Warsaw, 29 September 2026, The Federation of European Train Drivers’ Unions (ALE) held its 10th Congress in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together representatives of its member organisations to review the Federation’s activities, elect its new leadership and define the priorities for the coming years.
Hosted by the Polish trade union ZZM, the Congress marked an important milestone in ALE’s development, combining the renewal of its governing bodies with a renewed commitment to the representation of train drivers at European level.
A new Executive Presidency for 2026-2030
One of the main outcomes of the Congress was the unanimous election of the new ALE Executive Presidency for the 2026–2030 mandate:
- President: Diego Martín Fernández (SEMAF, Spain)
- Vice-President: Vincenzo Multari (FAST, Italy)
- Vice-President: Daniel Biernacik (ZZM, Poland)
The newly elected leadership expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among ALE’s member organisations, reinforcing the Federation’s institutional presence and ensuring that the professional experience of train drivers continues to play a central role in European railway policymaking.
The Congress also elected David Votroubek as Treasurer, together with Paolo Lauzzana and Peter Dubovsky as Auditors.
Strengthening European cooperation: CESI and CER at the Congress
The Congress welcomed the participation of two prominent representatives of the European railway and trade union community.
Klaus Heeger, Secretary General of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI), highlighted the longstanding cooperation between CESI and ALE and stressed the importance of strong professional representation in responding to Europe’s evolving labour market.
His intervention addressed major challenges such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, demographic change and the need to attract new generations of railway professionals. He also underlined the importance of quality employment, professional training and appropriate working conditions.
Alan Beroud, Chairman of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), emphasised the value of cooperation among European railway stakeholders to strengthen the sector’s common voice.
His contribution addressed the revision of the Train Drivers’ Directive, professional qualifications, training, operational communication and the ongoing discussions concerning train drivers’ working and rest time.
The participation of both organisations provided an opportunity to reinforce institutional dialogue and underline the importance of cooperation while respecting the specific responsibilities and perspectives of each stakeholder.
European railway safety and working conditions at the centre of ALE’s priorities
Throughout the Congress, delegates reaffirmed the need for ALE to remain actively involved in the European regulatory and technical processes that directly affect train drivers.
Among the main priorities identified were:
- Revision of the Train Drivers’ Directive (TDD): ensuring that future European legislation reflects operational realities, maintains high professional standards and adequately addresses training, certification and safety requirements.
- Driving, working and rest time: contributing to European discussions on monitoring and regulatory frameworks, with particular attention to fatigue, safety and the specific characteristics of train drivers’ duties.
- Railway interoperability and technological development: maintaining active involvement in ERTMS/ETCS, digitalisation and the operational implications of new technologies.
- Professional training and qualification: safeguarding high-quality training standards and preventing practices that undermine professional competence or create downward pressure on employment conditions.
- Human factors and operational safety: promoting the recognition of train drivers’ practical experience in the development of railway safety policies.
ALE reiterated that technological progress, competitiveness and market integration must go hand in hand with strong safety standards, adequate working conditions and meaningful involvement of railway professionals.
Recognising a legacy of commitment: ALE Honorary Presidency
The Congress paid tribute to the outgoing Executive Presidency, acknowledging its longstanding dedication to building and consolidating ALE as an independent European organisation representing train drivers.
In recognition of their outstanding contribution, the Congress approved the appointment of Juan Jesús García Fraile, Leszek Miętek and Pietro Serbassi as Honorary Presidents of ALE.
Their leadership has been instrumental in strengthening cooperation between national train drivers’ unions and establishing ALE as a recognised professional voice within the European railway sector.
This recognition also reflects the importance of continuity, institutional experience and solidarity between generations in shaping the Federation’s future.
A united voice for the future of European rail
The 2026 Congress represented both the conclusion of an important period in ALE’s history and the beginning of a new chapter.
With renewed leadership, recognition of those who contributed to its development and a clear commitment to European railway safety and professional standards, ALE looks ahead to the coming mandate with a determination to strengthen its role as the independent European voice of train drivers.
ALE will continue working alongside its member organisations to ensure that train drivers are not merely affected by decisions concerning Europe’s railways, but are actively involved in shaping them.
The Federation extends its sincere appreciation to ZZM for hosting the Congress and to all delegates, guests and member organisations for their participation and continued commitment to ALE.