News November 8, 2024 Dockers Safety Conference: “Working together. Much safer” The conference emphasised that safety is a shared responsibility and a vital investment rather than a cost. It provided a unique platform for those actively addressing safety issues within their organisations to exchange views and experiences. Employers, workers, and union leaders engaged in discussions on critical topics such as ensuring safety aboard ships, enforcing the non-seafarers’ work clause, and creating safer working conditions for lashers.
News April 5, 2024 Italian Dockers on Strike: for CBA, fair wages, and rights The dispute over the national Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of Italian dockworkers has led ETF affiliates Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti, to call for a national 24-hour strike between April 3rd and 5th, 2024, with the peak of the protests organized in Genoa through a national demonstration on April 5th.
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 February 14, 2024 EU Elections: ETF Sectoral Manifestos Launched Building on the groundswell of support for our comprehensive “A New Deal for Fair Transport” manifesto, we are proud to announce the launch of sectoral manifestos dedicated to Aviation, Logistics, Dockers & Seafarers, and Railways. These focused documents delve deeper into the specific challenges and demands of each sector, solidifying our unwavering commitment to securing fair treatment and decent jobs for all transport workers across Europe.
News January 17, 2024 European Parliament Votes in Favor of a Comprehensive European Port Strategy The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), a keen observer and active participant in the formulation of this strategy, has played a crucial role in influencing the report’s final content. Initially, the draft report had a glaring omission – it failed to address the workforce, a critical component of the port ecosystem.
Statement December 8, 2023 ETF Urges EU Commission to Address Risks of Emissions Trading System (ETS) on European Ports ETF is voicing its concerns over the potential social and economic impact of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System on European ports. With the EU’s ambitious climate goals, including a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, the ETF is aligned with the need for environmental action. However, the extension of ETS to the maritime sector, which will involve monitoring emissions from ships using EU ports from January 2024, has raised serious apprehensions.
News December 7, 2023 Transport Unions Unite to Support Workers’ Rights at Tesla In a powerful display of international worker solidarity, transport unions in Sweden and Denmark have joined forces to demand that Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, respects the negotiations with IF Metall union, workers’ rights and recognizes their right to a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stands firmly in solidarity with this ongoing strike action.
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.
News September 14, 2023 MSC announces takeover of HHLA terminal group The future of Hamburg port workers should not be put at risk! ETF calls on the Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) – the world’s largest container line – to commit to preserving jobs, fair working conditions and respecting the collective agreement in case of taking the German terminal group Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA).
Info May 5, 2023 Voices from the ETF Dockers Section Meeting 2023 ETF Dockers Sections agreed on its 2023 priorities during the annual Section meeting taking place in Valencia, at the end of March.
News April 3, 2023 Women in the port and maritime sector, why not? ETF is part of the “Women in Port & Maritime Sector. Why not?” project organised by the municipality of Livorno/Italy. This project is aiming to promote knowledge of the work done by women in the port and maritime sector.
News October 11, 2022 The EU must stop liner shipping consortia! Ensuring a socially sustainable sector should be an EU priority; therefore, it’s time to put an end to the CBER.
Statement October 5, 2022 Fresh waves of transport strikes will hit Europe until workers secure decent pay Transport workers’ conditions are at an all-time low while the cost of living is at an all-time high, bringing a new wave of strikes in transport. Transport workers are determined to get their due: improved working conditions and fair pay to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
Press Release September 20, 2022 International solidarity for Liverpool’s striking dockers Global transport unions will be joining 560 Liverpool striking dockers on the picket line at the Port of Liverpool, as port operator Mersey Docks and Harbour Company Limited (MDHC) fails to honour promises on pay despite its profiteering.
Statement August 17, 2022 ETF fully supports Unite’s industrial action at the port of Felixstowe Strike action at the port of Felixstowe has been called from 21 through 28 August after talks over pay broke down with the port owner, HPH Felixstowe.
Press Release July 8, 2022 Victory for seafarers’ safety as Dutch court sides with unions on container lashing Unions have secured an important victory in the campaign for seafarers’ safety this week as a Dutch court has ruled that ship managers, ship owners and charterers must honour a clause that prevents seafarers from being assigned dangerous lashing work where professional dock workers are available.
