"It makes real sense to involve the European unions", stressed ETUC General Secretary John Monks. "Workers are exposed on a daily basis to the consequences of poor transport management: there are costs in terms of time, money, accidents, stress, problems balancing private and working life, pollution and global warming." In addition, some people miss out on employment due to their lack of mobility opportunities.

If we are to improve day-to-day mobility, modes of transport that provide a real alternative to the car need to be developed. Doing that will entail adopting ambitious policies for investment in public transport as well as infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, accompanied by the introduction of appropriate financial incentives. John Monks deplores the fact that "far too many areas of economic activity are poorly served by public transport, if any is available at all. Consequently, workers have no option but to travel by car".

Workers can take very specific action by calling on companies to draw up mobility plans and negotiating collective agreements with employers that include a section on mobility. "The rise in oil prices is pushing us in this direction. However, rather than imposing solutions, companies must understand that any measures will be more efficient if they involve their employees. Innovative agreements on telework, the geographical mobility of employees and the reimbursement of public transport tickets are being signed across Europe and need to be developed further". All the EU Member States must enact legislation requiring companies to draft mobility plans and involve the workers in this process.