Stop Social Dumping in Rail

For Safe and Social Railways in Europe

The ETF Railway Section campaign “Stop social dumping – for safe and social rail transport in Europe” wants:

“Social dumping in the rail sector does not exist; it cannot exist because rail is track-bound and heavily regulated.” This is all too often the opinion of European and national decision makers, companies and the public. We have constantly experienced this when we speak with European institutions and decision makers about the impact of liberalisation and privatisation on social and working conditions. But social dumping exists in European railways and it also has important consequences for safety.

The objectives of our campaign are:

  1. Raise awareness along the public, decision makers and rail employers that social dumping in rail indeed does exist.
  2. Fight social dumping by strengthening union representation in unorganised rail companies and establish cross-border coordination committees.
  3. Obtain concrete measures and instruments to fight social dumping through legislation and through social dialogue. Our proposals include proper monitoring and enforcement instruments for working, driving and rest time.

In Focus

Info May 29, 2018

What is Social Dumping in Rail?

Social dumping occurs when companies abuse the opportunities offered by the free movement within the single market to undercut or evade existing labour standards and regulations, or to take unfair advantage of loopholes in the legislation. Europ’s railways market has many situations where social dumping can and does occur.

Publication March 19, 2013

Working on Rail Freight Corridors

International rail freight corridors could transform Europe’s rail employment landscape, but competition between public and private operators could erode working conditions. Our research is helping ETF affiliates prepare for the change.

Publication April 19, 2009

ERTMS – a new technology in rail and its social impact

The European Rail Traffic Management System is an initiative backed by the European Union to enhance cross-border interoperability and the related signaling equipment by creating a single Europe-wide standard for train control and command systems. What will ERTMS mean for the working conditions of train drivers, traffic controllers and rolling stock maintenance personnel?