European ports may be facing a winter of discontent as the latest European Ports Policy moves through Brussels: strikes in Portugal are being seen as a precursor to Europe-wide industrial action.
Dockers’ union leaders at an ITF Maritime Roundtable warned that the attack on Portuguese dock work is “the shape of things to come” and signals “a concerted attempt by the European Commission to liberalise the port industry in Europe”.
The concern is that European legislation will lead to a rise in casualisation and lower health and safety standards and conditions. Earlier European port packages failed to make the grade, partly as a result of docker action.
Speaking at the EC's European Port Policy Review conference, Siim Kallas, EC vice-president and Transport Commissioner said that a lack of clear EU-wide rules is preventing a fair competition environment in Europe.
“There are many different operating models and a lack of clear EU-wide rules, which in some cases prevent a fair competition environment,” he said. “I believe that the time has come to establish a more coherent ports policy and finally, a real
strategic vision for EU ports.
