The ITF-ETF Central and Eastern European Summit, organized by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 11 to 13 December 2024.

After the opening by Josef Maurer (ETF Head of Maritime and Operations), Ján Šlauka (Vice President, OZ KOVO), and František Zaparaník (President, OZŽ), Marta Kahancová delivered a keynote speech on “20 years after: perspectives on industrial relations in Central and Eastern Europe since EU enlargement.”

Marta presented a broader perspective on industrial relations in the region, drawing on insights from the Special Issue of Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, published earlier this year.

Besides Marta Kahancová’s contribution to the editorial of the Special Issue of Transfer (co-authored by Adam Mrozowicki and Vera Šcepanovic), CELSI researcher Tibor Meszmann contributed to a chapter titled “Weathering Intermediated Temporary Labour Mobility” together with Sonila Danaj from the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research.

Following her speech, the first day of the summit continued with three success stories: “Polish Dockers” (Maciej Konopka, Solidarność, Poland), “METRANS DYKO” (Václav Drozd, Lead Organiser, COZZ, Czech Republic), and “Road Transport in Romania” (Florentin Iancu, UNI-SEEOC, Romania), concluding with a debate with the audience.

On Thursday, the summit continued with several speeches, presentations, and debates.

Publication: 20 years after: perspectives on industrial relations in Central and Eastern Europe 20 years after the EU enlargement in Transfer - Volume 30 Issue 1, February 2024 at: https://www.etui.org/publications/20-years-after-perspectives-industrial-relations-central-and-eastern-europe-20-years