News July 6, 2022 Fighting the right fight – Europe’s hot summer of strike action When Europe’s politicians and companies refuse to listen, and have no mindset to treat workers as human beings with the right to a decent life based on a decent job with fair pay and conditions… transport workers have no choice but to take strike action.
News June 30, 2022 1960 Genoa revolt drove fascists out; the resistance continues with today’s trade unions Led by trade unionists, 62 years ago, today, the people of Genoa, Italy drove the neo-fascist Italian party out of the city on 30 June 1960. Today, ETF, in partnership with other unions across Europe, is continuing the fight of our ancestors.
Press Release May 25, 2022 Frank Moreels and Livia Spera relected leaders of European Transport Workers’ Federation On the occasion of ETF’s 6th Ordinary Congress in Budapest, Frank Moreels and Livia Spera were elected President and General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation.
Statement March 7, 2022 ETF and ITF Dockers’ unions’ latest effort to stand up for peace Key International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) Dockers affiliate, Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging (FNV) is exploring with lawyers how the union’s members can legally boycott Russian-owned and Russian-controlled vessels; whose owners want to use key Dutch ports to trade in fuels as war rages on in Ukraine.
Statement March 3, 2022 ETF Dockers stand up for peace and solidarity with Ukraine ETF Dockers urge the Council to activate as soon as possible the Temporary Protection Directive to offer quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
News February 15, 2022 Welcome to the new Steering Committee of the ETF Dockers Section for the 2022 – 2027 period! Welcome to the new Steering Committee of the ETF Dockers Section for the 2022 – 2027 period! The Chair and the Steering Committee were elected during the Dockers Section meeting, held on 14 February 2022.
News July 15, 2021 Occupational health and safety: FuelEU Maritime lacks long-term vision Without delay, the European Commission must consider health and safety aspects to complete the FuelEU Maritime initiative.
News July 7, 2021 Port congestion: don’t you dare blame the dockers! The real causes of port congestion should be sought in the unreliability of the shipping companies and the lack of proper planning to face this exceptional period, instead of putting the burden on port workers who never stepped back during this crisis.
News June 14, 2021 The right to organise prevails over economic freedom On the 10th of June, the European Court of Human Rights issued an important decision on the Holship case involving the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and the Norwegian Transport Workers’ Union (NTF) vs Norway. The decision makes a very valuable point on workers’ rights: it states that the freedom of establishment is not a counterbalancing fundamental right to freedom of association.
News June 10, 2021 Global minimum tax: a game changer for EU shipping? In light of the G7 summit of leaders starting this Friday, the ETF reiterates its call for an international agreement on a global minimum tax for multinational companies.
Statement June 2, 2021 ETF to EU Transport Ministers: “It’s time to step up for fair transport!” Ahead of tomorrow’s Transport Council which will see discussions on the Smart Sustainable Mobility Strategy, the ETF implores transport ministers to lead the debate for change and show political will to set the basis and shift the paradigm of low-cost models, liberalisation and competition based on a race to the bottom that has dominated transport policies over the last decades.
News May 12, 2021 Could a global minimum tax be a game-changer for the way EU shipping is governed? The OECD proposal for a global minimum tax for multinational companies would ensure that corporations pay taxes and participate to the common societal effort regardless of where they base their operations.
Statement April 30, 2021 Labour Day 2021: Policy makers, it’s time to take action for fair transport! Ahead of Labour Day, the ETF addresses an open letter to European and national policy makers to remind them about the reality of transport workers and urge them to take action for fair transport:
News March 11, 2021 “Fair transport remains an objective, rather than a reality” – ETF brings together key stakeholders in discussion on sustainability To kick off Sustainable Transport Days, the ETF brought together key players in EU transport and beyond to reflect on the future of these industries.
Event February 18, 2021 ETF-ETUI Sustainable Transport Days ETF-ETUI Sustainable Transport Days is a series of seminars for ETF affiliates and their members on the topic of Future of Transport policies in Europe. Seminars will kick off with an event open to all on the EU mobility strategy and Fair Transport.
