Statement September 19, 2024 ETF Expresses Solidarity with Communities Affected by Central and Eastern Europe Floods The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and its Rail Steering Committee have issued messages of solidarity to its affiliates and the broader community in Central and Eastern Europe following the devastating floods caused by Storm Boris. This extreme weather event has had a severe impact across Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Italy and Romania, with extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and transport systems.
News June 24, 2024 “We Want to Work, Not Starve”: Rail Workers Protest in Warsaw Against PKP Cargo’s Forced Leave Policy On June 19, 2024, NSZZ Solidarność protested at PKP CARGO S.A. headquarters in Warsaw against the interim Management Board’s decision to place up to 30% of workers on forced leave with only 60% of their salaries. Under the slogan “We want to work, not starve,” the union demanded the reinstatement of terminated agreements and criticized the lack of negotiations, while acting CEO Marcin Wojewódka was reportedly on vacation.
News June 3, 2024 France: Thousands of Railway Workers Rally to Defend Public Train Service On May 28, nearly 8,000 railway workers, organized by the Trade Unions representing railways workers, gathered in Paris for an important demonstration. This event marked a unified stand against the ongoing dismantling of France’s public railway system, the SNCF, under the pressure of liberalization and competition from the private sector. It also highlighted broader concerns about other European railway systems facing similar issues.
News May 16, 2024 Interview with Giorgio Tuti: “Europe Needs to Invest In Its Railway System” Switzerland is currently negotiating a new framework agreement with the EU. The union of Swiss transport workers SEV is demanding that the Swiss government does not give in to pressure from the EU Commission to agree to a market opening for international rail passenger transport. The SEV is also supporting the Swiss Trade Union Federation’s demand to protect wages. Switzerland’s negotiations are also in the interest of the ETF, the European Transport Workers’ Federation. The former SEV president Giorgio Tuti is president of the rail sector at the ETF. A discussion on current European politics.
Publication May 8, 2024 EU Land Transport Labour Market: A Critical Examination of Trends and Policy Implications Two years ago, the ETF launched a project to look in more detail at the roots of the above trends. Three reports – on road, rail and urban public transport were developed within the frame of the project to cast light on how liberalisation and market-opening policies led to undesirable effects that put at stake the very goals and objectives set by the same policymakers.
News April 22, 2024 Standing still in Solidarity: Workers in the Transport Sector Call for Safer Working Conditions Across the Netherlands on Saturday, trams, buses, metros, and trains came to a standstill for a few minutes. This pause was not due to technical issues or scheduling conflicts; rather, a symbolic protest the rising tide of violence faced by transportation workers. It’s a call to action by trade unions and companies to ensure a safer working condition. The national railways (NS) along with most public transport companies all stopped for three minutes on Saturday night at 10.30pm.
Statement April 22, 2024 ETF, CER and UITP Joint Statement on EU Economic Governance Reform ETF, UITP and CER issued a joint statement, highlighting that achieving the EU’s ambitious climate goals, particularly those related to transport emissions, hinges on significant investments in rail and urban public transport. The existing modal shift objectives established by the EU cannot be realistically achieved without a strong focus on these sectors.
News April 18, 2024 Advocating for Fair and Sustainable Rail Freight in Europe In a roundtable discussion on the future of goods transport at the European Parliament, the perspectives of railway workers, various European industries and policymakers came together. The conversation, organized by MEP René Repasi in collaboration of ETF, centered around the challenges and opportunities the rail freight sector faces in Europe. The event saw a vibrant exchange of input and positions calling for consistency in policy making, as well as highlighting the importance of the rail freight sector.
Opportunity to Tender April 2, 2024 Call for Consultant: Expert to Analyze Women’s Role in European Rail Sector ETF and CER are looking for an expert to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the position of women in the European railway sector. Interested experts are invited to submit their applications by April 12th at 12:00 PM.
Statement April 2, 2024 European Transport Workers’ Federation Calls for a Visionary Future for Rail Transport in Europe As the Connecting Europe Days unfold, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stands with a resounding call for European policymakers to prioritize the future of rail transport on the continent. The railway sector has long been the backbone of European mobility, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. However, without a cohesive and visionary strategy for its advancement, the potential of rail transport remains largely untapped.
