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.
Urgent action needed for working conditions
We appreciate the Commissioner-designate’s statements on the need to improve working conditions in the sector. ETF looks forward to strong and decisive action on several key concerns for workers. Urgent issues including inadequate working conditions combined with downwards pressure on salaries, growing precariousness, third-party violence, and the gender pay gap continue to hinder the transport sector’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers. Mr. Tzitzikostas is totally correct in highlighting the low attractiveness of transport jobs in driving the current labour shortages in the sector. As those trends are also the consequence of some policy decisions made at the EU level, it is key to work together in elaborating EU action that prioritises fair wages, safe workplaces, and protections that make the sector an attractive place to work.
Commitment to Fair Working Conditions in Road and Aviation
ETF welcomed the Commissioner-designate-designates commitment to working on improving conditions in road and aviation. In aviation, ETF strongly urges a revision of the Air Services Regulation that bans abusive employment practices like wet leasing and bogus self-employment and addresses issues related to aircrew working conditions.
In road, we welcome Mr. Tzitzikostas’ dedication to properly enforcing labour law, including by strengthening of the mandate of the European Labour Authority and ensuring national authorities conduct the enforcement actions that are needed. Furthermore, ETF calls on the Commissioner-designate-designate to create a dedicate EU Road Transport Agency to properly deal with the social issues present in the sector.
Without strong enforcement, these sectors risk continued instability, exacerbating the challenges we already face with labour shortages and declining job quality.
Greater Clarity on Railways and Infrastructure needed
Europe’s rail sector, vital to our sustainable future, has suffered from decades of underfunding and negative consequences of liberalisation. ETF is extremely concerned about the Commissioner-designate’s defence of the liberalisation model of railways that has failed workers, passengers and freight alike. We need a commitment from Mr. Tzitzikostas that there will be a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of 30 years of liberalisation on the sector, including the effects on working conditions.
Similarly, while we welcome Mr. Tzitzikostas’ commitment to completing the TEN-T network and his proposal for a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, we had hoped to hear a clearer vision for securing the needed public investments to strengthen rail infrastructure, which is essential to meet our mobility and environmental goals.
Ports and maritime – don’t forget workers
The ETF takes note of Mr. Tzitzikostas’ commitment to presenting a European Port Strategy early in the mandate. His commitment to ensuring that employment in European ports is not negatively affected by the extension of ETS to shipping was not strong enough. European dockers need urgent EU action to prevent the loss of jobs and carbon leakage from ETS.
Similarly, we there was little to no discussion of the rights and working conditions of seafarers. When asked, Mr. Tzitzikostas did not commit to ensuring fair pay for seafarers in European waters. His answers on the Russian “Shadow Fleet” remained far too vague considering the scale of the problem.
Next Steps: Continuing a Constructive Dialogue with the Commissioner-designate
The ETF is prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Commissioner-designate-designate to find solutions to the pressing challenges facing workers. As the only European organisation representing workers in all transport modes, we expect to be consulted and involved from the very early stage of policy-making.
Furthermore, the hearing showed also how many MEPs within the TRAN Committee are taking workers’ priorities seriously.
The recognition of deteriorating working conditions needs to be followed by an honest analysis of the root causes that led to the current situation. This must be followed by the political will to fix what is not working, and, when necessary, take a U-turn to what has been done so far.
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.