Discussions highlighted the rising prevalence of subcontracting, increasing workplace surveillance, and the urgent need for legislative change to protect vulnerable workers across Europe.

The final conference of the EU-funded TeamHub project presented key findings from a comprehensive study of the e-commerce and logistics sector across nine European countries. The research sheds light on the precarious working conditions, environmental impacts, and need for policy reforms to ensure sustainable growth in this rapidly evolving industry.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation partnered with the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) to deliver a pilot training on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization in the logistics sector for union representatives. Held in Antwerp on February 7-8, 2024, the program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving landscape while strengthening collective bargaining efforts on behalf of logistics workers.

The agreement achieved by the ETF affiliate will mean wage increases of between 73% and 85%, and an increase in the number of bonuses the workers get, with unionised workers now having the right to four bonuses per year for the first time in the largely unorganised logistics sector in Turkey. 

This Black Friday, as our inboxes are bursting with offers and savings from our favourite brands, ETF affiliates have been actively highlighting the workers behind the discounts! ETF Affiliates took action throughout Europe to show that the transport workers that make Black Friday happen have the support of their Unions to struggle for better wages and working conditions.

Logistics last mile delivery network in Europe presents a complex and challenging landscape for drivers, many of whom are not directly employed by directly by the big players likle Amazon. Instead, these drivers are part of a vast web of subcontracted companies.

October brought a wave of solidarity and action across Europe with the Logistics Action Days (LDs), led by the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF). Spanning the continent with pivotal events in Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, the LDs successfully amplified the voices of logistics workers, demonstrating the irreplaceable role they play in our daily lives and the economy.

‘ETF members are working hard to change the sector, which is crucial for our economies and societies at large’, stated Frank Moreels. It is in this framework that the ETF has developed a manifesto outlining our priorities for the sector, which was launched on the occasion of the recent Logistics Action Days.