News February 14, 2024 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.
Statement December 20, 2023 The closure of SNCF Fret will not go ahead The commission set up by the French parliament to investigate the French government’s decision to shut down SNCF Fret decides against the closure. The ETF joins its French railway member organisations in welcoming this decision.
Press Release December 12, 2023 ETF Joined ETUC Demonstration in Brussels to Protest Austerity 2.0 and Advocate for Rail Freight The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), its affiliates, and a significant delegation of ETF railway workers have united with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) in a march to the European institutions in Brussels. Their purpose is to voice strong opposition to plans for the commencement of the austerity 2.0 program slated for the upcoming year.
Statement November 22, 2023 ETF stands for public rail freight, for the jobs and the planet The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is urging the European Union to halt its investigations into state aid for DB Cargo in Germany and SNCF Fret in France. This call for action is part of a broader campaign to safeguard the future of rail freight in Europe, a sector critical to the continent’s environmental and economic health.
News October 23, 2023 Joint Letter Urges EU Commission to Halt Investigations and Support Rail Freight A coalition of European Parliament members and trade unions, including ETF and its affiliates, have jointly penned a letter to the European Commission, expressing their grave concerns about ongoing investigations into rail freight operators of France and Germany, and calling for decisive action to support the rail freight sector’s growth and sustainability.
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.
News July 13, 2023 Italy: A protest to claim a fair future for railway workers and to defend the right to strike The ETF stands in solidarity with our Italian affiliates and rail workers’ unions. We pledge our unwavering support to the workers of Trenitalia and Italo as they strive for fair working conditions and the protection of their rights.
Press Release July 12, 2023 ETF points out contradictions in EC’s Greening Transport Package The advances that could come from the Greening Transport Package, presented by the European Commission, are shadowed by a striking incoherence that the ETF must point out. The facilitation of cross-border operations of “gigaliners”, the 44-tonne longer and heavier vehicles with European Modular Systems running on fossil fuels, will be an obstacle to reach a clean and just transition to a carbon-neutral freight industry.
News July 5, 2023 For a safe revision of the European Train Drivers’ Directive A good revision of the European Train Drivers’ Directive (TDD) must ensure safety and good working conditions first. It is what rail workers across Europe asked at a TDD debate hosted in the European Parliament. ETF has been following the TDD revision from the very start and is committed to achieving a safe and sustainable rail that provides high-quality jobs.
News July 5, 2023 The path to green transport: reviving rail freight across Europe The rise of green transport starts with the end of social and environmental dumping in the transport sector. At the ETF, we advocate for a comprehensive re-evaluation of transport policies, with particular attention to reviving rail freight services across Europe.
News June 22, 2023 ETF stand united with its French railway unions in Lille An ETF delegation joined its French affiliates CGT-Cheminots, CFDT- Cheminots and UNSA-Ferroviaire in Lille on Thursday, 22 June 2023, in a protest against expanding privatisation of rail in France. ETF continues to work hard to defend railways and its workers to ensure that rail transport is a public service fit for a fair and sustainable Europe.
News June 21, 2023 ETF stands by its Swiss rail union in their stand against encroaching liberalisation ETF stands by its Swiss transport workers’ union, SEV, in opposing the liberalisation demands of passenger rail under ongoing Switzerland and the EU negotiations on a cooperation agreement.
Statement June 13, 2023 Railway workers condemn EU attacks on rail freight ETF, together with our rail affiliates EVG, CGT Cheminots, CFDT Chemino and UNSA-Ferroviaire, strongly condemn the EU attacks on rail freight and call for an adequate strategy for the railway sector in Europe that promotes climate-friendly rail freight transport.
News May 26, 2023 A message of support from ETUC 15th Congress against further liberalisation of rail and attacks on French rail freight. European Trade Union Confederation’s (ETUC) 15th Congress sends a resounding message of support for French railway workers. The ETUC has made a clear pledge of solidarity and cooperation with the transport workers of Europe in their struggle against policies that come at the expense of transport workers. With this support, the ETF strives to ensure that rail transport is a public service fit for a fair and sustainable Europe.
