ITF and ETF demand action from governments and industry to ensure “crucial step forward” for fishers: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcome the adoption of the new ‘Guidelines for Fair Labour Market Services for Migrant Fishers’ by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva last week, calling the move a “crucial step forward” for the protection of migrant fishers worldwide.

Social partners ask Commissioner Kadis for socio-economic accompanying measures to be added to the Fishing Opportunities Regulation. They argue that sustainability must include fair working and living conditions for fishers, supported through targeted compensations for training, safety, and better onboard standards.

The ETF has published new guidelines to support unions and workers’ representatives during transnational company restructurings, providing practical tools and clear procedures for coordination and action when jobs and working conditions are at risk. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, restructuring has become a routine feature of company strategy – often involving multiple countries and various forms.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) takes note of the European Commission’s Communication “Connecting Europe through High-Speed Rail”. ETF welcomes the renewed political attention to Europe’s rail network and the Commission’s emphasis on better coordination across borders. Strong, publicly led coordination is exactly what is needed to plan, fund, and operate a truly connected European rail system.

The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure officially suspended plans to close down six railway plants through the integration of Railway Plants. The proposed measures have sparked outrage of unions and workers, as they would have threatened the liquidation of local railway maintenance plants, job losses, and a decline in the safety and efficiency of Poland’s railway network, if put in place.

Press release: Fishers took centre stage yesterday as Commissioner Costas Kadis met with the European Social Partners — ETF, Europêche, and Cogeca— to shape the future of Europe’s fisheries. The discussion focused on ensuring fair jobs, economic resilience and social sustainability in the sector, while addressing key EU policy priorities including the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, the European Oceans Pact and Vision for Fisheries 2040, and the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

From fishers to shipyards, the entire EU fisheries sector unites to demand a fair, funded and practical roadmap for the energy transition.
ETF, Europêche, EAPO, COGECA, and SEA Europe have jointly written to European Commissioner for Fisheries and Ocean, Costas Kadis, urging the European Commission to deliver an ambitious and properly funded Roadmap for the Energy Transition of Fisheries.

On 29–30 October 2024, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), together with its affiliate LCGB (Luxembourg), hosted a lively two-day seminar in Bonn entitled “Future of Inland Navigation.” The event formed part of the EU co-funded project “Delivering Fair Transport for All.” After two previous seminars focused entirely on the Danube region, this edition turned the spotlight on how to make inland navigation more appealing to the next generation — by attracting new talent, fostering fresh skills, and equipping workers for the evolving demands of the sector.