The European Trade Union called on the European Labour Authority to focus on abuse cases concerning seafarers, while ETF contributed a case concerning the responsibility of flag states Cyprus and Madeira for social security of seafarers.
Specifically, the case issued deals with the responsibilities of flag states for social security of seafarers.
It is stated that several seafarers residing in Belgium, employed under Cyprus or Madeira flagged vessels have reported to the Belgian trade union organisation BTB ABVV that they cannot benefit from the protection of the social security regime of the flag state in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security.
Referring to these incidents, Estelle Brentnall, ETF Head of Maritime commented
The COVID-19 pandemic has, once again, highlighted the need for all flag states to take full responsibility – including for social security – of the crews. The ELA is in a unique position to address social dumping in the EU. We expect the Authority to follow-up on the cases submitted by social partners and live up to its mandate.