News April 27, 2023 Train drivers raise concerns about the future of the rail industry at ETF conference Train drivers spoke out on the reality of their work at ETF’s Future of Train Driving Conference in the presence of EU policymakers.
News April 14, 2023 Rail industry worker shortage crisis: Why better working conditions are vital As the worker shortage crisis in the rail industry continues, rail workers across Europe are taking action to demand better working conditions and increased investment in staff.
Event April 7, 2023 ETF Conference on the Future of Train Driving in Brussels on 26 April ETF’s Conference on the Future of Train Driving in Brussels on 26 April will gather train drivers and policymakers to exchange views on the Train Drivers Directive and how we can ensure a safe and sustainable future for train driving. Don’t miss out; register today!
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.
Press Release March 16, 2023 EU rail experts, ETF and CER, call for safe and feasible Train Drivers Directive Revision ETF and CER have issued a joint recommendation for the revision of the Train Drivers Directive outlining suggestions for a certification scheme and communication approach that ensures railway safety, operational efficiency, and workers’ health and safety.
News March 9, 2023 Unions want to tackle third-party violence surge in public transport Recent events have highlighted the continued risk of third-party violence in public transport. Governments and employers must provide concrete solutions that ensure maximum safety for transport workers and minimise the risk of third-party violence.
News March 2, 2023 ETF takes a stand for democracy and public transport ahead of 2024 EU elections On February 28, a group of EU MEPs, transport workers, and unions protested the European Commission’s undemocratic attempt to force the liberalisation of public transport by rail and road without involving the Council and the European Parliament.
Statement March 1, 2023 Solidarity statement from ETF following railway accident in Greece The ETF expresses our profound sadness and distress over the tragic collision of a passenger and freight train in Greece last night, resulting so far in the loss of 36 lives and leaving many more injured.
News February 21, 2023 Transport workers and unions rally for democracy: ETF protests European Commission’s attempt to force public transport liberalisation On 28 February, the ETF will take action in Brussels to protest the European Commission’s undemocratic attempt to force the liberalisation of public transport by rail and road behind the backs of the Council and the European Parliament.
Statement January 23, 2023 European trade unions condemn UK government’s anti-strike legislation ETF, EPSU and ETUCE, representing millions of public service, transport and education workers across Europe, strongly condemn the UK government’s plans to legislate on minimum service levels.
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 8, 2022 Rail strikes will continue across Europe until fair agreements are reached The ETF stands with our unions and workers facing difficult negotiations and taking industrial action.
Statement December 5, 2022 Joint Statement by ETF and CER on the Revision of the Train Drivers Directive Safety must be key in the revision of the Train Drivers Directive.
Statement October 20, 2022 To meet climate goals, EU Transport Ministers must first tackle social issues in rail Tomorrow, Transport Ministers will meet to discuss the future of EU rail. Ahead of their meeting, the ETF underlines the lack of decent jobs, which is driving workers out of the industry and warns against the European Commission’s push for liberalisation.
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.
News October 4, 2022 Rail workers on strike to save Belgian railways Belgium’s rail workers are on strike this October 5 to call on the government to invest in rail.
News September 19, 2022 Social partner project on employability in rail confirms workers must take centre stage in digital transition The ETF and CER EU social partner report: Employability in the Rail Sector in Light of Digitalisation and Automation explores how to maintain employability in the face of the digital transition, with the human factor taking centre stage.
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.
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!
News June 21, 2022 ETF solidarity with UK transport workers on strike to defend jobs, pay and conditions The ETF stands by its UK unions and their present and future industrial actions.
News June 7, 2022 French rail company mocks female freight drivers’ need for access to toilets; offers period briefs instead SNCF’s latest measure is a far cry from the Women in Rail Agreement signed by Social Partners in the rail sector (CER and ETF) back in November, which is binding and aims to attract more women to the rail sector, and improve their working conditions.