News February 10, 2021 Social partners in ports call for renewal of active and meaningful dialogue with the Commission Despite the difficult and unpredictable circumstances the ports industry has been dealing with last year, the European Commission has not shown the commitment and engagement that social dialogue deserves. In response, European social partners in ports are urging the Commission to assume responsibility and commit to real debate.
News February 2, 2021 #HoldBizAccountable: Workers demand accountability for rights violations Workers are joining the fight to #HoldBizAccountable. Make your voice heard and demand accountability for rights violations and environmental destruction!
Union Action January 29, 2021 Polish docker reinstated following lengthy battle with Hutchison A Polish docker and trade union activist Marek Szymczak has been reinstated this month, following a lengthy battle with global terminal operator Hutchison.
Press Release December 9, 2020 EU’s Mobility Strategy must step up its game in shaping socially and environmentally sustainable transport Transport workers are the sector’s “most valuable asset” reads the newly published Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, but proposed initiatives fall short in matching this statement. The ETF reiterates that to fulfil the goals of the Strategy and enable the transition to greener transport, it is essential to address social issues and foster worker engagement.
News December 3, 2020 EU Mobility Strategy – not without transport workers! In its response to the upcoming Strategy for a Sustainable and Smart Mobility, the ETF sets out five key pillars to ensure that future industrial policies for transport combine both employment and climate protection and ensure fundamental change to build an environmental and socially sustainable sector.
News December 2, 2020 ETF affiliates commit to continued Europe-wide fight for fair transport Union responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and a strong recovery that puts social first were at the heart of discussions when ETF affiliates came together online last week.
News November 26, 2020 European trade unions call for more democracy at work The ETUC and ETUFs handed over a petition for more democracy at work to the European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and MEPs, calling for concrete and rapid actions to guarantee the effective enforcement and compliance of workers’ rights to be informed, consulted and to participate in decision-making before any decision is adopted.
News November 26, 2020 ETF condemns abhorrent employers’ actions in the Port of Bilbao and stands with the striking workers Expressing support for Spanish affiliates, ETF addressed a letter to the Spanish Ministers of transport and work, as well as Basque Government, to call for mediation in the conflict between unions and employers in the Port of Bilbao.
News November 18, 2020 Crisis as a game-changer: The future of waterborne transport is fair In light of Digital Transport Days taking place on 18 November, ETF Maritime team has published a paper on the future of waterborne transport. ETF’s vision of a fair and sustainable future of waterborne transport shows that there is an alternative to the current business practices in the sectors.
News October 9, 2020 Meet the Team: Estelle Brentnall, ETF Head of Maritime We check in with Estelle Brentnall to catch up about her work: the expectations, the reality, and the upcoming priorities for the maritime team.
News September 23, 2020 World Maritime Day: Sustainable working environments are essential for a sustainable maritime future ETF Maritime team issues an open letter on World Maritime Day, calling on the EU to be the leading force in working towards true sustainability, in promoting high social and environmental standards, and reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
News September 17, 2020 ETF brings transport workers’ voices to the table at social partners’ Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy hearing Yesterday, ETF’s sections made their demands on the future EU mobility strategy loud and clear at the Social Partners’ dedicated hearing. Workers must be at the centre of the strategy if the Commission truly wishes to achieve sustainability in transport.
News September 16, 2020 “Handed af van de wet major!” – ETF stands in solidarity with Belgian dockers ETF Management Committee renewed the solidarity to the Belgian affiliates BTB-ABVV, ACV TRANSCOM and ACVLB and to the Belgian dock workers in their struggle for Belgian “Wet Major.”
News September 10, 2020 Fair recovery: only if we reform transport policies! Taking the floor at a panel discussion at ETUC’s annual European Works Council conference, Livia Spera, General Secretary of European Transport Workers’ Federation denounced the many transport companies taking advantage of the crisis to lower working terms and conditions and disrespecting social dialogue and consultation rights at all levels.
Union Action September 4, 2020 Dockers protest in Gdańsk: Proper health measures need to be introduced and collective bargaining pursued! Dockers gathered in front of the headquarters of the Gdańsk terminal management office today, voicing concerns over the lack of sanitary breaks in the port during the COVID-19 pandemic and the reluctancy of management to have a meaningful negotiation for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement.
