April 2020 The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) has published the new Market Insight report April 2020 on European inland navigation. This edition has a special focus on Hungary.
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.
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!
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 14, 2020 COVID-19: Recommendations for urgent measures in inland waterways transport The socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inland waterways transport (IWT) is vast and continues to grow. ETF issued recommendations, calling on the European Commission, competent national authorities, local bodies and authorities, and employers to take action.
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.
News April 7, 2020 New European Standard for Qualifications in Inland Navigation CESNI published the new consolidated version of the European Standard for Qualifications in Inland Navigation.
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 March 26, 2020 Social partners voice their disapproval of CBER prolongation in a letter to von der Leyen In response to the recent CBER prolongation, social partners sent a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, expressing their disapproval of the decision pointing to the negative consequences of this action. The decision was not subject to a proper prior evaluation of effects and will likely have detrimental effects on many companies and workers of the logistics and supply chains in the EU.
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 19, 2020 COVID-19: A call for social dialogue in Inland Waterways This morning, European Barge Union released a statement, calling for the free movement of vessels and crew members, as well as flexibility in the application of the working time directive crewing regulations. On top of that, they propose the elimination of penalties in cases where these regulations are not respected. In response, we sent out a letter to EBU and ESO, emphasising the need for social dialogue in Inland Waterways in these difficult times.
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.
Statement March 13, 2020 “People must be put first!” – ETF reaction to the Opatija Declaration On Wednesday, EU Transport Ministers adopted the Opatija Declaration on the future outlook of EU Waterborne Transport. ETF welcomes the attention given to some of the ongoing industry challenges, and at the same time highlights several points that we believe merit further consideration and follow-up both of the EU Member States and the European Commission.
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.
Statement March 3, 2020 Statement against criminalisation of inland navigation crewmembers The ITF and ETF Inland Navigation Sections are very concerned that the Captain of the Viking Sigyn faces a long prison sentence after the tragic accident on the river Danube in Budapest May 2019.
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.
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 18, 2019 Water transport sectors meet in Hamburg to discuss the impacts of automation & digitalisation On 11 and 12 December, workers and union representatives from the water transport sectors met in Hamburg for a workshop on automation and digitalisation. The workshop is part of the project ETF Automation & Digitalisation Toolkit, aimed at developing tools to empower workers during the processes of automation and digitalization (A&D).
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.
News December 10, 2019 Inland Waterways in Europe: Market Insight Report November 2019 The latest CCNR report gives updated figures about operating conditions and various kinds of freight. This edition has a special focus on Germany.
News December 10, 2019 COMPETING: December 2019 Newsletter The COMPETING project aims to improve the recognition of professional qualifications in the inland waterways sector. Check out this newsletter for the latest updates.
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.
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 November 12, 2019 First CBA in the River Cruise Sector – smooth sailing ahead? ETF welcomes the CBA and acknowledges it as a first step in the right direction. Further positive changes are on their way as on November 7, the official negotiations for a European-wide agreement between IG River Cruise, European Barge Union (EBU) and ETF commenced. European Social Partners hope to reach a meaningful agreement by Autumn 2020.
Event October 29, 2019 ETF Seminar addresses new crewing rules for Inland Waterways ETF Inland Waterways Section meets in Genoa, Italy to discuss the follow-up of the TASCS project and priorities for the future crewing regulation.
News September 26, 2019 Cybersecurity in Inland Navigation Cybersecurity is a challenge faced by all sectors. A lot can be learnt from measures taken in other transport modes to shield the sector from possible cyber attacks.
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 12, 2019 New standards on competences and the corresponding knowledge and skills, on practical examinations, simulators and medical fitness Adoption and publication of the delegated directive incorporating concerning the standards on competences and the corresponding knowledge and skills, on practical examinations, on the approval of simulators and on medical fitness
News September 5, 2019 Inland Navigation Europe (INE) publishes its report 2018 INE 2018 Report available with the position of waterway authorities on the future of the sector.
