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In Summary

All eyes are on rail transport as one of the most sustainable modes of transport to help Europe achieve the necessary climate targets. However, the push for liberalisation we have witnessed in the last decades has not helped the sector nor its workers. The ETF railway section intends to strive for a socially sustainable sector, with adequate public funding, attractive working conditions and a safe work environment for all workers.

Our priorities for 2022 – 2027 are:

  • Promoting public railways
  • Safety and security on European railways;
  • Attracting you and female workers to the rail industry to face the demographic challenge. This can only be achieved by providing good working conditions and wages for all workers in the sector;
  • Digitalisation and Automation: A just transition, workers’ involvement in developing and introducing new technologies and adequate (re-)training schemes;
  • Social dialogue: Achieving binding results with our social partner, CER, that effectively improve the working conditions of railway workers and making sure previous agreements are implemented and respected.

Latest news on railways

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Statement September 1, 2023

ETF Solidarity after railway accident in Italy

ETF in solidarity with Italian Unions after 5-death tragedy in Italy’s railway.

A serious rail accident occurred last night on the railway line between Brandizzo and Chivasso, Italy. Five railway infrastructure maintenance workers died, and 3 other workers were injured.

News July 14, 2023

JT4Mobility Rail workshop: is Europe on track?

ETF and IndustriAll Europe joint JT4 Mobility workshop in Cologne discussed EU rail transport policies and rail development in Europe. Both organisations share concerns about constraints to achieve a Just Transition and the means currently available for rail workers, including the absence of a level playing field with other transport modes and insufficient investment.