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Google free translation service: Deutsch, Français, Español, Italiano, Português - About these links News onlineMore than 1200 seafarers across Europe this week took to the streets of Brussels to call for more and better jobs at sea 15 October 2008 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 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. The Charter can be downloaded from this Webpage (see the section “related documents” below).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 was 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 debated the social aspects of EU maritime policy (further information on the above-mentioned seminar will follow later on).
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