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ETF calls for jobs focus in European Commission ports policy
11 January 2008
The ITF’s European regional body, the ETF is calling for the European Commission’s (EC) policy on ports to include a greater focus on “more and better jobs”.
In its response to the EC communication on future ports policy, the ETF stated that, while it welcomed the commission’s shift in policy focus from the liberalisation of port services to a holistic framework for the sector, it had hoped to see its plea for “more and better jobs” more prominently reflected in the commission’s final policy document.
The federation’s paper also included a statement on training and qualifications, demanding that the commission promote the highest possible training and qualification standards across the European port industry. The ETF also regretted the absence of any mention of specific measures on health and safety and invited the commission to carry out a survey to gather best and worst practice examples as well as relevant data.
Philippe Alfonso, ETF Ports and Docks Section Political Secretary commented: “So far, the commission has just outlined an action plan; the core of port policy is yet to come. In this regard, we keep on calling for respect for national and local specificities along with a common framework to improve training and health and safety at work. The upcoming Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee, gathering together EU social partners in the port sector, will certainly be the right place to deal with these crucial topics and other social issues.”
More information: ETF Paper on European Port Policy (pdf)
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