ETF Logistics Conference 2024: Confronting Exploitation in Europe’s Logistics Sector

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

TeamHub Project Concludes with Insights into Europe’s E-commerce and Logistics Challenges

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.

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.

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.

DHL Logistics Workers In Turkey Benefit From Significant Agreement

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. 

The workers behind the Black Friday discounts

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.

Get Logistics Workers Home Safely!

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.

ETF Logistics: A Look Back at the Logistics Action Days

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 present at the Amazon Summit

‘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.

“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.

Raising standards for parcel delivery workers

ETF is committed to continuing fighting against the exploitation of workers in logistics and calls on policymakers and employers to ensure that workers’ rights are respected. Together with its affiliates, ETF will be advocating for the rights of logistics workers during a dedicated week of action across Europe to mark this year’s International Day for Decent Work on October 7th.

Towards sustainability in the e-commerce supply chain

TeamHub country fiches are online! Within the Team Hub project – in which ETF is an associated partner – you have free access to short country-level analysis of the e-commerce and logistics sectors and labour conditions in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Spain.

When trade union optimism pays off: nemlig.com’s drivers get their fair due at long last

Recently, Danish union 3F Transport secured a collective bargaining agreement for nemlig.com’s workers. The ETF caught up with Jan Villadsen, Chairman of 3F Transport and ETF Vice-President to discuss their recent win.

Amazon workers start 17-day strike to protest Barcelona site closure

Amazon plans to transfer 800 workers affected by the closure of their Barcelona centre to distant locations. The company must continue dialogue with unions in good faith to find a fair solution.

For a fair future in logistics

Ports and logistics hubs have very much in common, and ETF is currently exploring ways in which the two sectors can learn from each other, also regarding labour. At Logistics and Maritime BiLOG 2022 Forum, the ETF General Secretary, Livia Spera, shared our vision of building a safe and fair logistics sector.

World Day for Decent Work: Shedding light on the logistics sector’s hidden workers

On World Day for Decent Work, the European Transport Workers’ Federation puts the spotlight on logistics workers: the invisible workers behind our supply chains in a rapidly growing and worryingly unregulated logistics sector.

Black Friday 2021: ETF fights back for fair logistics

This Black Friday, as a European trade union movement, we demanded a better deal for workers, casting a light on the abuses in e-commerce, organising workers to fight back, and pushing the #Fight4FairLogistics!

ETF affiliates united for a European #Fight4FairLogistics

As unions, we committed to working together to develop a European strategy to fight against the spread of unfair labour practices and business models in logistics and e-commerce across all transport sectors.

Amazon – Fighting back for Fair Logistics

As multi-national logistics and e-commerce companies operate across international borders – spreading their exploitative practices, the necessary response from workers is clear: we must unite as a European trade union movement to fight back. ETF remains at the front; fighting back for fair transport!

Italian unions sign landmark agreement with Amazon

Italian transport unions FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and UILTRASPORTI have signed a historic industrial relations protocol with Amazon, establishing that the company must recognise them as social partners.

“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.

#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!

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. 

ETF Talks – Digital & Social Disruption: Are the gig economy & fair work compatible?

Is the gig economy compatible with fair work? To answer this burning question, we’ve brought together MEP Johan Danielsson, ETF Vice President, Jan Villadsen; ETUI’s Director of Research Department, Nicola Countouris; and ETF’s General Secretary, Livia Spera as moderator.

New report exposes XPO’s anti-worker and anti-union practices

ETF and ITF published a report exposing anti-worker and anti-union practices and called on XPO to enter into dialogue with workers’ representatives on the EU and global level.

ETF’s take on the Digital Services Act: ‘Platform work requires more attention!’

As part of the European Digital Strategy, the European Commission is currently working on the new Digital Services Act. The ETF replied to the consultation, but firmly states that the issue of platform work requires more attention and a specific focus rather than being added to a consultation on another topic.

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.

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.

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.

COVID-19: Latest developments from transport workers around Europe

Ahead of tomorrow’s extraordinary meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, the ETF is once again reiterating its previous demands to the European Commission and has sent an overview of the latest developments in the transport industry.

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.

Following a major raid at Amazon distribution centre in Austria, ETF and vida call for supply-chain liability in e-commerce

A large-scale raid at the new Amazon parcel distribution centre in Großebersdorf, near Vienna in Austria took place mid-February. In total, 174 employees at 36 subcontractors (transport companies) were subject to inspection. Violations of labour legislation were found in 49 cases and a bogus company with 20 employees was detected.

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!

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.

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.

XPO served notice under duty of vigilance law in landmark legal move

French law is being used to force a road transport and logistics multinational to take the necessary steps to stamp out human rights abuses in its supply chain, in the first case of its kind.

Transport workers for climate justice

ETF joins the Global Action Week for Climate and calls for climate justice for transport workers!

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

UPS threatens jobs cuts in Belgium. European UPS workers react!

ETF calls on its affiliate unions to show solidarity with Belgian unions in their fight against announced job cuts at UPS.

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!

ETF will be the only organisation representing workers in DTLF

The ETF has been appointed in the new mandate of the Commission Digital Transport and Logistics Forum.

ETF supports Turkish affiliate Nakliyat-İş in dispute with TNT/FedEx

TNT/FedEx must respect workers’ right to organise and recognise their freedom of association.

This is justice for DHL workers in Turkey

DHL Express Turkey agrees to recognise local union Tümtis after long struggle

ETF and ITF write to DHL Global HR Director

ETF and ITF write to DHL Global HR Jutta Rawe-Baumer to insist that DHL Express Turkey must honour the court decision and recognise Tümtis’ right to bargain on behalf of its members.

How YOU can support Turkish DHL workers in fight for union recognition

DHL LabourStart campaign kicks in

DHL Double Standards: Court victory for TÜMTIS in Turkey

Turkish courts have today reconfirmed TÜMTIS as the representative trade union at DHL Express

FedEx-TNT plans to sack 361 workers in Italy. We back unions’ fight to save them.

ETF meets Commissioner Thyssen to address social issues in transport

ETF monitors respect of workers’ rights in FedEx’ proposed take-over of TNT Express

Global unions mark international workers’ day

TÜMTIS and DHL Turkey sign CBA after two years’ struggle

Five months long negotiations led to signature of CBA

ITF and UNI turn over new leaf with DHL

The ITF and fellow global union federation UNI turned over a new leaf in their relationship with the global delivery company Deutsche Post-DHL this week, as a joint statement on an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) mediation was issued

Collective bargaining agreement for Turkish UPS workers

Turkish workers celebrate “landmark moment”

TUMTIS union secures recognition from DHL as the lawful union of choice for DHL Turkey Supply Chain staff

Trade unions participating in the annual ITF – UNI Global delivery meeting say “STOP!” to massive lay-offs in TNT Italy and around the world

ETF 2013 Congress denounces DP DHL’s attack against workers’ rights

Over 450 representatives of ETF affiliated trade unions meeting in Berlin last week (29 – 31 May 2013) for the 4th ETF Statutory Congress sanctioned the abusive behaviour of DP DHL towards workers from DHL supply chain in Turkey.

Global unions urge DHL to make workers’ rights fashionable

DHL Turkey workers report intimidation