Statement March 11, 2025 The big EU deregulation: ETF Joins over 360 organisations in a Joint Statement on the Omnibus Package The publication by the European Commission of its Omnibus proposal revising key corporate sustainability laws sends a clear political signal: President Ursula von der Leyen is deprioritising human rights, workers’ rights and environmental protections for the sake of dangerous deregulation. ETF joined over 360 organisations in a joint statement calling out on the consequences of this package.
News March 7, 2025 ETF Welcomes New Ground Handling Regulation as a Watershed Moment for Aviation On 7. March the European Commission published its new regulation raising standards for ground handling operations. The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes this publication as a significant milestone for the industry. Having been actively involved in the development of the regulation, ETF has provided expertise, insights, and recommendations to help shape the final outcome.
Statement February 28, 2025 Greek Transport Workers Strike for Justice and Railway Safety on Tempi Disaster Anniversary On 28 February 2025, hundreds of thousands of Greek workers are staging a nationwide strike to honour the victims of the Tempi rail disaster and demand justice, accountability, and urgent safety measures across the transport sector. Led by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and supported by ETF affiliates, the strike marks the second anniversary of the tragic accident that claimed 57 lives in 2023 — the worst rail disaster in Greece’s history.
News February 27, 2025 Omnibus Package: EU Commission weakens corporate accountability and workers’ protection As foreseen last month in its Competitiveness compass, the European Commission adopted on the 26th February several new proposals to allegedly simplify EU rules for business. According to ETF, these changes will mostly weaken workers’ rights and environmental protections.
News February 20, 2025 NGB Trade Union Guide – a new tool to prepare for crisis In the last two years, the ETF has implemented the NGB Project – No going back: Protecting rights and promoting social dialogue in aviation through times of crisis. The NGB Toolbox Suite and NGB Trade Union Guide are now available for download.
News February 20, 2025 Hegelmann Group – New Evidence of Exploitation of Third-country Truck Drivers In a bold stand against exploitation, several Zimbabwean truck drivers employed by Hegelmann, a major European haulier, refused to continue work in January 2024, exposing severe labor abuses. Recruited with promises of fair wages, they faced unpaid salaries, inadequate living conditions, and demands to repay thousands of euros in alleged “costs.” Trade unions have stepped in to provide support—offering food, legal assistance, and safe accommodation—while flagging violations to authorities.
News February 19, 2025 EU Green Deal: Data Shows That Shift from Road to Rail is Not Happening The data from 2013 to 2023 makes it clear that the modal shift is nowhere near the necessary pace. While some countries have made modest progress, the overall trend is one of stagnation and missed opportunities. Achieving the Green Deal’s objectives will require stronger political will, substantial investment, and decisive action.
News February 18, 2025 Joint statement of Social Partners in Civil Aviation to address gender balance in aviation Women in aviation – n this joint statement, the aviation social partners agree that the issue of gender balance in aviation should be considered a high priority for all stakeholders involved in the aviation sector.
Statement ETF Statement on Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas’s Hearing The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), representing millions of workers across Europe’s transport sector, listened closely to yesterday’s confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The transport sector is facing a multitude of problems and ETF is determined to build a dialogue with Mr. Tzitzikostas to address the sector’s greatest challenges. Transport workers, who keep Europe moving, deserve a sector that values their contributions and meets their needs. We will watch closely for the next steps and expect a commitment to the practical changes that will benefit all Europeans.
Publication EU Land Transport Labour Market: A Critical Examination of Trends and Policy Implications Two years ago, the ETF launched a project to look in more detail at the roots of the above trends. Three reports – on road, rail and urban public transport were developed within the frame of the project to cast light on how liberalisation and market-opening policies led to undesirable effects that put at stake the very goals and objectives set by the same policymakers.
Press Release ETF Launches Manifesto: A New Deal for Fair Transport ETF announced the launch of the manifesto “A New Deal for Fair Transport,” today, ahead of the 2024 European Elections. This comprehensive manifesto outlines a series of critical demands aimed at reshaping the transport sector in Europe to ensure fairness, safety, and respect for all transport workers.
News Executive Committee of ETF met in Brussels on June 4/5 On June 4th and 5th, 2024, Brussels hosted the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) Executive Committee meeting. Trade unionists from across Europe gathered to discuss and shape the future of European transport, focusing on workers’ interests. ETF President Frank Moreels opened the meeting by underlining the need to stop the far-right, who have always worked against the interests of workers.