Advocating for Social and Labour Considerations in the Common Fisheries Policy Evaluation

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and Europêche, as the European Social Partners in the fisheries sector, have submitted a joint position paper to the European Commission. This response is part of the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Both organizations emphasized the need to address the CFP’s socio-economic shortcomings and its impact on workers and communities in the fishing industry.

Scrap of fuel taxation exemptions for fisheries can kill the sector

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is sounding the alarm over the potential inclusion of fishing fuels under the revised Energy Taxation Directive. The ETF, alongside other European organizations representing the entire fisheries sector value chain, has sent a joint letter to the European Parliament and national authorities urging them to exempt fishing from the Directive’s scope.

Spain: ILO C188 “Work in Fishing” Convention enters into force

C188 enters into force in Spain. A milestone for this fundamental ILO Convention.

Ensuring Wi-Fi Rights for migrant workers on Taiwan’s Fishing Vessels

In a recent initiative highlighting the global nature of the fisheries sector, European social partners have turned their focus towards Taiwan, particularly due to the significant employment of Asian migrant fishers on Taiwanese-owned vessels. These workers face distressing labour abuses, especially within Taiwan’s extensive distant water fleet, which operates far from the country’s shores.

Water Transport Employment in Europe: The Role of Governance

The European waterborne transport sector should be considered a strategic and key asset.
It is just one of the conclusions the ETF underlines in the recently published final report of the EU-funded project “A fair and sustainable waterborne transport in Europe”. The report assesses the current state of water transport employment in Europe, links it to water transport governance and provides recommendations for reform.

European fishers joined forces to defend their work and reclaim their future

From Italy to France and Spain, the European fishers called on the European Commission to correlate its recent decisions regulating the sector to the realities of the industry. Across Europe, fishers joined forces and asked for tailored EU rules allowing them to maintain their jobs instead of making the EU depend only on imported fish products imports.

Safety and health at sea, priorities under the ongoing revision of the Fishing Vessel Safety EC Directive

In their official response to the EC public consultation on Fishing Vessel Safety Directive, the Social Partners – ETF and Europeche – ask the European Commission to improve safety and health at sea.

Spain becomes the 11th European country to ratify the C188 – Work in Fishing Convention

ETF welcomes Spain’s recent ratification of the C188 – Work in Fishing Convention. By ratifying this convention, signatory states ensure fishers’ wages and working conditions are protected, and those minimum decent standards are respected and implemented.

The EC’s assessment of the fishing vessel safety Directive must take a different course

ETF considers an extension of the Directive on fishing vessels’ scope is a must, allowing thus the Member States to implement better standards at the national level. Also, the effectiveness of the Directive depends mainly on widening the scope of the Port State Control Directive to fishing vessels.

No fish products made with forced labour on the EU market

The social partners call for the EC Regulation prohibiting products manufactured by violating human and workers’ rights on the EU market to include fish products.

Forced labour and deep-sea fishing, critical topics at the upcoming Social Dialogue on Fisheries

Sea Fisheries Social Partners are highly concerned about forced labour and the limitations of deep-sea fishing . In their upcoming meeting, they are considering adopting a joint resolution to ask for the EC proposal for a Regulation banning products deriving from forced labour to go hand in hand with the IUU Regulation.

EU Commission must improve the social dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy

ETF expects significant improvements in the social dimension of the CFP from the upcoming publications by the Commission.

Thousands of fisheries’ jobs at risk due to the bottom-trawling ban

The European Commission’s intention to drastically reduce – even ban – bottom-contacting fishing gears is no secret. But the implications of such a decision are often disregarded. The ETF favours more sustainable fisheries, as fishers – the true guardians of the sea – are fully aware that the sustainability of fish stocks and the marine ecosystem is vital in preserving their income and jobs.

Fishers’ jobs and income at risk due to sharp fuel prices increase

We ask the European Commission to adopt emergency measures to alleviate the increased fuel prices’ pressure on the fisheries sector.

