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 allRailways: ETF Affiliates Make Workers’ Voices Heard in Brussels
Railway workers and policymakers gathered in Brussels for “From the Tracks to Brussels”, a high-level dialogue hosted by ETF. The event brought together rail workers, trade union leaders, and EU decision-makers to discuss the future of Europe’s rail sector and the need for sustainable, socially responsible policies. Speakers from the European Commission, the EU Parliament, experts and union leaders discussed the Railways sector and the current struggles of its workers across the continent.
ETF stands in Solidarity with Belgian Railway Workers Fighting for Fair Pensions
On 17 March, railway workers from CGSP Cheminots and ACV CSC Transcom will take strike action to defend their pensions and demand dignity in retirement. ETF stands firmly in solidarity with Belgian rail workers as they fight against unjust pension reforms that threaten their futures and the future of generations to come.
Greek 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.