News August 27, 2020 Unions to continue lashing battle to achieve compliance with non-seafarers’ work clause Court of Rotterdam issued a decision today to dismiss the unions’ preliminary request to prohibit the lashing by seafarers immediately in advance of the results of main proceedings. Despite this decision, unions believe that the agreement is clear that this cargo handling work must be undertaken by trained, experienced dockers when they are present.
News July 15, 2020 World Youth Skills Day 2020 – Skills for a resilient transport sector! On World Youth Skills Day 2020, the ETF highlights the need for quality training, skills, room for professional development to attract young workers to the transport sector, but above all emphasises the need for decent working conditions!
Union Action July 9, 2020 Union-busting, yellow unions, and mobbing: what it means to be a union activist in the Port of Gdynia Port of Gdynia has been recognised as a hostile environment for workers in the recent ITUC report on the state of workers’ rights. We spoke to one of the union activists about what the situation is on the ground.
News July 8, 2020 ETF appeals to Trio Presidency ministers: It’s time for a fair, socially sustainable transport sector! Responding to their Trio Programme, ETF addressed a letter to transport ministers of Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal, urging them to use their presidencies to steer European transport to a fair future.
News July 2, 2020 Recent murder in le Havre highlights persistent risks for port workers ETF urges governments to set up new strategies and enforce existing ones to tackle drug trafficking and protect exposed port workers and their families
News June 23, 2020 ETF supports Italian unions on the issue of self-handling in ports The ETF Dockers’ Section has sent a letter to the Italian Ministry of Transport in support of the requests of its Italian affiliates, asking for rules that clarify the problem of self-handling in ports.
Statement June 19, 2020 North American dockers receive international support in their ongoing fight for racial justice Italian dockers from FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti join ILWU in protests of solidarity with the struggle for racial equality and social justice.
Union Action June 18, 2020 Automation in ports: dockers take action in Rotterdam to defend their jobs Expressing their disagreement with the recent actions of the Port Authority, dockers in the Port of Rotterdam took part in a protest yesterday. The dockers’ union FNV Havens alleges that the Authority has violated the agreement that guarantees additional jobs for dockers in the port.
News June 18, 2020 “Do it!” – EU Recovery Plan must pave the way for fair transport ETF joins the ETUC in calling on the EU Council to speed up payment of EU emergency support for health and protecting incomes and jobs and agree on an EU Jobs Recovery Plan for massive investment & solidarity. For the transport industry, a recovery plan should not be back-to-business-as-before – a policy shift must accompany it!
News June 16, 2020 ETF’s open letter to EU Transport Ministers: “It’s time to shape a fair future transport policy!” In an open letter addressed to the EU’s Transport Ministers, the ETF makes a plea for a transparent, inclusive, and open process to shape up the future transport policy.
News April 30, 2020 May Day 2020: Why trade unions matter now more than ever Now more than ever, it is important to acknowledge transport workers all over Europe and highlight the key role unions will play in protecting their working conditions, wages and employment after the health crisis subsides.
Statement April 28, 2020 IWMD: Hold your applause, protect transport workers’ safety! Today, we remember the dead and fight for the living! Transport workers deserve dignity and safety at work and we are fighting for their rights!
Worker's Story April 27, 2020 COVID-19: Italian docker reports from Livorno Many Italian dockers have continued working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michele Innocenti shares his experience of working in these extraordinary circumstances.
News April 10, 2020 COVID-19: Transport workers have a right to protective equipment! ETF prepared an overview of EU legislation that protects workers’ right to protective equipment in the workplace.
Worker's Story April 7, 2020 COVID-19: German docker on working during a pandemic Kay Jäger, a docker in the Port of Hamburg, spoke to us about his experience of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the new measures and procedures that were implemented to protect these vital workers.
Statement April 3, 2020 “Time for real Europeans to stand up!”, says Frank Moreels Frank Moreels, president of European Transport Workers’ Federation, is urging European leaders to take heed as the COVID-19 crisis further exposes the cracks in the foundation of the transport industry.
Union Action April 2, 2020 Union action in the time of COVID-19: Affiliate actions Our affiliates are hard at work defending workers’ rights! You can find their actions here!
