Europe’s transport workers are a diverse community. They come from different countries, sectors, professions and unions. But they all deserve dignity and fair conditions at work. That is our principle of Fair Transport: quality jobs for transport workers and a safe, reliable and affordable service for users.

Coming together in trade unions has always been the most effective way for workers to win improvements and defend themselves from exploitation. In an increasingly international world, it is also vital that these unions stand in solidarity across borders. Nowhere is this more true than in Europe, where many legislative decisions that affect workers are taken at EU-level, and where the single market allows workers, capital, goods and services to move without hindrance.

As outlined in the ETF Constitution, our main aim is to represent the social and economic interests of workers in transport (including logistics, fisheries and tourism). The ETF unites our affiliate unions and their members on the principle of mutual solidarity. We promote practical international cooperation and joint action to ensure that European integration results in progress for workers, based on the establishment and implementation of high social standards. That means advocating towards the EU Institutions and national policymakers, organising joint campaigns, and coordinating cross-border support for affiliates in need.

In all of our work, we promote equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination based on gender, age, race, sexual orientaion, disability or belief. We closely cooperate with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).