In Summary
All eyes are on rail transport as one of the most sustainable modes of transport to help Europe achieve the necessary climate targets. However, the push for liberalisation we have witnessed in the last decades has not helped the sector nor its workers. The ETF railway section intends to strive for a socially sustainable sector, with adequate public funding, attractive working conditions and a safe work environment for all workers.
Our priorities for 2022 – 2027 are:
- Promoting public railways
- Safety and security on European railways;
- Attracting young and female workers to the rail industry to face the demographic challenge. This can only be achieved by providing good working conditions and wages for all workers in the sector;
- Digitalisation and Automation: A just transition, workers’ involvement in developing and introducing new technologies and adequate (re-)training schemes;
- Social dialogue: Achieving binding results with our social partner, CER, that effectively improve the working conditions of railway workers and making sure previous agreements are implemented and respected.
Latest news on railways
View allGreek Transport Workers Strike for Justice and Railway Safety on Tempi Disaster Anniversary
On 28 February 2025, hundreds of thousands of Greek workers are staging a nationwide strike to honour the victims of the Tempi rail disaster and demand justice, accountability, and urgent safety measures across the transport sector. Led by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and supported by ETF affiliates, the strike marks the second anniversary of the tragic accident that claimed 57 lives in 2023 — the worst rail disaster in Greece’s history.
EU Green Deal: Data Shows That Shift from Road to Rail is Not Happening
The data from 2013 to 2023 makes it clear that the modal shift is nowhere near the necessary pace. While some countries have made modest progress, the overall trend is one of stagnation and missed opportunities. Achieving the Green Deal’s objectives will require stronger political will, substantial investment, and decisive action.
Transforming Rail Freight: A Joint Call for Sustainable and Efficient Transport
Within the framework of the Social Sectoral Dialogue on Railways, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) have issued a joint statement emphasizing the pivotal role of rail freight in Europe’s transition to a sustainable and efficient transport system. That statement effectively highlights the importance of focusing on key areas to ensure the future success and competitiveness of rail freight in the EU. It also emphasizes the need for decision-makers to enhance the overall competitiveness framework by implementing specific measures.