Statement April 30, 2025 What Does May 1st Mean in 2025? As we approach May 1st, the day dedicated to celebrating workers’ rights and achievements, it is crucial to reflect on the current socio-political landscape. In 2025, we find ourselves navigating through challenging times marked by the rise of far-right ideologies, attacks on workers and their unions, and the increasing influence of billionaires in politics.
Statement April 28, 2025 ETF’s Train Drivers Call for Time-Monitoring Tool on World Day for Safety and Health at Work As the rail system becomes ever more fragmented and cross-border operations continue to grow, national authorities are unable to track whether drivers are adhering to essential safety-related time limits — particularly those who work across multiple countries or for more than one employer. This lack of oversight endangers not only workers’ well-being but also the safety of the entire rail network.
News April 28, 2025 International Workers Memorial Day: One Death at Work is One Too Many On April 28th, we observe International Workers Memorial Day, an occasion to remember those who have been killed or injured at work and raise awareness about safety at work. This day serves as a strong reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for continuous efforts to protect workers. The transport and fisheries sectors, in particular, stand out as some of the most hazardous industries, with alarming rates of both fatal and non-fatal incidents.
News April 25, 2025 ETF Launches Questionnaire to Support LGBTQI+ Transport Workers The European Transport Workers’ Federation has launched a new questionnaire aimed at gathering crucial insights into the experiences, needs, and challenges of LGBTQI+ workers within the transport sector. This initiative is part of the ETF’s ongoing commitment to fostering equality, inclusivity, and respect for all workers.
News April 24, 2025 ETF’s First Response to IMO’s Climate Agreement: What Net-Zero Means for Maritime and Ports In April 2025, the IMO adopted a global carbon pricing mechanism for shipping, to take effect in 2028, with a $100-per-tonne levy on CO₂ emissions above targets. Aimed at achieving net-zero by 2050, the agreement also highlights the critical role of seafarers. Meanwhile, the EU has already implemented a more advanced system: maritime transport has been included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) since January 2024, with full coverage by 2026.
Statement April 17, 2025 ETF’s Reaction to EU Study on “Safe and Secure Parking Areas” A new EU-commissioned study on Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPAs), published on 11 April, puts professional drivers’ wellbeing at risk by recommending changes to the Mobility Package that would allow regular rest in vehicle cabins. Unions were not consulted at any stage of the process – a glaring omission that casts serious doubt on the credibility of the study. We reject its misleading conclusions and call on the European Commission to uphold the Mobility Package and protect drivers from a return to exploitative practices.
Press Release April 16, 2025 ETF Road Conference: Bridge the Gap Between Working Conditions and the Law The European Transport Workers’ Federation held a conference on the posting of workers and third-country nationals in road freight transport at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. The event brought together key stakeholders, including trade unions, labour and road inspectors, representatives of ELA, the EU Commission, and employer organisations, to address critical issues in road transport.
News April 11, 2025 In Conversation with Leon: Join the Movement for Diversity and Inclusion in the Transport Industry In this interview, Leon shares his insights on the importance of trade union work in protecting the rights of queer individuals, the challenges faced by the community in the workplace, and the critical role of education and awareness in fostering a more inclusive society. This interview is part of a series of actions to prepare the upcoming ETF Conference on Diversity and Inclusivity “We Are All Equally Different”, taking place on June 27, 2025, in Paris.
News ETF Conference on Diversity and Inclusivity – Paris, June 2025 The rise of far-right ideologies has worsened institutionalised discrimination, creating toxic anti-LGBTQI+ narratives and policies that threaten the lives of marginalized groups. ETF is committed to combating these divisive, populist narratives and ensuring that trade unions play a pivotal role in supporting equality and inclusivity, especially for those who face harassment in the workplace based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity.
Publication 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.
Statement The big EU deregulation: ETF Joins over 360 organisations in a Joint Statement on the Omnibus Package The publication by the European Commission of its Omnibus proposal revising key corporate sustainability laws sends a clear political signal: President Ursula von der Leyen is deprioritising human rights, workers’ rights and environmental protections for the sake of dangerous deregulation. ETF joined over 360 organisations in a joint statement calling out on the consequences of this package.
News Belgium: ETF Stands with Workers in Nationwide Protest Against Austerity Measures On 13 February, ETF joined Belgian trade unions in nationwide protests against the new government’s austerity measures, which threaten workers’ rights, working conditions, and public services. ETF stands in full solidarity with our Belgian affiliates as they resist unprecedented attacks on their working conditions, the integrity of their railway system, and the principles of social dialogue.