ETF concerned over port policy proposals

While, the ETF is concerned for pilotage, towing and mooring workers, it says it is satisfied with the fact that the Commission decided not to touch upon port labour organisation in the proposals and that cargo handling is excluded from market access rules.

“Our point of view is that any attempt to deregulate technical nautical services should be strictly defined and controlled to avoid marine casualties that would pose a threat to the marine environment and put human lives at risk,” said Philippe Alfonso, ETF political secretary for maritime transport.

“Even if dock labour is not included in the new regulation it is clear that liberalisation of port labour is still on the Commission’s agenda,” added Terje Samuelsen, section chair, ETF Dockers. “The strategy seems to have changed as we have passed from comprehensive one-size-fits-all proposals to targeted interventions at national level. Furthermore, in its Communication the Commission clearly indicates its intention to come back on the issue of port labour in 2016.”

A position paper on the Commission’s proposals will be issued in the coming months after an in depth analysis of the draft communication and regulation.