Prospects for strengthening cooperation between the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), including with trade union transport federations from the Republic of Moldova, were discussed at a meeting held today, 25 February, at the House of Trade Unions.

The meeting was attended by Sergiu Sainciuc, Vice-President of the CNSM, Lilia Franț, Vice-President of the CNSM, Valeriu Cazacu, Head of the International Relations, Media and Information Technologies Department of the CNSM, and Petru Lungu, President of the Trade Union Federation of Transport and Road Workers of the Republic of Moldova. The ETF was represented by Livia Spera, ETF Secretary General, Cristina Tilling, ETF Head of Land Transport, and Josef Maurer, ETF Head of Maritime Transport and Operations.

The discussions focused on the exchange of information and presentations on the activities, achievements and objectives of the CNSM, the transport challenges at national level and the ETF’s work at European level. The CNSM representatives highlighted the main current difficulties of the trade union movement, the cooperation with various international organizations, the participation of the CNSM in the processes related to the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the objectives regarding the socio-economic protection of workers, collective bargaining and consultation between the social partners at national level.

On the other hand, the ETF representatives addressed issues related to trade union activities in rail, road and air transport in the European Union, the challenges posed by the implementation of environmental policies in transport, digitalization in the world of work and the impact of new technologies, and the extension of ETF activities to Eastern European countries.

The parties underlined the importance of developing joint initiatives to ensure fair and safe working conditions.