Fisheries Section elects Chair and Steering Committee

The elected members will be in charge for the mandate 2022-2027

Code of Conduct for Responsible Business and Marketing Practices disregards social dimension

The new code of conduct for responsible business and marketing practices disregards social dialogue and collective bargaining

Offshore wind farms: the voice of the fishers must be heard!

ETF and Europêche adopted a joint resolution on the impact of offshore wind farms on fisheries.

ETF, Europeche and LDAC call for transposition of international instruments on maritime safety and labour in fisheries

LDAC, ETF and Europeche sent a joint letter to the European Commission, requesting the transposition of key international legal instruments on safety and labour standards in the fishing sector. 

ETF and Europêche launch Fishery Speak app

The ETF and Europêche launched Fishery Speak today, a new mobile app that makes communication on board easier.

“Fair transport remains an objective, rather than a reality” – ETF brings together key stakeholders in discussion on sustainability

To kick off Sustainable Transport Days, the ETF brought together key players in EU transport and beyond to reflect on the future of these industries.

#HoldBizAccountable: Workers demand accountability for rights violations

Workers are joining the fight to #HoldBizAccountable. Make your voice heard and demand accountability for rights violations and environmental destruction!

ETF and Europêche answer questions about ILO “Work in fishing” Convention

The ETF and Europêche share a Q&A document about the ILO “Work in fishing” Convention 188, covering subjects such as the scope of the convention, working and rest time, and enforcement.

Modernisation of fishing vessels must be a priority: SWWAC adopts an opinion on gross tonnage limits adaptation

Following social partners’ calls for change to gross tonnage limitations, the SWWAC has adopted an opinion in favour of measures to encourage the modernisation of fishing vessels.

ETF affiliates commit to continued Europe-wide fight for fair transport

Union responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and a strong recovery that puts social first were at the heart of discussions when ETF affiliates came together online last week.

Countries shall ratify ILO C188 and protect the rights of fishers worldwide

A recording of the social partners’ event on ILO “Work in fishing” Convention is now available to watch online.

European trade unions call for more democracy at work

The ETUC and ETUFs handed over a petition for more democracy at work to the European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and MEPs, calling for concrete and rapid actions to guarantee the effective enforcement and compliance of workers’ rights to be informed, consulted and to participate in decision-making before any decision is adopted. 

ETF meets with Commissoner Schmit to discuss key issues affecting transport workers

ETF met with Commissioner Schmit to discuss key issues affecting transport workers. Livia Spera, ETF General Secretary, extended an invitation to build, together with Commissioner Schmit, a new vision for the future of transport work.

Crisis as a game-changer: The future of waterborne transport is fair

In light of Digital Transport Days taking place on 18 November, ETF Maritime team has published a paper on the future of waterborne transport. ETF’s vision of a fair and sustainable future of waterborne transport shows that there is an alternative to the current business practices in the sectors.

EU must put in place effective measures to ban imports from fleets with evidence of labour abuses

There is growing evidence that the fleets scoring worst in global IUU fishing are also the ones where more cases of forced labour and human rights and labour abuses are observed. To stop imports of fish products from countries that are violating environmental as well as labour standards to the EU, European Social Partners of the fisheries sector adopted a resolution, urging the Commission to take appropriate actions.

Fishing capacity ceilings have to be reviewed to bring the sector closer to social and environmental sustainability

Social partners call for a revision of the current fishing capacity rules to allow for improvements in safety and working conditions and move the industry closer to the European Green Deal goals.

ETF calls for release of jailed Sicilian fishers in Libya

While fishing for red prawns, 18 fishers from Sicily were detained by the Libyan Coast Guard on 1 September. The ETF addressed a letter to European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries today, calling on them to take action and facilitate an immediate and unconditional release of these fishers.

Draft guidance on social responsibility in fish value chains delayed after pushback

ETF, Europeche, and LDAC addressed a letter to FAO, urging the organisation to continue with the process of creating guidance on social responsibility in fish value chains.

