Publication October 26, 2023 ETF priorities for the Revision of Driving License Directive Along with the ETF, various MEPs have spoken out against the approach to reduce minimum age for driving licenses as a solution to labor shortage in the road transport sector. As they pointed out, amending the Directive will not solve the driver shortage. In ETF’s opinion, the only way to solve the professional driver shortage is to improve wages and working conditions, as evidenced by the fact that average age for truck and bus drivers is approximately 50.
Statement October 24, 2023 Joint Statement: Urgent Call for Accelerated Implementation of RRF in Urban Public Transport On October 24, ETF/UITP issued a joint statement (under downloads above) on the on the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. This statement called on the European Commission and the Member States to speed up the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans in the area of urban public transport. It was sent to wide range of EU stakeholders including European Commission and Parliament and member states permanent representatives.
Press Release October 23, 2023 ETF actions in defense of drivers’ breaks, rest time and road safety The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is taking a stand against the proposed revision of driving and rest time rules, which could compromise the safety and the welfare of bus and coach drivers across Europe.
News October 23, 2023 Joint Letter Urges EU Commission to Halt Investigations and Support Rail Freight A coalition of European Parliament members and trade unions, including ETF and its affiliates, have jointly penned a letter to the European Commission, expressing their grave concerns about ongoing investigations into rail freight operators of France and Germany, and calling for decisive action to support the rail freight sector’s growth and sustainability.
Statement October 19, 2023 ETF and partners push for Enhanced Van Driver Training The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the International Federation of Pedestrians (IFP), and the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) unite in a powerful call to Members of the European Parliament (MEP) to support enhanced driver training for professional van drivers and the revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive.
News October 9, 2023 “Team Hub!” releases report on e-commerce business and employment trends in Europe. Team Hub!, a consortium of universities, research institutes, and trade unions from nine EU countries, has published an excellent report on business and employment trends in the e-commerce sector. The report is an up-to-date comparative overview of business and employment trends in the e-commerce sector.
Statement October 3, 2023 Gräfenhausen strikers demonstrate that supply chain accountability is possible through workers’ solidarity Truck drivers who were striking in Gräfenhausen, Germany, brought their collective action to a successful conclusion on Friday (September 29). In a historic victory the drivers will receive money owed to them and Polish consortium Lukmaz, Agmaz and Imperia has agreed to forfeit legal action against them. The company had pressed criminal charges and civil claim against the drivers who were on strike at the rest area near Gräfenhausen for over ten weeks following a similar collective action in April.
Press Release September 29, 2023 ETF Announces Pan-European “Logistics Action Days” in October The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) announces the upcoming “Logistics Action Days,” a pan-European initiative set to take place over the first two weeks of October. This series of events aims to shed light on the essential yet often overlooked role of logistics workers in our economies and advocate for their rights and well-being.
Statement September 29, 2023 Italian Ground Handlers on Strike: A Crisis in Social Dialogue and Workers’ Rights The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stands in full solidarity with the ground handling workers of Italy and its affiliate unions Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and UILTRASPORTI. It is essential for governments to support social dialogue and the rights of workers. The ETF calls upon the Italian government to honor its constitutional obligations. It is not the time to undermine workers; it’s the time to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve these long-standing issues.
Press Release September 20, 2023 Trade unions globally protest union-busting ‘green’ company Ørsted Unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Dockworkers Council (IDC) will deliver a letter today to key Ørsted offices, and organise protests in key ports in North America, Europe, Australia and the UK. Ørsted US has failed to negotiate in good faith, breaking promises to workers and union members represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in New London, Connecticut.
News September 15, 2023 Water Transport Employment in Europe: The Role of Governance The European waterborne transport sector should be considered a strategic and key asset. It is just one of the conclusions the ETF underlines in the recently published final report of the EU-funded project “A fair and sustainable waterborne transport in Europe”. The report assesses the current state of water transport employment in Europe, links it to water transport governance and provides recommendations for reform.
Statement September 14, 2023 President von der Leyen must back support of social partners with action! Following the SOTEU 2023, the European Transport Workers’ Federation calls on the EC President, Ursula von der Leyen, and the European Commission at large, to back statements of support for social partners and trade unions with bold and substantive actions, policy and legislation.