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.
Statement March 15, 2022 ETF Railway Section calls for peace The Steering Committee of the ETF Railway Section condemns the war in Ukraine as we condemn all wars worldwide.
News December 8, 2021 ETF Rail Section elects new Steering Committee Welcome to the new Steering Committee of the ETF Railway Section for the 2022 – 2027 period.
Statement December 7, 2021 Belgium must invest in railway workers to ensure staff and passenger security Following a vicious attack on a Belgian train conductor, ETF Railway Section calls on the Belgian government and national railway company, SNCB, to step up investments to solve issues of understaffing and insecurity.
Press Release November 5, 2021 Women in Rail Agreement signed and ready for implementation ETF and CER have officially signed the Women in Rail autonomous agreement aimed at promoting employment of women in the sector, marking its entry into force.
News October 27, 2021 ETF affiliates united across Europe to claim a European Year of Railway Workers Throughout the journey of Connecting Europe Express, the ETF and its affiliates made sure that the voices of railway workers weren’t left out with actions to remind policymakers that railway workers are the future of rail!
News September 2, 2021 Connecting Europe Express takes off today – All Aboard for a European Year of Railway Workers! Today Connecting Europe Express takes off from Lisbon, a key highlight of this European Year of Rail 2021. But this year isn’t just about trains and infrastructure; it’s also about the people making it all possible: railway workers.
Press Release July 1, 2021 Women in Rail – Provisional EU Social Partner Agreement reached Social partners ETF and CER reached a provisional agreement in the final round of negotiations at EU level for a binding agreement aimed at promoting employment of women in the sector.
Info June 15, 2021 Trade unionists test digital automatic coupling to ensure safety of future work environments An ETF delegation tested Digital Automatic Coupling prototypes for rail freight to obtain workers’ experiences and assessments for further work and to ensure a safe work environment.
Press Release June 9, 2021 Women in Rail – EU level negotiations between social partners – 3 out of 7 negotiation rounds have taken place On 7 June, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), representing railway sector employers, and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing employees, finalized the 3rd round of negotiations at EU level for a binding agreement aimed at promoting employment of women in the sector.
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 June 2, 2021 Lessons learned from three decades of liberalisation in the railway sector Boundless competition does not improve any aspect of rail transport. Instead, ETF calls for more cooperation on the railways to improve cross border connections, guarantee high-quality service in all regions and encourage multi-modal transport.
Press Release May 18, 2021 Women in Rail – EU-level negotiations between social partners resume Today, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing employees, and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), representing railway sector employers, resumed negotiations at EU-level for a binding agreement aimed at promoting women’s employment in the sector.
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:
Statement March 19, 2021 ETF stands by Finnish railway workers and their fight to protect their working conditions The ETF lends all of its support to Finnish railway union RAU and the Finnish locomotive drivers striking in Helsinki right now to protest against government-owned railway company VR and its attempts to weaken collective agreements and working conditions.
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.
Union Action February 15, 2021 Over 70 railway workers’ positions at stake – European Year of Rail off to a bad start in Belgium Over 70 positions in Belgian rail are at stake following the unilateral decision taken by the Management Board of SNCB. The Belgian government wants to promote rail as a means of ecological transport and transport of the future. But the Belgian unions and the ETF do not want this to be done to the detriment of social matters!
News February 4, 2021 ETF Talks – EYR 2021: Boosting rail with railway workers on board? The third episode of ETF Talks focusses on the European Year of Rail 2021, the role of rail in contributing to climate goals, why policies have failed so far, the effects of social shortcomings of the sector on railways workers and what needs to be done to boost railways with its workforce on board.
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!
News December 18, 2020 Strengthening the railway sector and supporting railway workers is an investment in a green and social future European social partners in rail, ETF and CER, issued a joint declaration, expressing gratitude to railway workers who worked throughout the pandemic and recognising the key role the sector can play in a green and social future.
News December 15, 2020 Just transition must be embedded in a comprehensive rail freight strategy: conditions for the introduction of a Europe-wide coupling system The ETF publishes a position paper on digital automatic coupling in European rail freight.
