ETF welcomes important first step with Due Diligence Directive with criticism While representing a significant breakthrough and the unblocking of a worrying political stalemate, the CSDDD was severely weakened under EU Member State lobbying – with the resulting Directive left far weaker than originally intended, covering far fewer companies and workers. Press Release 20 Mar 2024
Political strikes close Finnish ports In Finland, a right-wing government has launched the most serious attack on workers’ rights and social security in the history of the Finnish welfare state. The unions are fighting to defend the country’s social model. On 11 March trade unions began a wave of political strike action that is currently intended to continue for two weeks. The strikes will, among other actions, close all cargo handling in Finnish ports. Photo: Jani Laukkanen. News 15 Mar 2024
Platform Directive: A Win For Platform Workers and Their Unions Overall, this directive will help improve the situation of platform workers by giving them easier access to their employment rights. While it does not go as far as we would have liked but it is a very valuable tool for platforms and unions to take action at national level. For the first time ever, it provides better data privacy and regulation of algorithmic management. Statement 12 Mar 2024
ETF Achieves Key Wins in Maritime Safety Package Negotiations The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is pleased to announce significant progress in securing the safety of dockworkers through amendments to the EU’s Maritime Accidents Investigation Directive. News 8 Mar 2024
Spain: ILO C188 “Work in Fishing” Convention enters into force C188 enters into force in Spain. A milestone for this fundamental ILO Convention. News 7 Mar 2024
ETF and River Cruise Industry sign binding framework agreement On March 6, during the ITB in Berlin, EBU, ETF and IG RiverCruise signed a binding framework agreement to improve the working conditions on board river cruise vessels as well as to ensure a level playing field for the sector. This agreement is a first important step for the improvement of the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Press Release 6 Mar 2024
ETF-ITF Solidarity Letter of Solidarity with EVG in the face of DB Cargo dismantlement resource 6 Mar 2024
Public Transport: Shortage Crisis threatens Jobs of the Future and Demands Action New reports by the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) paint a concerning picture of a 40% rise in driver shortages across Europe since 2020, leaving the continent with a gap of 105,000 drivers. This crisis, fueled by an ageing workforce and competition from other sectors, threatens the smooth operation of public transport systems, which are vital for our cities’ future. ETF demands action now. News 1 Mar 2024
The Parliament’s Vote on Revised Driving License Rules Spells Disaster for the Sector The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is deeply troubled by the outcome of yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament regarding revised rules for driving licenses. ETF is especially concerned about the proposal to require all EU Member States to allow 17-year-old lorry drivers to drive heavy goods vehicles. The decision on minimum age requirements marks a significant setback in efforts to ensure road safety and prioritise the improvement of working conditions for drivers across Europe. Statement 29 Feb 2024