On October 14, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is organizing a demonstration in Brussels. This is one of the several events promoting more and better jobs at sea in the European Union (EU).
European unions are gathering in Brussels to lobby for increased employment for EU seafarers, standardized working conditions, and against replacement of crew from cheaper labor.
This demonstration is part of a long term campaign and its affiliated unions for a fundamental review of employment for those that are active in the EU maritime sector.
Two days later, October 16, there will be a public seminar at the European Parliament. European commissioners, IMO/ILO representatives, ship owners, ETF members, and other stakeholders are coming together to examine the social dimension of the EU maritime policy.
Philippe Alfonso, ETF Maritime Political Secretary commented: “We need to reverse the decline in the number of EU seafarers and young people entering into a maritime profession. There is no evidence to substantiate that young EU nationals do not wish to seek a maritime career. By providing good living and working conditions and attractive remunerations, the industry can avoid a shortage of skilled personnel”.
He continued: “There is an urgent need to put an end to the discrimination between Seafarers working on board the same vessel on grounds of nationality and/or place of residence. Moreover, European seafarers should no longer be excluded from the EU social and labor legislation applying to other sectors. We are seeking to ensure that their rights are the same as those enjoyed by EU citizens on land.
The ETF hopes that European policy makers are open to the Charter for European Seafarers and for a sustainable maritime industry. The Charters goals are:
- more employment opportunities;
- no social dumping and race to the bottom in salaries;
- equal rights;
- more regulation in the maritime sector including the so-called ‘Manning Directive’;
- safe employment conditions;
- right for social security;
- state pension entitlements.
For more details of the Brussels events and ETF campaign please contact:
Philippe Alfonso, Political Secretary, Maritime Transport, Dockers and Fisheries, ETF.
Tel: +32 (0)2 285 45 84.
Email: p.alfonso@etf-europe.org
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