Statement December 10, 2020 All aboard for a European Year of Railway Workers! The ETF calls for a European Year of Railway Workers. A year that not only focusses on how rail can best achieve to contribute to Europe’s climate neutrality but also on improving the working conditions for railway workers without which the industry would cease to function.
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 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.
Statement November 19, 2020 World Toilet Day: Women Transport Workers tell it like it is Part of providing a safe and adequate work environment for women transport workers is having and providing access to decent sanitary facilities. However, when we interviewed around 3,000 women in transport, it emerged that access to toilets is a serious issue affecting their health and safety at work.
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.
News October 23, 2020 Not so brave new railway world: TRAN S&D MEPs take note of social situation in railways ETF Railway Section Chair Giorgio Tuti and ETF Deputy General Secretary and Political Secretary for Rail, Sabine Trier joined the Transport Working group of the S&D Group in the European Parliament to give an overview of the social situation in the rail sector.
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 17, 2020 Solidarity message from ETF following railway accident in Scotland The ETF is saddened to learn about the terrible rail accident on 12 August near Stonehaven. With great sadness, we learned that the crash claimed lives of the driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie, and one of the passengers, Chris Stuchbury.
News August 4, 2020 Solidarity message from ETF following railway accident in Portugal ETF is shocked and saddened to learn about the terrible rail accident on 7 August 2020 in Portugal which resulted in the death of two maintenance workers and 37 injured. ETF presents its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the tragic accident.
News July 16, 2020 Solidarity message from ETF following railway accident in Czechia ETF is shocked and saddened to learn about the terrible rail accident on 14 July 2020 near Prague which resulted in the death of one of the train drivers, and 35 injured. ETF presents its sincere condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues of the train driver.
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 10, 2020 ETF expresses solidarity following railway accident in Czechia ETF was shocked and saddened to learn about the terrible rail accident on 7 July 2020 near Pernink in Karlovy Vary, Czechia. We present our sincere condolences to the families, loved ones, relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims of this tragic accident.
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.
Union Action June 1, 2020 COVID-19: EVG signs cooperation to protect railway workers’ rights! German union EVG initiated and signed a cooperation with the German Ministry of Transport and Deutsche Bahn to protect railway workers’ rights during COVID-19.
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 13, 2020 COVID-19: ETF decries death of assaulted UK railway worker Belly Mujinga ETF is shocked and devasted to learn of the death of Belly Mujinga, TSSA union member and railway ticket officer for Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Southern, who died of Coronavirus in April after being spat on by a member of the public while carrying out her duties.
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!
Statement April 23, 2020 COVID-19 – Railway workers keep society running! ETF calls on governments and competent authorities managing public transport services, railway companies and infrastructure managers as well as all sub-contractors delivering services to the railways to recognize the importance of railway workers and to respect their health and safety, employment, financial stability and collective rights. Our statement lays out what should be done to protect railway workers, and looks towards the future of railways after COVID-19.
Union Action April 23, 2020 COVID-19: Passenger charter is “key element in guaranteeing a safe way to work” in public transport (vida, younion joint action) ETF affiliates vida and younion; the Austrian Chamber of Economics representing the employers, and the Ministry for Climate, Environment, Mobility and Energy have adopted a “Passenger Charter” that aims to create a safe atmosphere and rebuild the trust of passengers and workers after weeks of being warned not to use public transport.
Worker's Story April 10, 2020 COVID-19: “Women railway workers are torn between the importance of our job and our fear of spreading the virus to our families”, says Italian train guard An Italian train guard (onboard personnel) sheds light on the situation of railway workers in Italy.
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.
Publication April 9, 2020 Rail Social Partners launch 6th annual report on Women in Rail The rail social partners ETF and CER have released the 6th annual report mapping the situation of women’s employment in the railway sector.
Union Action April 8, 2020 Union action in the time of COVID-19: SEV President, Giorgio Tuti speaks out
Union Action April 6, 2020 Union action in time of COVID-19: VSZ hard at work to ensure health & safety of railway workers VSZ, Trade Union of Hungarian Railwaymen, is working hard to guarantee a safe workplace for their railway workers!
