ETF Stands in Full Solidarity with Belgian Workers on General Strike On 31 March, Belgian workers will take to the streets in a nationwide General Strike to resist the devastating austerity measures imposed by the new “Arizona” government. ETF stands firmly with the Belgian Trade Union Confederations FGTB/ABVV and CSC/ACV, and all workers fighting to defend their rights, public services, their pensions and fair working conditions. Statement 28 Mar 2025
Railways: ETF Affiliates Make Workers’ Voices Heard in Brussels Railway workers and policymakers gathered in Brussels for “From the Tracks to Brussels”, a high-level dialogue hosted by ETF. The event brought together rail workers, trade union leaders, and EU decision-makers to discuss the future of Europe’s rail sector and the need for sustainable, socially responsible policies. Speakers from the European Commission, the EU Parliament, experts and union leaders discussed the Railways sector and the current struggles of its workers across the continent. News 27 Mar 2025
This is no longer a Road Safety Package: Council and EP give Green Light to 17-year-olds to Drive Trucks The EU institutions gave in to industry pressures to address the driver shortage by lowering the age for entry into the profession. However, this measure is unlikely to resolve the issue. With declining pay and deteriorating working conditions, the sector will continue to be unattractive to young people. Statement 26 Mar 2025
Joint European Trade Union Statement on the Omnibus Proposal: A Direct Attack on Workers’ Rights and Corporate Accountability ETF joined ETUC and other Trade Union Federations in a Joint Statement on the Omnibus proposal. The European Parliament must reject this disastrous package and ensure that the core objectives of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the protections provided therein are safeguarded from this deregulation agenda. Statement 25 Mar 2025
Resilient waterborne logistics supply chains are key to EU competitiveness 17 industry organisations published joint paper today to welcome the upcoming maritime and port strategies and emphasize the workers’ perspective. Key initiatives recently proposed include regulatory simplification, lowering market entry barriers to enhance competition, facilitating access to finance to bolster competitiveness, the attention to industrial clusters, promoting labour upskilling and quality employment, and improving policy coordination at both the EU and national levels. News 24 Mar 2025
Interview: How TÜMTİS Secured a Landmark Victory for DHL Express Workers in Turkey The turkish ETF affiliate TÜMTİS secured a landmark collective bargaining agreement at DHL Express Turkey, overcoming employer resistance and setting a powerful precedent for union rights. In this interview, TÜMTİS President Kenan Ozturk shares insights on the fight for fair wages, the battle against union-busting tactics, and the union’s vision for organising in the logistics sector. News 24 Mar 2025
Port Work in Transition: ETF Dockers at Connecting Ports #11 The ETF made its points clearly to the discussion during the recent Connecting Ports Session edition “Port Work in Transition – Balancing progress and change in sustainability, automation, and digitalization,” held on the 20th of March 2025 and hosted by HPC Hamburg Port Consulting. With around 100 participants from over 30 countries, the event served as a global platform to explore the evolving landscape of port work in the face of sustainability, automation, and digitalization. News 21 Mar 2025
United call for a reinforced specific fund for fisheries and aquaculture in the next Multiannual Financial Framework As the European Council and the Parliament prepare to discuss the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), leading EU associations urge EU policymakers to maintain and strengthen the current fund for fisheries and aquaculture, emphasizing its critical role in food security, economic stability and environmental sustainability. News 21 Mar 2025
ETF meets Commissioner Kadis to advocate for stronger social standards in fisheries A positive step towards ensuring that the voices of fisheries workers are heard in shaping the future of the sector. News 21 Mar 2025