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Social Dialogue

Social dialogue is structured discussions between organisations which represent workers and employers, known as social partners.

European social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations, and joint actions involving organisations representing the two sides of the port industry. The ETF Dockers Section is a recognised social partner for the ports sector.

In June 2013 the ETF, the International Dockworkers Council (IDC), the Federation of European Private Port Companies and Terminals (FEPORT) and the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) established the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Ports (SSDC for Ports) with the support of the European Commission.

Through this Committee, the social partners work jointly to improve working and living conditions for dockers, and to boost the competitiveness and productivity of the EU port sector. Since the establishment of the Committee, the social partners have been working on a wide range of priorities, ranging from occupational health and safety to defining the future of the sector in a changing shipping landscape. Training for staff and women’s presence in ports are also priorities for the Committee.

In additional to the regular meetings, social partners also run joint projects co-funded by the European Commission.

Latest news on social dialogue in ports

Statement March 26, 2020

Social partners voice their disapproval of CBER prolongation in a letter to von der Leyen

In response to the recent CBER prolongation, social partners sent a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, expressing their disapproval of the decision pointing to the negative consequences of this action. The decision was not subject to a proper prior evaluation of effects and will likely have detrimental effects on many companies and workers of the logistics and supply chains in the EU.

Press Release June 27, 2019

Modern challenges for the port sector revealed by EU Social Partners’ joint study

This study is the first-ever attempt to look at how the technological and business choices made by shipping companies impact the main service providers that ships depend on: terminals and their employees. It is now high-time for shipping lines to open discussions with the other actors of the maritime transport chain.