Meet the Team: Estelle Brentnall, ETF Head of Maritime

We check in with Estelle Brentnall to catch up about her work: the expectations, the reality, and the upcoming priorities for the maritime team.

Modernisation of fishing vessels is key to improving safety and working conditions

The living and working conditions on board fishing vessels need to improve. The ETF believes that alternative methods to calculate the gross tonnage could help achieve that aim and, at the same time, protect the sustainability of the resource.

Can fishers help cleaning the sea from plastic waste?

ETF affiliate FLAI-CGIL presented the findings of new research today, highlighting that fishers catch huge amounts of plastic every day, and the various opportunities that collecting plastic can offer to the fishers.

World Maritime Day: Sustainable working environments are essential for a sustainable maritime future

ETF Maritime team issues an open letter on World Maritime Day, calling on the EU to be the leading force in working towards true sustainability, in promoting high social and environmental standards, and reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fair recovery: only if we reform transport policies!

Taking the floor at a panel discussion at ETUC’s annual European Works Council conference, Livia Spera, General Secretary of European Transport Workers’ Federation denounced the many transport companies taking advantage of the crisis to lower working terms and conditions and disrespecting social dialogue and consultation rights at all levels.

World Youth Skills Day 2020 – Skills for a resilient transport sector!

On World Youth Skills Day 2020, the ETF highlights the need for quality training, skills, room for professional development to attract young workers to the transport sector, but above all emphasises the need for decent working conditions!

COVID-19: Social partners call for crew changes of fishers in West Africa

ETF, Europeche and Cogeca addressed a letter to the relevant authorities of Senegal and Ivory Coast to ask for their cooperation and support in facilitating the repatriation of fishermen stranded in West Africa.

“Do it!” – EU Recovery Plan must pave the way for fair transport

ETF joins the ETUC in calling on the EU Council to speed up payment of EU emergency support for health and protecting incomes and jobs and agree on an EU Jobs Recovery Plan for massive investment & solidarity. For the transport industry, a recovery plan should not be back-to-business-as-before – a policy shift must accompany it!

May Day 2020: Why trade unions matter now more than ever

Now more than ever, it is important to acknowledge transport workers all over Europe and highlight the key role unions will play in protecting their working conditions, wages and employment after the health crisis subsides.

COVID-19: Fishing industry welcomes EU support to overcome the socio-economic turmoil

Social partners welcome positive steps towards much-needed support to fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We call upon the Member States to fully implement these extraordinary measures to compensate and relieve operators and workers.

The Common Fisheries Policy requires a stronger social dimension

Social partners in fisheries – ETF and Europeche – issued a new resolution, calling for an introduction of social objectives in the CFP.

COVID-19: As issues persist in European transport, ETF calls for swift action

While some action has been taken by the European Commission to address the issues related to COVID-19, much more is required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of transport workers. ETF responds to this situation with a letter to Commissioner Vălean.

COVID-19: Repatriation of fishermen is still a problem

A solution needs to be found for fishermen stranded abroad and travelling fishermen. ETF and Europeche addressed a letter to the European Commission, calling for new measures.

COVID-19: Transport workers have a right to protective equipment!

ETF prepared an overview of EU legislation that protects workers’ right to protective equipment in the workplace.

COVID-19: Fishermen will get compensation for temporary cessation of activities

The COVID-19 outbreak stopped many fishing activities due to lack of demand and restrictive measures. The ETF welcomes the announcement of the Commission to compensate fishermen through the EMFF.

COVID-19: Fishermen are vital professionals and need to move without restrictions

On 27 March 2020, European social partners of the fisheries sector wrote a joint letter to the European Commission to take urgent measures.

COVID-19: ETF calls upon Commissioner Sinkevičius to ensure protection of fishers!

In a number of Members States fishing has stopped due to the measures to prevent the spreading of the COVID-19 virus. Stoppage of fishing will soon follow in other countries. The income of employed fishers and the survival of local fishing communities is at stake.

