Statement March 21, 2024 ETF at the Tripartite Social Summit Concrete measures must be implemented to deter those who exploit the internal market by establishing letter-box companies in countries with lower working conditions and protections while providing services in more economically prosperous countries. This includes discouraging those who flout posting rules or engage in fraudulent employment schemes, thereby perpetrating social security fraud and utilizing fraudulent employment practices.
Press Release March 20, 2024 ETF welcomes important first step with Due Diligence Directive with criticism While representing a significant breakthrough and the unblocking of a worrying political stalemate, the CSDDD was severely weakened under EU Member State lobbying – with the resulting Directive left far weaker than originally intended, covering far fewer companies and workers.
News March 15, 2024 Political strikes close Finnish ports In Finland, a right-wing government has launched the most serious attack on workers’ rights and social security in the history of the Finnish welfare state. The unions are fighting to defend the country’s social model. On 11 March trade unions began a wave of political strike action that is currently intended to continue for two weeks. The strikes will, among other actions, close all cargo handling in Finnish ports. Photo: Jani Laukkanen.
Statement March 12, 2024 Platform Directive: A Win For Platform Workers and Their Unions Overall, this directive will help improve the situation of platform workers by giving them easier access to their employment rights. While it does not go as far as we would have liked but it is a very valuable tool for platforms and unions to take action at national level. For the first time ever, it provides better data privacy and regulation of algorithmic management.
News March 8, 2024 ETF Achieves Key Wins in Maritime Safety Package Negotiations The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is pleased to announce significant progress in securing the safety of dockworkers through amendments to the EU’s Maritime Accidents Investigation Directive.
News March 7, 2024 Spain: ILO C188 “Work in Fishing” Convention enters into force C188 enters into force in Spain. A milestone for this fundamental ILO Convention.
Press Release March 6, 2024 ETF and River Cruise Industry sign binding framework agreement On March 6, during the ITB in Berlin, EBU, ETF and IG RiverCruise signed a binding framework agreement to improve the working conditions on board river cruise vessels as well as to ensure a level playing field for the sector. This agreement is a first important step for the improvement of the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
News March 1, 2024 Public Transport: Shortage Crisis threatens Jobs of the Future and Demands Action New reports by the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) paint a concerning picture of a 40% rise in driver shortages across Europe since 2020, leaving the continent with a gap of 105,000 drivers. This crisis, fueled by an ageing workforce and competition from other sectors, threatens the smooth operation of public transport systems, which are vital for our cities’ future. ETF demands action now.
Statement February 29, 2024 The Parliament’s Vote on Revised Driving License Rules Spells Disaster for the Sector The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is deeply troubled by the outcome of yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament regarding revised rules for driving licenses. ETF is especially concerned about the proposal to require all EU Member States to allow 17-year-old lorry drivers to drive heavy goods vehicles. The decision on minimum age requirements marks a significant setback in efforts to ensure road safety and prioritise the improvement of working conditions for drivers across Europe.
News February 22, 2024 ETF and ETUI Train Logistics Union Reps on AI and Collective Bargaining Challenges 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.
News February 22, 2024 Germany: Breakthrough in Ground Handling: Industry Collective Agreement Signed! ETF german affiliate Ver.di has secured a historic collective agreement, including improved wages and working conditions for 30,000 employees at German airports.This is major victory for fair treatment and better working conditions in the ground-handling industry.
Statement February 20, 2024 ETF and ITF in solidarity with strikes of Lufthansa employees for a fair collective agreement Livia Spera, General Secretary of the ETF, stated, “While airlines like Lufthansa rake in record profits, the ground staff who ensure their smooth operation are treated with disdain and offered wage increases that fail to keep pace with inflation. This is not just an injustice to these hardworking individuals but a threat to the entire industry’s struggle with worker shortages. We stand in solidarity with Ver.di and urge Lufthansa and other employers to engage in meaningful negotiations that deliver fair wages and decent working conditions that keep the sector attractive to workers.”