Archives: Posts

EU Land Transport Labour Market: A Critical Examination of Trends and Policy Implications

Two years ago, the ETF launched a project to look in more detail at the roots of the above trends. Three reports – on road, rail and urban public transport were developed within the frame of the project to cast light on how liberalisation and market-opening policies led to undesirable effects that put at stake the very goals and objectives set by the same policymakers.

Publication
8 May 2024

Joint EU Trade Union statement toward the Council negotiation on the revision of the European Works Council Directive

European Trade Union Federations have issued a joint letter strongly criticizing the European employers’ organizations for their opposition to the proposed revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive. The unions argue that the employers’ stance demonstrates a lack of understanding of the EWC Directive and a lack of effort to support policy-making based on evidence. They call on the Council to ensure that EWCs are given sufficient and enforceable rights, as well as the necessary resources to exercise them.

Statement
7 May 2024

Navigating Crisis in Civil Aviation: Insights from Meeting in Helsinki

On April 25th-26th, representatives from various civil aviation unions met in Helsinki for an intensive training session led by Kris Major,  Chair of the Joint Aircrew Committee and representative of the UK’s union Unite. The training was aimed at “bringing the crisis guide to life”, infusing it with the collective experience and insight of the attendees. This guide will eventually serve as a comprehensive collection of guidelines to equip union representatives with the essential skills and support to navigate crises adequately.

News
29 Apr 2024

Day Against Driver Fatigue

The ETF will launch its very first Day Against Driver Fatigue on June 21st, the longest day of the year. The campaign aims to draw attention to the critical problem of driver fatigue in road transport, primarily caused by poor working conditions.

Campaign
28 Apr 2024

Empowering Women in Transport: A Crucial Battle for Rights and Representation

In a pivotal seminar held in Milan on April 10th 2024, more than 70 women from 15 countries assembled to confront the challenges faced by women in the transport sector amidst the backdrop of the growing far-right movement in Europe. The seminar welcomed not just union leaders but workers and workplace representatives from all over Europe, notably with a significant presence of Italian workplace delegates. In light of the upcoming European elections, the discourse focused on the indispensable role of women in leading the fight for equality and justice in the transport sector.

News
23 Apr 2024

Standing still in Solidarity: Workers in the Transport Sector Call for Safer Working Conditions

Across the Netherlands on Saturday, trams, buses, metros, and trains came to a standstill for a few minutes. This pause was not due to technical issues or scheduling conflicts; rather, a symbolic protest the rising tide of violence faced by transportation workers. It’s a call to action by trade unions and companies to ensure a safer working condition. The national railways (NS) along with most public transport companies all stopped for three minutes on Saturday night at 10.30pm.

News
22 Apr 2024

ETF, CER and UITP Joint Statement on EU Economic Governance Reform

ETF, UITP and CER issued a joint statement, highlighting that achieving the EU’s ambitious climate goals, particularly those related to transport emissions, hinges on significant investments in rail and urban public transport. The existing modal shift objectives established by the EU cannot be realistically achieved without a strong focus on these sectors.

Statement
22 Apr 2024