Breaking News No.5

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14:30 GMT

European manifestation (4)
14h30 (GMT+1): 1,000 railway activists have gathered in Strasbourg to express their opposition to the 3rd railway package. Activists from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the UK were part of the manifestation. Norbert Hansen (TRANSNET, Germany), Didier le Reste (CGT Cheminots, France), Doro Zinke (ETF), Mac Urata (ITF), as well as three members of the European Parliament addressed the rally. In the coming weeks, the European Parliament will vote on the so-called 3rd Railway Package. In addition to the certification of mobile rail personnel, passenger rights and obligations and proposals for quality improvements in rail cargo transport, the issue of liberalisation is once again on the agenda. This time, the liberalisation attempts concern rail passenger transport. The ETF fears that a liberalisation of passenger transport will not lead to a wider and better offer of services for rail customers. A trade union hearing in the European Parliament on the railway package will take place on 9 March. The ETF is organising a European delegation to lobby the members of Parliament.

Romania

The Romanian metro workers' union, USLMA has been organising activities over the last two weeks. "Safety First" posters in English and Romanian have been displayed on the main walls in metro stations. The union has also held meetings with members at workplaces to discuss the campaign and the significance of "safety social legislation". Today, the union combined its activities for the Action Day and International Women's Day with a meeting, which was attended by representatives from the union, the Metrorex Company management and women from each branch of metro activity. Cristina Tilling, ETF also attended. The union will continue its protest actions with a demonstration on 10 March. The ITF sent a message of support to the union.

Swaziland
The Swaziland Transport and Allied Workers' Union is combining their Railway Action Day efforts with the ITF Women's Day activities on 8 March as part of a solidarity programme with their women members.

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