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Railways

All eyes are on rail transport as one of the most sustainable modes of transport to help Europe achieve the necessary climate targets. However, the push for liberalisation we have witnessed in the last decades has not helped the sector nor its workers. The ETF railway section intends to strive for a socially sustainable sector, with adequate public funding, attractive working conditions and a safe work environment for all workers.

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ON THE GROUND
The latest news on the issues affecting us all, and the actions we’re taking to improve our workers’ lives and futures.
News

UK public transport unions sound the alarm over lack of toilet access for drivers

Public transport unions in the United Kingdom are raising urgent concerns about the lack of access to toilet facilities for bus and train drivers, a problem that has persisted for years but is now reaching a breaking point. Reports from across the UK show drivers being forced to work entire shifts without guaranteed access to a toilet, leaving them to rely on improvised or unsafe alternatives, including urinating in bottles in their driving cab. Some unions are now considering industrial action to force employers and authorities to act.
Railways
Urban Public Transport
News

ETF railway affiliates visit DAC testing facility in Berlin

On 16 June, ETF railway affiliates visited the Train Testing Lab in Berlin at the invitation of FP5-FDFTO to learn more about the development and deployment of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC). During the visit, participants observed live demonstrations of DAC testing and received updates on preparations for its installation on pioneer trains and the wider rollout of the technology across the rail freight sector.
Railways
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PRIORITIES

Our priorities for 2022 – 2027 are:

  • Promoting public railways
  • Safety and security on European railways;
  • Attracting young and female workers to the rail industry to face the demographic challenge. This can only be achieved by providing good working conditions and wages for all workers in the sector;
  • Digitalisation and Automation: A just transition, workers’ involvement in developing and introducing new technologies and adequate (re-)training schemes;
  • Social dialogue: Achieving binding results with our social partner, CER, that effectively improve the working conditions of railway workers and making sure previous agreements are implemented and respected.

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WHAT WE DO
  • We develop industrial campaigns to show strength and make our voice heard.
  • We participate in the European Sectoral Social Dialogue for the railway sector.
  • We influence railway policy and legislation.
  • We get involved in the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) which is developing technical ‘standards’ and harmonised railway safety policies very relevant for railway workers conditions.
  • We follow the “Europe’s Rail” research program that is funding projects relevant for digitalisation and automation of the railways demanding accompanying social impact research funding.
WHERE WE FOCUS

Railways are the backbone of a sustainable transport system. For 20 years Europe’s railway sector has been undergoing constant reforms and restructuring – partly imposed by EU legislation, partly by national governments or company decisions.

  • Promoting quality railway employment – fighting liberalisation and privatisation.
  • Promoting Fair Transport – fighting social dumping in the railway sector in Europe, for labour and trade union rights and social protection in a liberalised rail sector.
  • Ensuring railway safety and security in a changing railway world
SOCIAL DIALOGUE

The ETF is the recognised social partner for the railway sector, representing railway workers. Together with the employers’ organisations — the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) — we form the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Railways.

Our shared goal is to ensure that Europe’s railway policy guarantees decent working conditions and respect for workers’ rights. Through social dialogue and consultation with the European Commission, we address new developments in the sector and engage with all stakeholders on current challenges.

Our Priorities

  • Increasing the employment of women in the railway sector.
  • Ensuring railway safety by upholding qualification requirements for safety-critical staff and monitoring driving times.
  • Supporting employability in the face of digitalisation and automation.
     

We pursue these goals through joint projects, recommendations, agreements, and working groups with our social partners.

Transport connects us
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Resources

Vacancy – Traineeship for Railways

Please find attached the job description for the Railways traineeship at our organisation. Should you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look
railways
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OUR PEOPLE

The section meets twice per year and every four years, before the ETF Congress, it elects its Steering Committee and adopts a work programme.

The Steering Committee is chaired by the Section President and it is composed of two vice-presidents, a representative of women railway workers, a representative of young railway workers and 3 ordinary members.

The Railway Section is supported by three advisory groups: one that brings together locomotive drivers; one that brings together on-board personnel; and one that represents workers in maintenance workshops.

The ETF is a member of the Management Board (without voting rights) of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and nominates trade union experts for relevant ERA working groups.

SECTION COMMITTEE

Giorgio Tuti

SEV
,
Switzerland
Section Chair

Helena Svobodová

OSŽ
,
Czech Republic
Vice-Chair

Audun Sør-Reime

NJF
,
Norway
Vice-Chair and Chair of the On-Board Personnel Advisory Group

Jolanta Skalska

EVG
,
Germany
Women's Representative

Eda Forner

FILT-CGIL
,
Italy
Young Worker's Representative

Christian Tschigg

FIT CISL
,
Italy
Ordinary Member

David Gobé

CGT
,
France
Ordinary Member

Gerhard Tauchner

Vida
,
Austria
Ordinary Member

Simon Weller

ASLEF
,
United Kingdom
Observer, Chair of the Locomotive Drivers’ Advisory Group

Manfred Scholze

EVG
,
Germany
Observer, Chair of the Maintenance Workers’ Advisory Group
European Year of Rail