Worker's Story April 3, 2020 COVID-19: Italian women transport workers speak out Women transport workers from Italy speak out about working during COVID-19!
News April 3, 2020 Solidarity with our German affiliates and all transport workers! We were shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible train accident of April 3, 2020, near the German town of Auggen in which a German locomotive driver lost his life and several other transport workers were injured. We express our solidarity with our German affiliates and all transport workers in this difficult moment.
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!
Worker's Story March 31, 2020 COVID-19: Finnish train guard speaks out Railway workers are on the frontline and are in constant contact with passengers: “It’s scary for us all to work at the moment in these dirty trains with all the bacteria running around. Drivers are scared to touch the buttons and the driving table. We can’t go to visit them anymore. Conductors are scared to get COVID-19 from passengers or give it to them”.
Statement March 20, 2020 Solidarity with our French affiliates and all railway workers! We were shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible train accident of March 18, 2020, near the Strasbourg train station in which a railway track maintainer lost his life and a second track maintainer was seriously injured. Solidarité à nos affiliés français et à tous les cheminots dans ce moment difficile.
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 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 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.
News February 8, 2020 Land transport modes come together to discuss digitalisation and automation For the first time, the ETF land transport sections came together to discuss the topic of digitalisation and automation within the scope of ETF’s “ETF Automation & Digitalisation Toolkit (EADT)” project.
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.
News December 19, 2019 ETF stands in solidarity with Belgian railway workers On behalf of the European Transport Workers’ Federation, representing more than 5 million transport workers, we want to express our solidarity with the railway employees of Belgium and their legitimate and justified strike.
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!
News December 11, 2019 ETF stands in solidarity with Keolis/eurobahn railway workers ETF shares support and solidarity for EVG’s Keolis/eurobahn railway strike in Germany.
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 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 8, 2019 ETF & ITF talk EU rail policy developments with Norwegian workers’ delegation A delegation of public service and transport workers’ representatives from West and South of Norway, LO Stat, visited the International Transport Workers’ Federation to exchange views on the challenges transport workers face today.
News November 6, 2019 Celebrating 20 Years of Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee & looking forward Railway social partners and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) gathered with ETF for the annual plenary meeting of the Rail Sectoral Social Dialogue. Social partners negotiated their joint work programme for the next two years and agreed to focus on women’s employment and equal opportunities in the railway sector, ensuring railway safety in an open and competitive market, working and resting time rules, and employability in the light of digitalisation and automation.
News October 23, 2019 Safety first! “Guards must be kept on board trains!”, declare ETF’s expert groups The Locomotive Drivers’ Advisory Group and the On-Board Personnel Advisory Group, meeting in Brussels on 21-22 October, expressed their solidarity with French railway workers following an accident that occurred on October 16 between Mohon and Poix-Terron in Eastern France which involved a driver-only operation (DOO) train. DOOs are dangerous for both the train driver and the passengers: guards must be kept on board trains!
News October 16, 2019 Rail social partners start negotiations on agreement to promote women’s employment Women account for less than 20% of the railway workforce, a figure that is alarmingly below the 46% participation rate of women in the labour market. Railway companies and trade unions are convinced that the situation needs to change in order to avoid missing out on the valuable contribution of women, to promote diversity at the workplace, and eventually harmonise the railway sector’s image with the reality of the society in which rail customers live.
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!
Publication July 25, 2019 ETF Railway Section Newsletter – Edition 14 (July 2019) Check out the latest news on our railway activities.
News July 5, 2019 It’s all on track for women in rail! Social partners ETF and CER have given a green light for the start of negotiations on an autonomous agreement about women in rail. Meeting at the Rail Social Dialogue Steering Committee, the two organisations also discussed working conditions for mobile workers engaged in cross-border rail services.
