European port worker associations expressed their disappointment and frustration in regards to no actions taken by the European Commission on the challenges faced by the port sector due to COVID-19 as well as withdrawal of capacity by major liner companies.
ESPO, FEPORT, ETF and IDC issued a joint statement towards the European Commission calling for a more meaningful dialogue.
The port associations discussed the current challenges that arose due to the pandemic, and explained the impact of the pandemic on the maritime sector, highlighting that the challenges are in need of attention from EU institutions and more particularly from the EU Commission’s services.
The letter notes that
Supporting or assisting the sectoral Social Dialogue at EU level requires more than listening or taking note. In this context, it is worth mentioning that social partners have alerted the EU Commission about the situation that prevails within the maritime logistics chain as a result of the lasting joint withdrawal of maritime capacities by major liner shipping lines.
Moreover, it is reported that the effects of the low schedule reliability are cascading down and disrupting not only the organization of ports and terminals but also customers’ and other actors’ of the supply chain. Social partners deplore that these developments have not been followed-up by the EU Commission.
ETF, FEPORT, ESPO and IDC cannot be reasonably satisfied by the EU Commission’s invitation to reply to consultations to express their views.
They add that although consultation by the EU are useful, they cannot constitute a reliable and insightful barometer regarding the situation that prevails in the market and the difficulties faced by EU port businesses and workers. More active dialogue and a real follow-up of ongoing developments is necessary from the EU Commission’s services for the EU Social Dialogue to be a success.
ETF, FEPORT, ESPO and IDC reiterate their invitation to the EU Commission to initiate a thorough discussion about the future of the EU Sectoral Social Dialogue for Ports.
Learn more by clicking on the joint letter herebelow
