ETF Statement on Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner-designate Cōstas Kadīs Hearing The ETF welcomes the Commission’s decision to separate the Fisheries and Environment portfolios, ending the unbalanced association that left fisheries as the only economic sector under the environment umbrella. This change should help ensure that fisheries are fairly represented and not disproportionately impacted compared to other sectors. The ETF looks forward to working with Commissioner Kadīs to strengthen the EU fisheries sector across all three pillars. Statement 7 Nov 2024
ETF Women’s Committee Plenary Highlights Challenges and Progress for Women in Transport On 6 and 7 November 2024, the ETF Women’s Committee convened in Brussels for its plenary meeting, bringing together 35 participants from unions across Europe. Held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the meeting featured discussions on pressing issues affecting women workers in the transport sector and beyond. News 7 Nov 2024
ETF Urges Stricter Regulations and Accountability for Shadow Fleet Operations The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is calling for urgent action to combat the rise of so-called “shadow fleets,” which continue to operate outside international norms, undermining basic worker protections, environmental safeguards, and maritime safety regulations. These fleets, comprising vessels with obscure ownership and frequently shifting registries, expose serious flaws in international shipping practices by allowing companies to bypass regulatory oversight, evade sanctions, and neglect seafarers’ rights. News 7 Nov 2024
ETF Statement on Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas’s Hearing The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing millions of workers across Europe’s transport sector, listened closely to yesterday’s confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The transport sector is facing a multitude of problems and ETF is determined to build a dialogue with Mr. Tzitzikostas to address the sector’s greatest challenges. Transport workers, who keep Europe moving, deserve a sector that values their contributions and meets their needs. We will watch closely for the next steps and expect a commitment to the practical changes that will benefit all Europeans. Statement 5 Nov 2024
“A Europe of closed barriers? No thanks!” Opinion by Frank Moreels, ETF President – “Things are not going well for Europe. While countries like France and Germany reintroduce border controls within the Schengen zone, one of the biggest problems facing the transportation sector remains unanswered: social dumping. Instead of undermining the core of the European project by increasing controls at internal borders, EU member states would do better to focus their energy on tackling exploitation and injustice in the transportation sector.” Publication 4 Nov 2024
European Works Councils: Complete set of resources available The European Transport Workers’ Federation has released an enhanced toolkit and new multilingual training videos to support trade unions and workers’ representatives in European Works Councils (EWCs). This update comes at a crucial time when the transport sector faces unprecedented challenges from globalisation, technological change, and corporate consolidation. News 30 Oct 2024