Statement March 26, 2020 Social partners voice their disapproval of CBER prolongation in a letter to von der Leyen In response to the recent CBER prolongation, social partners sent a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, expressing their disapproval of the decision pointing to the negative consequences of this action. The decision was not subject to a proper prior evaluation of effects and will likely have detrimental effects on many companies and workers of the logistics and supply chains in the EU.
Statement March 19, 2020 COVID-19: ETF responds to the outcome of Council of Transport Ministers Meeting In the wake of the informal meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, the ETF has once again sent a letter to Commissioner Vălean. The ETF waited for the outcome of this meeting, in hopes that concrete measures to protect our transport workers would emerge from it. What emerged was the exact opposite, and we are extremely disappointed in the Council’s (un)willingness to tackle this safety emergency that poses a threat, which grows by the minute, for transport workers.
Statement March 18, 2020 COVID-19: Social Partners’ Joint Statement on Contingency Measures in Ports In the global emergency of COVID-19 outbreak, dockers are on the frontline, ensuring loading and unloading of essential goods in European ports. Ahead of today’s extraordinary meeting of the Council of EU Transport Ministers, ETF Dockers prepared a joint statement with IDC, FEPORT and ESPO.
Statement March 13, 2020 COVID-19: Transport workers need protection and Europe needs to act now! ETF is now once again calling upon the Commission to take concrete action to protect Europe’s transport workers as new developments arise every day. Reports received from around Europe show that some employers are not taking the pandemic seriously, and are putting workers in danger with their failure to act appropriately.
Statement March 13, 2020 “People must be put first!” – ETF reaction to the Opatija Declaration On Wednesday, EU Transport Ministers adopted the Opatija Declaration on the future outlook of EU Waterborne Transport. ETF welcomes the attention given to some of the ongoing industry challenges, and at the same time highlights several points that we believe merit further consideration and follow-up both of the EU Member States and the European Commission.
News March 9, 2020 COVID-19: ETF calls upon Commissioners Vălean and Schmit to devise a plan that protects transport workers! In view of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and its on impact transport workers, we sent a letter to Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport and Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights where we outlined our concerns, and what a plan to remedy the current situation should look like.
Press Release February 19, 2020 Return lashing to shore-based dock workers! The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) today call upon ship operators to return lashing to shore based dock workers.
Statement January 15, 2020 European minimum wage initiative – Consultation is underway! On 14 January, the European Commission launched First phase consultation of Social Partners on a possible action addressing the challenges related to fair minimum wages. While the ETF strongly believes that workers of Europe need a pay rise, we don’t support simplistic approaches and half-baked solutions that could endanger the autonomy of social partners around the continent. A simple prescriptive mechanism cannot solve wage stagnation – instead, we need to address the core causes of it, such as precarious work, anti-union measures, digitalisation, and austerity.
Worker's Story January 13, 2020 Dockers explain: Why is the Dockers’ Clause important? On 1 January 2020, the Dockers’ Clause came into effect, confirming that lashing is dockers’ work. To better understand the importance of this new clause and its consequences, we spoke to dockers around Europe. We asked them about their work, the current situation in their countries and what the new arrangement means for them.
Press Release January 9, 2020 Dockers’ Clause: A deal is a deal – and we are defending it! On 8 January, dockers, shop stewards, trade unions and legal advisors from ten different countries gathered in Rotterdam and pledged to take action to ensure that the new Dockers’ Clause is correctly implemented. The attendees of the gathering formed an international team of legal advisors to prepare for action against shipping companies that do not comply with the Dockers’ Clause.
Statement December 18, 2019 Through the eyes of transport workers: more needs to be done for the rights of migrants! The work of the ETF has always been about decent work, decent life, and justice. All of these themes are central to today’s International Migrants Day, the day that combines the aspirations of migrants – people searching for a decent life, decent work, and struggling for justice.
News December 18, 2019 Water transport sectors meet in Hamburg to discuss the impacts of automation & digitalisation On 11 and 12 December, workers and union representatives from the water transport sectors met in Hamburg for a workshop on automation and digitalisation. The workshop is part of the project ETF Automation & Digitalisation Toolkit, aimed at developing tools to empower workers during the processes of automation and digitalization (A&D).
