An ETF delegation joined its French affiliates CGT-Cheminots, CFDT- Cheminots and UNSA-Ferroviaire in Lille on Thursday, 22 June 2023, in a protest against expanding privatisation of rail in France. ETF continues to work hard to defend railways and its workers to ensure that rail transport is a public service fit for a fair and sustainable Europe.

ETF stands by its Swiss transport workers’ union, SEV, in opposing the liberalisation demands of passenger rail under ongoing Switzerland and the EU negotiations on a cooperation agreement.

On February 28, a group of EU MEPs, transport workers, and unions protested the European Commission’s undemocratic attempt to force the liberalisation of public transport by rail and road without involving the Council and the European Parliament.

ETF, alongside its transport unions and transport workers from France, Switzerland, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium took Lyon’s streets for Fair Transport.

Boundless competition does not improve any aspect of rail transport. Instead, ETF calls for more cooperation on the railways to improve cross border connections, guarantee high-quality service in all regions and encourage multi-modal transport.

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.

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.