News June 18, 2019 ETF supports train guards in the UK in their strike action to defend jobs and safety Our affiliate union RMT is calling on workers at the UK’s South Western Railway to begin a five-day strike today. The employer provoked this action by reneging on an earlier promise to guarantee the continued presence of on-board staff, who are vital for passengers’ safety and security.
News June 14, 2019 ETF supports the women’s strike today in Switzerland! More pay! More time! More respect! That’s the demand from hundreds of thousands of women in Switzerland, who are still denied their constitutional right to equal pay while facing higher levels of unemployment and gender-based violence.
News June 4, 2019 French railway workers are back on the streets to protest against Macron’s risky reforms Four French trade unions organising railway workers have called for a national demonstration in Paris today, as the Macron government pushes ahead with reforms that are bad for passengers and staff. Solidarité à nos collègues!
News June 4, 2019 Happy Birthday SEV! Our Swiss affiliate celebrates 100 years Our Deputy General Secretary, Sabine Trier, was in Bern to join the Congress of SEV – the Swiss Transport Workers Union. She brought congratulations for SEV’s 100th anniversary, and stressed the need for international solidarity between workers and their unions.
News May 28, 2019 ETF supports Dutch transport workers in strike for fair pensions Dutch workers are fighting for the right to enjoy their pension in good time, and without financial worries. As transport workers stand united, there will be no bus, train, tram or metro driving that day in the Netherlands.
News May 17, 2019 ETF attends 19th Congress of the Trade Union of Hungarian Railway Workers in Budapest ETF’s Deputy General Secretary, Sabine Trier, addressed VSZ’s Congress with a message of solidarity and thanks for the union’s voice in Central and Eastern Europe. She also called on all union members to get out and vote for candidates who support workers in the upcoming EU elections.
News May 14, 2019 Ukrainian railway workers have our support as they rally in Kiev for safety, fair contracts and decent pay The TURTCWU is calling on the government to respect the collective agreements of the railways and take urgent action to maintain the Ukrainian railway system. Our Executive Committee has sent a strong message to the Ukrainian government, and we offer support to the TURTCWU in this dispute.
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 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 31, 2019 ETF visits Polish railway trade unions to discuss social dumping cases in the region Railway workers in Poland face difficulties caused by liberalisation, excessive workload and dangerous conditions. We pledged to stand together for Fair Transport!
Info December 29, 2018 Women in Rail Annual Reports These annual reports offer a statistical view on women’s position in the rail sector, which is a unique tool in the transport sector in Europe. They also promote and monitor the implementation of the CER-ETF Joint Recommendations for a better representation and integration of women in the railway sector.
Event December 18, 2018 EWC Seminar in Rome for Road and Rail sectors Representatives from Railways and Road Sectors meet in Rome for a Seminar on EWC.
News December 13, 2018 ETF sends condolences to Turkish affiliates after fatal rail accident near Ankara The crash at Marşandiz killed 9 people and injured more than 40. It raises questions about safety and investment in Turish railways.
News November 29, 2018 ETF supports Austrian railway workers in strike action The Austrian railway workers organised a 2-hours long warning strike on Monday 26th November 2018 after failure of 10 rounds of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement assuring important framework working conditions.
News November 16, 2018 European social partners in rail decide to enter into negotiations ETF and CER will negotiate an Autonomous Agreement to promote women in the rail sector. The Women in Rail Task Force has been given the mandate to prepare the negotiations that should start in the second half of 2019.
News November 15, 2018 Japanese transport workers’ delegation visits ETF They learned about the struggles of European transport workers, the ETF, and the main activities within the railway section.
News October 29, 2018 ETF backs Italian railway workers in strike action Italian unions Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl and Uiltrasporti called a strike on Friday 26 October to fight for social protection and decent working conditions in the railway sector.
Publication October 23, 2018 Rail Mobile Workers: Final project report ETF and CER, European social partners for railways, have been assessing the implementation of their 2004 Agreement on the working conditions of mobile workers in interoperable cross-border railway services.
News October 10, 2018 On-board Personnel Advisory Group evaluates the “You’re Welcome” campaign We are fighting to keep on-board staff on Europe’s trains. At this meeting, numerous ETF affiliates presented their national contributions to the “You’re Welcome” campaign on the European action day of 4 October.
