Fighting back for fair logistics

The ETF and its trade unions across Europe are united in the #Fight4FairLogistics — a fight against the exploitation of workers in logistics and e-commerce.

While online shopping and logistics companies record soaring profits, workers face a very different reality: low pay, long hours, precarious contracts, bogus self-employment, algorithmic surveillance, and unsafe conditions. As these sectors expand, unfair business models drive a race to the bottom in rights, pay and dignity.

Transport work is central to society. Supply chain disruptions show how essential logistics is, yet companies continue to push down conditions while avoiding their responsibilities through subcontracting and tax avoidance.

What Fair Logistics Means

Safe conditions and fair pay across the supply chain
Union recognition, the right to organise and bargain collectively
Decent working hours, safety protections, and limits on workloads
Companies accountable for all workers in their subcontracting chains
Transparency on algorithmic management — with no automation without negotiation
Governments enforcing labour and social rules, tackling bogus self-employment
Dignity and respect for all logistics workers

Our Vision

Fair logistics means more than decent jobs — it means companies paying their fair share of tax and social security, respecting labour rights, and taking environmental responsibility seriously.

The ETF and its affiliates will continue to step up action and fight back. United, we demand a logistics sector built on fairness, dignity, and justice for all workers.

Logistics Workers Exploited While Corporations Profit: ETF and ETUI Report Sparks Urgent Call for EU Action

The report documents how complex subcontracting chains are being used across the EU to shift responsibility, reduce wages, and suppress workers’ rights - particularly affecting migrant and third-country national workers. Union representatives stressed that this is not a loophole, but a deliberate and growing business model that traps workers in precarious and unsafe conditions.

Logistics

News 24 Mar 2025

Interview: How TÜMTİS Secured a Landmark Victory for DHL Express Workers in Turkey

The turkish ETF affiliate TÜMTİS secured a landmark collective bargaining agreement at DHL Express Turkey, overcoming employer resistance and setting a powerful precedent for union rights. In this interview, TÜMTİS President Kenan Ozturk shares insights on the fight for fair wages, the battle against union-busting tactics, and the union’s vision for organising in the logistics sector.

Logistics

News 02 Oct 2024

ETF Logistics Conference 2024: Confronting Exploitation in Europe’s Logistics Sector

Discussions highlighted the rising prevalence of subcontracting, increasing workplace surveillance, and the urgent need for legislative change to protect vulnerable workers across Europe.

Logistics

Connected

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News 06 Nov 2026

ETF unions meet in Brussels for the aviation week

From 2 to 5 November 2026, aviation trade union representatives from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the governance meetings of the ETF Civil Aviation Section. We kicked off the week with the Steering Committee, followed by meetings of the Joint Aircrew (JAC), Air Traffic Management (ATMC) and Ground Staff (GSC) Committees. We continued with the Civil Aviation Section meeting on Wednesday, focusing on horizontal priorities affecting workers across the aviation sector, and concluded the week on Thursday with the annual plenary of the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Civil Aviation.