Press Release July 26, 2019 EBU, ETF and IG Rivercruise sign agreement regarding river cruise activities On 25 July the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and IG Rivercruise signed an agreement, committing to work together on measures that support fair employment in the European river cruise sector.
News June 20, 2019 Svitzer workers go on strike in The Netherlands for the 9th time! Workers at the Dutch tug company continue their fight to get their overtime paid. Instead of working for free, they decided to do voluntary work in a different way: they got elderly people from a retirement home on board of boats and gave them a tour of the port!
Worker's Story June 12, 2019 A tug worker sends an SOS call about social dumping A tug captain from Antwerp has issued an SOS call, asking for action against social dumping in the sector. His story highlights a specific case of unfair competition in Belgium, but it is a story that will echo with tug captains across Europe. The ETF is building a network of tug captains, and we will stand with them in their struggle to defend decent pay and conditions in this vital profession.
News June 5, 2019 Does the recent river cruise accident in Budapest point to structural problems with safety? We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims who drowned on the Danube. There is still little clear information, but this is already the 4th accident of the year and the 2019 season is only just getting started. Although we agree that captains carry responsibility for the safety of their passengers and others on the water, we question the tendency to criminalise maritime workers after accidents
News May 15, 2019 Inland Waterways in Europe: Market Insight Report April 2019 The latest CCNR report gives updated figures about operating conditions and various kinds of freight. This edition has a special focus on Romania.
News May 14, 2019 Innovative Inland Navigation study report The final report of the study “Innovative Inland Navigation” from Edwin Verberght is available.
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.
News April 30, 2019 Svitzer workers strike in The Netherlands – their fight is our fight! Despite the actions undertaken in the recent days, the Svitzer workers from The Netherlands are forced to strike today since the company refuses to have meaningful negotiations on legitime pay rise and better conditions for tug workers.
News April 29, 2019 Saying no to exploitation in river cruise. Our message reaches the media. Swiss TV cover the ETF/Nautilus action of 25 March 2019
News April 26, 2019 COMPETING: April 2019 Newsletter The COMPETING project aims to improve recognition of professional qualitfications in the inland waterways sector. Check out this newsletter with the latest updates.
News April 10, 2019 Solidarity to Dutch colleagues! The ETF Tug Committee expresses its solidarity to the Dutch colleagues fighting for better conditions in Svitzer.
Publication April 3, 2019 TASCS Final Report The “Towards A Sustainable Crewing System” (TASCS) project is concluded and its Final Report is available in English, French, German and Dutch.
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.
Event March 26, 2019 Switzerland: fighting for a fair visa policy for river cruise crews! ETF and Nautilus carried out action in Basel to demand fair conditions for workers in the booming river cruise business.
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 21, 2019 European Tug workers show solidarity to their colleagues from Panama International solidarity works!
Event March 21, 2019 Tug workers meet in London. Let’s fight together for fair conditions! Participants from 10 countries meet to talk about the challenges facing the tug sector and its workers. We committed to further cooperation and also discussed future dialogue with representatives of tug industry employers.
News March 19, 2019 Fair Tugging Campaign ETF affiliates in Belgium, Italy, Spain and UK are flying the flag in support of our Fair Tugging Campaign!
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 January 9, 2019 First international definition of automation levels in Inland Navigation CCNR adopted definitions of automation in inland waterways
News January 9, 2019 CESNI Documents available New documents available to be downloaded from CESNI website
Publication January 9, 2019 Representativeness study for the Inland Waterway Transport sector Eurofound published the results of the representativeness study for inland waterways
Press Release December 18, 2018 Conference marks end of TASCS project on sustainable manning for inland waterways The event was the occasion to present to participants, which include the relevant institutions, bodies and stakeholders from the sector, the outcome of our research conducted by DST and Intergo in the framework of TASCS.
Publication December 12, 2018 Market insight: fall 2018 report New quarterly report on European inland navigation available
Publication December 5, 2018 ETF Position on automation in Inland Waterways The consequences of the introduction of the technological innovation in the inland waterways transport should be properly anticipated
News December 4, 2018 Exploiting full potential of inland waterways transport On 3 December 2018, the Council of European Union adopted conclusions on inland waterway transport.
