Ever year workers around the world celebrate Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day, to mark the strength and victories of the union movement. For the ETF and our affiliates it is a chance to think about how much we have achieved this year by standing together in international solidarity.

MEPs have formally signed off on a proposal to create a new European Labour Authority to oversee fair application of EU labour laws to workers who move around Europe. A huge step forward! Trade unions will have a major role in the powerful new body. But there is more work to do, so that transport workers are fully covered.

MEPs have voted on the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive. The package will give enhanced rights to some categories of workers, but seagoing workers are still excluded. A joint letter with EPSU, EuroCOP and EUROMIL expresses our disappointment.