European Commission attempts to lower crew labour standards The European Commission plans to submit a text on crew labour standards to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) which will be discussed in the next days at the IOTC meeting for 13-17 April. The European Social Partners for Sea Fisheries jointly call on the European Commission to withdraw this proposal from submission to the IOTC. News 12 Mar 2025
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. Statement 11 Mar 2025
ETF Welcomes New Ground Handling Regulation as a Watershed Moment for Aviation On 7. March the European Commission published its new regulation raising standards for ground handling operations. The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes this publication as a significant milestone for the industry. Having been actively involved in the development of the regulation, ETF has provided expertise, insights, and recommendations to help shape the final outcome. News 7 Mar 2025
Greek Transport Workers Strike for Justice and Railway Safety on Tempi Disaster Anniversary On 28 February 2025, hundreds of thousands of Greek workers are staging a nationwide strike to honour the victims of the Tempi rail disaster and demand justice, accountability, and urgent safety measures across the transport sector. Led by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and supported by ETF affiliates, the strike marks the second anniversary of the tragic accident that claimed 57 lives in 2023 — the worst rail disaster in Greece’s history. Statement 28 Feb 2025
Omnibus Package: EU Commission weakens corporate accountability and workers’ protection As foreseen last month in its Competitiveness compass, the European Commission adopted on the 26th February several new proposals to allegedly simplify EU rules for business. According to ETF, these changes will mostly weaken workers’ rights and environmental protections. News 27 Feb 2025
NGB Trade Union Guide – a new tool to prepare for crisis In the last two years, the ETF has implemented the NGB Project – No going back: Protecting rights and promoting social dialogue in aviation through times of crisis. The NGB Toolbox Suite and NGB Trade Union Guide are now available for download. News 20 Feb 2025
Hegelmann Group – New Evidence of Exploitation of Third-country Truck Drivers In a bold stand against exploitation, several Zimbabwean truck drivers employed by Hegelmann, a major European haulier, refused to continue work in January 2024, exposing severe labor abuses. Recruited with promises of fair wages, they faced unpaid salaries, inadequate living conditions, and demands to repay thousands of euros in alleged “costs.” Trade unions have stepped in to provide support—offering food, legal assistance, and safe accommodation—while flagging violations to authorities. News 20 Feb 2025
EU Green Deal: Data Shows That Shift from Road to Rail is Not Happening The data from 2013 to 2023 makes it clear that the modal shift is nowhere near the necessary pace. While some countries have made modest progress, the overall trend is one of stagnation and missed opportunities. Achieving the Green Deal’s objectives will require stronger political will, substantial investment, and decisive action. News 19 Feb 2025
Joint statement of Social Partners in Civil Aviation to address gender balance in aviation resource 18 Feb 2025