News December 16, 2019 Young transport workers in Europe survey Who are you, young transport workers in Europe? We are curious to know what you think about your work and the future of the sector. What are some of the main issues you face at work and are trade unions there to help you overcome them? How can we do better? Please fill in our short survey!
News December 13, 2019 Lash do it! – Dockers Clause comes info effect on 1 January 2020 On 1 January, a ‘Dockers Clause’ of the IBF framework agreement comes into effect. As a consequence, dockers will (again) be doing the lashing for the ships covered by the IBF Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Statement December 11, 2019 ETF’s first reaction to the European Green Deal ETF welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the European Green Deal. As representatives of transport workers in Europe, we are perfectly aware that in order to mitigate climate change it is crucial to transform the transport sector. In this first reaction to the Communication, we want to highlight several issues that are crucial for transport workers.
News November 25, 2019 Time’s Up for Violence Against Women! To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ETF’s Acting General Secretary, Livia Spera, has joined other women trade union leaders in signing a letter to the European Commission President-designate Ursula von der Leyen, and Equality Commissioner-designate, Helena Dalli, on their proposals to increase EU action against violence against women.
News November 19, 2019 World Toilet Day 2019: Toilet rights are a human right! The lack of accessible sanitation facilities and sufficient break times is an issue that heavily affects transport workers in all sectors. That’s why today of all days especially, the ETF calls for safe, decent and sufficient toilets and other sanitation facilities for all transport workers in Europe.
Event November 12, 2019 No automation without negotiation! The ETF Dockers’ automation roadshow went on tour again. This time, upon the invitation from our Turkish affiliate Liman-İş, we spent two days (7-8 November) in Mersin, a city with a major port – Mersin International Port. The speakers from BTB (Belgium), FNV (the Netherlands) and ver.di (Germany) shared their varied experiences in addressing the different levels of automation and digitalisation in their respective ports.
Event October 24, 2019 ETF Dockers & Seafarers wrap up joint project by agreeing on shared action plan Just Yesterday, October 23, ETF Seafarers and Dockers wrapped up the closing event of their joint EU-funded project for a stronger and more sustainable European maritime sector. This final seminar was dedicated to identifying common priorities and developing joint activities and strategies for the coming years. ETF Dockers and Seafarers finished by agreeing on a shared action plan and committing to systematically continue cooperation through joint meetings and campaigns both on a European and an international level.
News September 20, 2019 Transport workers for climate justice ETF joins the Global Action Week for Climate and calls for climate justice for transport workers!
News September 10, 2019 Baltic Week of Action with lashing in the spotlight On the eve of the entry into full effectiveness of the new IBF Dockers’ Clause our German affiliate ver.di is dedicating its Baltic Week of Action 2019 to lashing.
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 20, 2019 Svitzer workers go on strike in The Netherlands for the 9th time! Workers at the Dutch tug company continue their fight to get their overtime paid. Instead of working for free, they decided to do voluntary work in a different way: they got elderly people from a retirement home on board of boats and gave them a tour of the port!
Worker's Story June 12, 2019 A tug worker sends an SOS call about social dumping A tug captain from Antwerp has issued an SOS call, asking for action against social dumping in the sector. His story highlights a specific case of unfair competition in Belgium, but it is a story that will echo with tug captains across Europe. The ETF is building a network of tug captains, and we will stand with them in their struggle to defend decent pay and conditions in this vital profession.
Event June 7, 2019 Young dockers at the negotiating table! This year our young dockers from 8 European countries were invited by the ETF and Solidarność to Gdynia in Poland. The main activity was a training workshop and role playing exercise about how to succeed in collective bargaining negotiations. The participants also discussed the recent EU elections, ways to build powerful youth movements, and the role of unions in Poland’s rebellion against dictatorship.
News May 22, 2019 Global solidarity for port strikes in Italy Dockers everywhere deserve safe conditions, decent wages and a voice in automation! That’s exactly what Italian unions were bargaining for, but now national negotiations have broken down. Our Italian affiliates FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and UILTRASPORTI have therefore decided to call a 24-hour national port strike.
