The Employment Committee of the European Parliament (EP) has endorsed the report of Rapporteur Morin-Chartier (EPP, France), which puts forward amendments to the Commission’s proposal aiming at including seafarers in the existing directives on information and consultation, European Works’ Councils, transfer of undertakings, collective redundancies and employer insolvency.
The full support of the European Parliament for the work of the maritime social dialogue was also illustrated by the inclusion of a paragraph specifically commending the vital work of the social partners, European Shipowners’ Community Association (ECSA) says.
”The adoption of the Rapporteur’s report marks a very positive outcome that will ensure that the exclusion of seafarers from some key employment and social rights is removed and seafarers can enjoy their right to protection, information and consultation within the undertaking and their right to fair and just working conditions,” said Mark Dickinson, spokesman of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF).
”The social partners’ common position was the result of fruitful and constructive deliberations and it is therefore very encouraging to see that our joint position has been taken up by the European Parliament as well.”
In December last year, the Council of Ministers adopted a General Approach on the Commission proposal, under the chairmanship of Italy, endorsing the social partners’ common position.
Following the vote in the EP’s Employment Committee, trialogue discussions are expected to start soonest amongst the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the European Commission.