COVID-19: ETF calls upon Commissioners Vălean and Schmit to devise a plan that protects transport workers!

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and its on impact transport workers, we sent a letter to Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport and Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights where we outlined our concerns, and what a plan to remedy the current situation should look like.

Italian Government gives its greenlight for ratification of ILO Convention 188

The ETF welcomes the green light of the Italian Government for the ratification of the ILO Convention 188 “Work in fishing”. The ETF, together with ITF, will continue to ask as many countries as possible to ratify the Convention 188 and properly implement it. The Convention is a fundamental international instrument to protect fishers’ working conditions and rights.

Young transport workers in Europe survey

Who are you, young transport workers in Europe? We are curious to know what you think about your work and the future of the sector. What are some of the main issues you face at work and are trade unions there to help you overcome them? How can we do better? Please fill in our short survey!

Time’s Up for Violence Against Women!

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ETF’s Acting General Secretary, Livia Spera, has joined other women trade union leaders in signing a letter to the European Commission President-designate Ursula von der Leyen, and Equality Commissioner-designate, Helena Dalli, on their proposals to increase EU action against violence against women.

World Toilet Day 2019: Toilet rights are a human right!

The lack of accessible sanitation facilities and sufficient break times is an issue that heavily affects transport workers in all sectors. That’s why today of all days especially, the ETF calls for safe, decent and sufficient toilets and other sanitation facilities for all transport workers in Europe.

Landing obligation has led to increased workload for fishers

The EU Social Partners in Sea Fisheries ETF and Europêche adopted a joint resolution on the socio-economic impact of the EU landing obligation on the fishing industry. They agreed to call on the European Commission to revise the EU landing obligation so that it is consistent with other legal instruments adopted by the EU, in particular, Directive 2017/159 and the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

Transport workers for climate justice

ETF joins the Global Action Week for Climate and calls for climate justice for transport workers!

Thousands of workers block Brussels for Fair Transport

Workers from every corner of Europe and every transport sector brought our campaign to a dizzying end. Thousands marched on the European Commission demanding decent work and the end of social dumping.

Fair Transport action week: day four

It’s the final day of actions around Europe, and many affiliates start their journey to Brussels. Meanwhile, our rally in Strasbourg attracts the support of MEPs.

Fair Transport action week: day three

The third day of our action week saw workers demanding fair transport on boats, underground, at ports and at airports…

Fair Transport action week: day two

Day 2 of our international action week sees another impressive mix of actions, debate and personal stories – as ever more workers start the trip to Brussels for our demonstration on 27 March.

Fair Transport action week: day one

The first day of our Fair Transport action week is behind us and ETF affiliates have already taken part all over Europe. We are astonished at the support that we got in only 36 hours.

It’s time to take Fair Transport Europe to the next level!

In just one month, thousands of workers will be converge on Brussels for a huge demo to mark the high point of our Fair Transport Europe campaign against social dumping. We will march through the city and raise our voice to demand that politicians and employers put an end to exploitation and unfair competition!

Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive: ETF strongly opposes exclusion of seafarers and fishers

Seafarers and fishermen are often denied basic rights granted to onshore workers. Now they could once again pay a heavy price. EU member states are about to finalise new rules that would exclude seagoing workers from the right to basic information about their own working conditions. How can they justify that?

ETF Fishers launch new group for Mediterranean region

Unions are most effective when working together across borders. We brought affiliates together to work on the challenges facing fishers across the Mediterranean.

Fair Fishing for Europe: Trade Unions launch debate on a more social EU fisheries policy

ETF and EFFAT hosted a joint seminar about the future of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Workers, trade union activists, policymakers and experts joined the two-day event.

A social fisheries policy for Europe: ETF pushes Commission to protect migrant fishers and implement social partner agreements

« Lawlessness reigns over high seas » NYT investigator reveals

ETF meets Commissioner Thyssen to address social issues in transport

Interview with Giovanni Mininni on the ETF 2013 Congress

Transport workers fighting for women transport workers!