Brexit

The ETF calls on the UK Government, the European Commission and national governments to come up with clear guarantees for truck drivers to return from the UK, and seafarers to be able to take part in crew changes.

The ETF welcomes the publication of the proposed targeted contingency measures in the absence of an agreement with the United Kingdom on a future partnership, put forward by the European Commission last week, and points to some concerns in road transport and civil aviation.

The ETF has addressed a letter to the EU-UK Brexit Negotiation Taskforce to express concerns that Brexit will come with chaos and confusion on the UK border, and with delays at ports due to incomplete IT systems.

On the day of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, we pledge our support to our brothers and sisters in the UK. We will continue to work cooperatively and in solidarity with all our affiliates, inside or outside the EU, to defend fair transport throughout Europe.

The ETF is opposing any plan by the UK government to relax or remove the limits of the drivers hours rules set by Regulation 561/2006, as a result of Brexit.

No matter what happens with Brexit, the UK will remain a European country and UK transport workers will always be part of the ETF family. A hard or chaotic Brexit could spell disaster, so we call on leaders to reach a solution that protects citizens' and workers' rights. A statement from our Executive Committee sets out our priorities.

Brexit has all kinds of implications. Seafarers holding Certificates of Competency (CoC) issued by the UK risk losing opportunities for employment. We urge the European Commission and EU member states to agree a pragmatic solution.