The European Transport Workers Federation (ETF) and Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Managers (CER) signed an autonomous European social partner agreement on Women in Rail.

The European Transport Workers Federation (ETF) and Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Managers (CER) have signed an autonomous European social partner agreement on “Women in Rail” at an official signing ceremony in Brussels on 5 November 2021.

Mr Joost Korte, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission, and Ms Charlotte Norlund-Matthiessen, member of the cabinet of the Commissioner for Transport Ms Adina Valean, attended the event and congratulated social partners on this achievement.

The Women in Rail agreement aims to attract more women to the railway sector by creating an appealing working environment and by offering equal opportunities for both women and men at all levels and in all areas.

The agreement was concluded on 30 June 2021 after several rounds of intense negotiations, supported by the European Commission. It is an important achievement for European social dialogue and it is particularly significant, as it has been accomplished during the European Year of Rail.

A preceding agreement  in the railway sector on European licence for drivers carrying out a cross-border interoperability service dates back to 2004. 

The social partners have vowed to promote the agreement, its principles and values in the railway sector and to implement it in their respective companies.