Press Release May 9, 2019 ETF Appoints Livia Spera as Acting General Secretary Today our Executive Committee, meeting in London, approved the nomination of Livia Spera as Acting General Secretary. Livia was until now the Political Secretary for Dockers and Fisheries, and will take on the role immediately.
News April 30, 2019 Svitzer workers strike in The Netherlands – their fight is our fight! Despite the actions undertaken in the recent days, the Svitzer workers from The Netherlands are forced to strike today since the company refuses to have meaningful negotiations on legitime pay rise and better conditions for tug workers.
News April 10, 2019 Solidarity to Dutch colleagues! The ETF Tug Committee expresses its solidarity to the Dutch colleagues fighting for better conditions in Svitzer.
Statement March 29, 2019 ETF is moving forward! As we celebrate the success of our Fair Transport campaign, we are already at work creating the ETF of the future. A special conference gathered affiliates to set a course and explore new ways of working. Commitment was strong, and now it is time to build an even stronger federation for Europe’s transport workers!
News March 27, 2019 Thousands of workers block Brussels for Fair Transport Workers from every corner of Europe and every transport sector brought our campaign to a dizzying end. Thousands marched on the European Commission demanding decent work and the end of social dumping.
News March 26, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day four It’s the final day of actions around Europe, and many affiliates start their journey to Brussels. Meanwhile, our rally in Strasbourg attracts the support of MEPs.
Event March 26, 2019 Transport workers, trade unions and MEPs all together for a Fair Transport Our Fair Transport action week is for workers and policymakers all over Europe. But of course the European Parliament is a very special audience for us. That is why hundreds of transport workers from different countries were in Strasbourg today for a demonstration with trade unions and MEPs.
News March 25, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day three The third day of our action week saw workers demanding fair transport on boats, underground, at ports and at airports…
News March 25, 2019 European Dockers stand together in the fight for Fair Transport! ETF affiliates representing dockers have held simultaneous actions in three countries as part of the Fair Transport Europe action week. Today saw actions for fair pensions in Rotterdam, on lashing in Hamburg and Bremerhaven, and in support of drivers’ rights and tighter road inspections in Antwerp.
News March 24, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day two Day 2 of our international action week sees another impressive mix of actions, debate and personal stories – as ever more workers start the trip to Brussels for our demonstration on 27 March.
News March 23, 2019 Fair Transport action week: day one The first day of our Fair Transport action week is behind us and ETF affiliates have already taken part all over Europe. We are astonished at the support that we got in only 36 hours.
News March 21, 2019 European Tug workers show solidarity to their colleagues from Panama International solidarity works!
Event March 21, 2019 Tug workers meet in London. Let’s fight together for fair conditions! Participants from 10 countries meet to talk about the challenges facing the tug sector and its workers. We committed to further cooperation and also discussed future dialogue with representatives of tug industry employers.
News March 19, 2019 Fair Tugging Campaign ETF affiliates in Belgium, Italy, Spain and UK are flying the flag in support of our Fair Tugging Campaign!
News March 14, 2019 Unions at Eurokai: Our Cypriot, German and Italian affilates share concerns and pledge mutual support The Eurokai Group is a giant in the port and logistics sectors, active in many European countries. It is important for the workers of huge international companies like this to maintain links and solidarity across borders, and cooperation between their unions is the best way to do it.
News February 27, 2019 It’s time to take Fair Transport Europe to the next level! In just one month, thousands of workers will be converge on Brussels for a huge demo to mark the high point of our Fair Transport Europe campaign against social dumping. We will march through the city and raise our voice to demand that politicians and employers put an end to exploitation and unfair competition!
Event February 18, 2019 Port and maritime workers come together to explore EU rules on shipping alliances Ever-larger shipping alliances have a huge impact on both the maritime transport and port sectors – and their workers. Now the EU is planning to update its Consortium Block Exemption Regulation, so we brought maritime and port workers together to decide our position on the issue.
Event February 11, 2019 MEP Brando Benifei meets ETF and Italian affiliates to discuss the future of dockwork With EU elections fast approaching, we hosted an event in Genoa with the Member of the European Parliament. More than 100 people gathered in Genoa to discuss Fair Transport and the changing world of ports.
