European Commission

The ETF calls for a European Year of Railway Workers. A year that not only focusses on how rail can best achieve to contribute to Europe’s climate neutrality but also on improving the working conditions for railway workers without which the industry would cease to function.

Transport workers are the sector’s “most valuable asset” reads the newly published Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, but proposed initiatives fall short in matching this statement. The ETF reiterates that to fulfil the goals of the Strategy and enable the transition to greener transport, it is essential to address social issues and foster worker engagement.

Ahead of the Informal Videoconference of the Ministers of Transport on 8 December 2020, ETF and ECSA urge EU Member States to make the wellbeing of seafarers a priority during the holiday period.

In its response to the upcoming Strategy for a Sustainable and Smart Mobility, the ETF sets out five key pillars to ensure that future industrial policies for transport combine both employment and climate protection and ensure fundamental change to build an environmental and socially sustainable sector.

ETF welcomes the legal guide on driving and rest time rules and applauds the European Commission’s stance in favour of the improvement of working conditions in the sector, fair competition between operators and road safety for all road users.

A recording of the social partners' event on ILO "Work in fishing" Convention is now available to watch online.

The ETUC and ETUFs handed over a petition for more democracy at work to the European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and MEPs, calling for concrete and rapid actions to guarantee the effective enforcement and compliance of workers’ rights to be informed, consulted and to participate in decision-making before any decision is adopted.

ETF and Europêche hosted a webinar on the ILO C188, in collaboration with the ILO, the European Commission and representatives of important fishing nations such as France, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom. High-ranked panellists widely called for the ratification and implementation of the ILO C188 and its EU equivalent, EU Directive 2017/159.

ETF met with Commissioner Schmit to discuss key issues affecting transport workers. Livia Spera, ETF General Secretary, extended an invitation to build, together with Commissioner Schmit, a new vision for the future of transport work.

ETF is committed to making road safety a reality. That's why we're publishing the preliminary results of our survey of truck, bus, and coach drivers which uncovered their direct experiences, their views on the causes of fatigue, its consequences and the most effective countermeasures. Discover our teaser on driver fatigue.