The demonstration, which took place in Brussels on 14 October, aimed to lobby European decision-makers for an increase in employment for European seafarers and a set of standard conditions and against the replacement of crew with cheap labour. The seafarers’ demonstration was part of a long-term campaign by the ITF’s European arm, the ETF, and its affiliated unions for a fundamental review of the employment conditions of those working in the European Union (EU) maritime sector.

An ETF charter for European seafarers was presented to the Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, Antonio Tajani, on the day of the demonstration. The charter’s demands include: more employment opportunities; no social dumping; equal rights; greater regulation of the maritime sector and the right to safe working conditions and social security and state pension entitlements.

Philippe Alfonso, ETF Maritime Political Secretary commented: “The ETF has shown European Commission and Brussels policy-makers that seafarers’ unions across Europe are determined to promote European jobs at sea. The seafarers, representing 23 trade union organisations from 16 European countries, said that they wanted the European legislator to act now to safeguard European maritime know-how and make the industry a sector of excellence, where skilled and well-trained EU seafarers can enjoy the best possible living and working conditions.

“We also need to give young Europeans a chance to embark on maritime careers and to ensure that no one will be prevented from doing so because of poor working conditions.”

The event is being followed by a public seminar at the European Parliament today, held under the auspices of the Party of European Socialists and in the presence of Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, Antonio Tajani. It will debate the social aspects of EU maritime policy (source: itfglobal.org)

What has to be done according to you to increase the quality and number of jobs at sea?

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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