Event February 1, 2019 ETF dockers show policymakers the reality of port work in Hamburg Main purpose of the visit was to show what terminals and their workers are doing to cope with the consequences of the increasing size of ships. The event was also a good occasion for EU decision-makers to get hands-on information about the revision of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation.
News January 28, 2019 Fair Transport means quality jobs in ports! FNV Havens calls on port employers and authorities in Rotterdam to protect safety and pensions. Automation and lashing are two key concerns.
News December 19, 2018 UK dockers get ready for the future at ETF Automation and Lashing Seminar On 17-18 December, ETF Dockers held an Automation and Lashing Seminar in London. We made plans for reclaiming lashing in UK ports, learned more about port automation and how to build the balance of power to negotiate fair automation agreements.
Statement November 28, 2018 We back Portuguese dockers’ action against precarious working conditions ETF, ITF and ver.di send message of support to workers at today’s action in Setubal. No social dumping in European ports!
Event November 21, 2018 Driving the change: joint dockers and seafarers training on trends in shipping and ports The second in our series of four joint seminars looked to the future, giving workers and unions the knowledge they need to change policy.
News November 16, 2018 Seafarer dies while lashing cargo Tragic accident in Ireland shows once again that lashing must be dockers’ work, as already agreed by unions and employers at global level.
News July 9, 2018 ETF dockers call for joined-up thinking from port authorities Even in a context of increasing automation, we are determined to protect port employment and working conditions.
Event June 22, 2018 Young Dockers discuss burning issues in the future of dockwork More than 40 young dockers from 14 unions and 10 countries travelled to Walsrode, Germany, for the second ETF young dockers meeting. They discussed port automation and solidarity, while sharing experiences about how to organise young dockers and make them active trade union members. Their aim is to build a fair future for dockworkers.
Statement June 21, 2018 Solidarity with tug workers on the Panama Canal At its first meeting the ETF Tug Steering Committee sent a solidarity message to workers on the Panama Canal.
News June 21, 2018 Tug Steering Committee Chairs elected Jacques Kerkhof (Belgium) will be Chair and Richard Crease (UK) as Vice-Chair.
News May 11, 2018 Italian dockers strike – ETF sends message of solidarity to struggle for Fair Transport
Press Release May 8, 2018 Transport workers launch international cooperation at Eurokai – Europe’s biggest port company
Press Release February 23, 2018 Lashing is dockers’ work! Union struggle achieves major victory for European dockers
Event October 27, 2017 Kick-off meeting of the ‘Changing face of EU ports’ project Recent developments in the shipping industry include the concentration caused by alliances and mergers, and the growing size of vessels. These changes have a huge impact on terminals and their workers.
Statement March 2, 2017 ETF Executive Committee backs Spanish dockers’ struggle as EU Port Social Dialogue is put on hold
Press Release December 14, 2016 Approval of Port Regulation: time to reset priorities for the EU Port Policy
Statement September 14, 2016 First evaluation of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee’s Work Programme
Statement September 24, 2015 Solidarity with the Tug workers on the Panama canal ETF/ITF Tug Conference issued solidarity statement
Statement September 21, 2015 We must end the war on tug tarrifs Major tug operators are consolidating in order to increase profit margins by imposing unfair tariffs and demands on local tug operators.
News March 11, 2015 Kick off for new Tug Network ETF and ITF affiliates declare their renewed intention to engage in closer cooperation…
Statement December 12, 2014 Port Social Partners express common vision on Social Dialogue in the sector ETF, IDC, FEPORT and the ESPO will reinforce social dialogue and work together to improvement of working conditions the competitiveness of EU ports.
News November 24, 2014 Seafarer and Docker union leaders warn European Commission over euro ports plans
Press Release November 24, 2014 Seafarer and docker union leaders warn European Commission over Euro ports plans
Press Release March 6, 2014 ETF and IDC unions renew solidarity to disputes involving Dockworkers across Europe
News February 20, 2014 Agreement between SETC and employers re-launches negotiations in Portuguese ports
News January 28, 2014 ETF affiliates target Portuguese embassies to address dockers working conditions
Press Release January 15, 2014 Joint ETF and IDC-E solidarity campaign in support of Portuguese port workers
Event July 4, 2013 ETF conference emphasises the importance of collective bargaining in the port sector