News December 3, 2018 Berths in Inland Navigation CCNR press release on workshop on berths as element for a future oriented inland navigation.
News October 3, 2018 NAIADES II and report on Digital Inland Navigation EU rules on professional qualifications and labour mobility in European inland navigation.
Press Release September 20, 2018 River cruise workers’ look to a socially sustainable future as exploitation scandal rocks the industry River cruises are a big business, whose dark side has been revealed by journalists in the Netherlands and Germany.
Press Release September 20, 2018 As exploitation scandal rocks the industry, river cruise workers’ look to a socially sustainable future
Publication September 18, 2018 Vessel visits to assess manning requirements in inland waterways Experts are visiting inland vessels as part of the TASCS project. Read what they will look for.
Event September 5, 2018 Saint Petersburg seminar tackles automation in Europe’s Inland Waterways Every year the ETF Inland Waterways Section organises a seminar to learn from experiences and share expertise.
Event June 28, 2018 TASCS Expert Workshop Valuable insights added to the preliminary conclusions of the researchers.
Statement June 21, 2018 Solidarity with tug workers on the Panama Canal At its first meeting the ETF Tug Steering Committee sent a solidarity message to workers on the Panama Canal.
News June 21, 2018 Tug Steering Committee Chairs elected Jacques Kerkhof (Belgium) will be Chair and Richard Crease (UK) as Vice-Chair.
News May 29, 2018 TASCS Project: midway evaluation Time to evaluate the research before drafting crewing policy for the future.
Publication May 21, 2018 Our River Cruise Booklet – informing and organising workers Information about workers’ rights and details of local trade union activists.
Statement April 21, 2018 Social partners decry violence in inland waterways Joint declaration for the elimination of violence against women and LGBTQI workers in the sector
News April 21, 2018 Social dumping is hampering social security harmonisation – but we can do better Dedicated working group addresses issues where social security causes social dumping .
Statement March 14, 2018 A future for the River Cruise Campaign? ETF affiliates ask ITF Congress for ongoing financial and logistical support.
Press Release November 14, 2017 European Social Partners welcome the Inland Waterway Transport Directive on recognition of professional qualifications
Event September 18, 2017 Does Europe’s inland waterways transport need apprentices? Annual Seminar 2017
News February 21, 2017 Inland Waterways Section calls on ETF Congress to establish Tug Committee Committee to establish a tug policy & strategy, and develop tools to protect workers in the sector.
Press Release January 30, 2017 German government paves the way for social dumping in the river cruise sector ETF troubled by position on Schengen visas for employment on Swiss vessels.
News September 21, 2016 50 years of social dialogue in European Inland Navigation sector Deep cooperation has resulted in tangible, balanced and productive outcomes.
Statement July 26, 2016 Social Partners and Aquapol demand EU legislative framework for inland waterways
Event July 8, 2016 Inland waterways 2026: regulated and controlled – and also social? ETF seminar debates the future of our industry.
Statement September 24, 2015 Solidarity with the Tug workers on the Panama canal ETF/ITF Tug Conference issued solidarity statement
Statement September 21, 2015 We must end the war on tug tarrifs Major tug operators are consolidating in order to increase profit margins by imposing unfair tariffs and demands on local tug operators.
Event September 18, 2015 How can we organise Fair Inland Waterways Transport? Fair social conditions must be in place in order to enhance labour mobility and to attract new and young workers to Europe’s Inland Waterways.
News March 11, 2015 Kick off for new Tug Network ETF and ITF affiliates declare their renewed intention to engage in closer cooperation…
Press Release December 11, 2014 European Social Partners welcome the Inland Waterway Transport Council Directive on working time
Event September 30, 2014 A new EU crewing system for inland waterways? No new regulations without additional and appropriate controlling capacity
Event November 6, 2013 What will EU framework on harmonised professional qualifications mean for inland waterways? Safety on European waters is an absolute priority.