Statement July 11, 2019 Karima Delli is reelected as Chair of the European Parliament Transport Committee The French Green has been a supporter of our campaigns and demands in the past, and we congratulate her on returning to the role.
Statement July 9, 2019 Wage inequality in Europe: Transport workers across the continent deserve fair pay In this article for Transportarbetaren, the magazine of our affiliate the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union, ETF President Frank Moreels argues that wage inequality is dangerous for Europe. Working people and their unions need to take the lead on this issue. In fact, we already are!
Statement July 5, 2019 Spanish transport unions issue joint demand for a social Europe that works for workers At a joint meeting in Madrid, we issued a joint declaration with our Spanish affiliates Comisiones Obreras and UGT. Working people in Europe need a more social outlook from their political leaders and the EU. The ETF also needs to change, so that we are better focused on the challenges of tomorrow.
Statement July 5, 2019 Will the new European Parliament President deliver for transport workers? This week the EU has chosen new leaders for its key institutions, but most of the candidates are not exactly progressive. One exception is David Sassoli, the Italian chosen to lead the European Parliament for the next 30 months. We sent him an open letter to remind him of his previous commitments to workers’ rights, and make clear how urgently working people in Europe need a new approach.
News July 5, 2019 It’s all on track for women in rail! Social partners ETF and CER have given a green light for the start of negotiations on an autonomous agreement about women in rail. Meeting at the Rail Social Dialogue Steering Committee, the two organisations also discussed working conditions for mobile workers engaged in cross-border rail services.
Press Release July 4, 2019 As Ryanair plans move to Malta, international transport unions meet Maltese government The budget airline is creating various subsidiaries. Aircraft will be moved from France, Germany and Italy to the newly launched Malta Air. These plans must not undermine the better conditions which unions have won from Ryanair in recent months. We met the Maltese Tourism Ministry to set out our position.
Statement July 3, 2019 Saving a life is NOT a crime! We welcome the release of Captain Carola Rackete An Italian judge has ordered the release of the captain of the Sea Watch 3, a migrant rescue ship who had been arrested for breaking an Italian naval blockade after saving the lives of 40 migrants in the Mediterranean. Her release is a victory for justice, but this humanitarian crisis cannot be tackled by NGOs or merchant ships alone. The EU and its Member States must work together to save lives and share the burden of dealing with this crisis.
News July 2, 2019 A trade union future for Europe Belgian ETF affiliate hosts a seminar about the the future of trade unionism in Europe. Our Acting General Secretary was there to explain why international solidarity is the only way for transport workers to defend themselves in an interconnected world.
Press Release June 27, 2019 Modern challenges for the port sector revealed by EU Social Partners’ joint study This study is the first-ever attempt to look at how the technological and business choices made by shipping companies impact the main service providers that ships depend on: terminals and their employees. It is now high-time for shipping lines to open discussions with the other actors of the maritime transport chain.
News June 26, 2019 Is disruption the route to better transport services? Joining a debate at the European Liberal Forum, our Acting General Secretary argued that not all disruption in the transport sector brings a better service to users. What’s more, we cannot only think of people as consumers. If new models offload social costs of work onto the taxpayer, or force wages down to unsustainable levels, who really benefits?
News June 26, 2019 Viva la solidarietà! Italian unions launch joint platform for decent work in transport The Italian government has not been speaking to transport workers or their unions. So today they will launch a joint platform for decent work in transport and then announce a massive mobilisation across the sector, under the slogan “Let’s get the country moving again!”
News June 25, 2019 ILO adopts a historic new convention against violence and harassment in the world of work Now it’s time to ensure that governments in Europe ratify and implement the Convention. The ETF Women’s Committee urges all ETF trade unions to promote fair and violence-free workplaces for women transport workers.