News October 5, 2018 YOU’RE WELCOME – Railway workers across Europe take action to defend on-board staff Check out our actions to defend the safety, security and wellbeing of passengers.
News October 3, 2018 YOU’RE WELCOME! Unions across Europe rally to keep skilled staff on trains Driver-only trains destroy quality jobs, exclude vulnerable passengers and risk everyone’s safety.
Statement July 3, 2018 Sustainable transport and fair competition: Railway employers and trade unions back road workers in call for decent EU Mobility Package
Info May 29, 2018 What is Social Dumping in Rail? Social dumping occurs when companies abuse the opportunities offered by the free movement within the single market to undercut or evade existing labour standards and regulations, or to take unfair advantage of loopholes in the legislation. Europ’s railways market has many situations where social dumping can and does occur.
Press Release April 18, 2018 “French rail workers are not only defending themselves!” Unions across Europe support struggle against unjustified reforms
Press Release December 11, 2017 Rail Sector Social Dialogue appoints new Chair and Vice-Chair, and agrees work programme for 2018-19
Press Release December 12, 2016 ETF Mobilises in Strasbourg against amended PSO regulation on public transport
Press Release October 26, 2016 Call for stronger focus on human element at ETF Railway Safety Conference
Event June 2, 2016 European railway trade unions protest against illegal dismissal of Croatian trade union representative Dalibor Petrovic received notice of his dismissal on the grounds of “loss of confidence”, while he was solely executing his trade union duty. Now the ETF Executive Committee denounces his dismissal.
Press Release April 28, 2016 Railway safety must be the first priority – EP vote on 4th Railway Package technical pillar
Press Release December 4, 2015 Social partners CER and ETF call for a ‘fairness and growth plan for rail freight’
Press Release October 8, 2015 ETF comments the Common Approach of the EU Transport Council on the 4th Railway Package
Press Release October 2, 2015 Railway workers demand the Transport Council to reject the Commission proposals on the political pillar of the 4th Railway Package
Event May 23, 2015 Your Safety and Comfort – Our Priorities In this 2015 campaign, we worked with the European Disability Forum to produce a leaflet explaining the many vital task of on-board staff.
Press Release October 8, 2014 No to European Commission’s proposals on market pillar of 4th railway package
News June 27, 2014 Workers beat worsening conditions with rail strike Rail workers in Sweden celebrated a victory on Wednesday 25th June 2014 as employers Veolia agreed to a deal, bringing a 16-day long strike to an end.
Press Release February 27, 2014 The EP failed to give a clear signal against further rail liberalisation and fragmentation
News October 11, 2013 Railway Workers from more than 10 countries protest against the 4th Railway Package
Publication March 19, 2013 Working on Rail Freight Corridors International rail freight corridors could transform Europe’s rail employment landscape, but competition between public and private operators could erode working conditions. Our research is helping ETF affiliates prepare for the change.
News December 10, 2012 Aggression, insecurity and the feeling of insecurity in rail passenger transport
Publication May 29, 2012 DOs and DON’T DOs – a practical guide to promote women in the railway sector We explore the main problems and current developments for women’s employment in the rail sector in the areas of recruiting, reconciliation of work and private life, career and equal pay and overall equality policies. We then suggest concrete actions to improve women’s employment. This guide will guide others and help avoid mistakes.
News December 10, 2010 Employability in the Face of Demographic Change – Prospects for the European Rail Sector
Publication April 19, 2009 ERTMS – a new technology in rail and its social impact The European Rail Traffic Management System is an initiative backed by the European Union to enhance cross-border interoperability and the related signaling equipment by creating a single Europe-wide standard for train control and command systems. What will ERTMS mean for the working conditions of train drivers, traffic controllers and rolling stock maintenance personnel?
Statement June 12, 2007 CER-ETF Joint Recommendations for a better representation and integration of women in the railway sector
Publication June 13, 2005 Representation and integration of women in the railway sector: our study on women in rail