Social Dialogue

ETF is the recognised social partner for the railway sector representing railway workers. Together with the railway employers – European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) – we form the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Railways.

Our common goal is to make sure that Europe implements a Single European Railway Area where workers enjoy decent working conditions and where their social rights are respected. At the same time, through social dialogue and the consultation obligations of the European Commission, we are able to react to new developments in the railway sector and exchange views on current challenges with all parties concerned.

The main topics in our current work programme for 2021-2022 are:

• The employment of women in the railway sector
• Ensuring railway safety through qualification requirements for safety-relevant staff and the monitoring of driving times
• Employability sector in the light of digitalisation and automation

We make progress on these topics through projects we run together with our social partners; by developing joint recommendations and agreements; or by participating in joint working groups.