Work on river cruise vessels is often the topic of discussion, particularly in relation to working conditions, job security, and workplace challenges. However, despite its significance, there is still a lack of comprehensive, scientific research on the reality of employment in this sector.
Together with our affiliated trade unions, we created a survey to better understand the experiences of those working on board river cruise vessels across Europe.
Whether you are part of the Nautical Crew (such as captains, deckhands, or engineers) or part of the Horeca Crew (including chefs, waiters, hotel managers, bartenders, and housekeeping staff), your insights are invaluable. As someone directly involved in this industry, you know best what working conditions are really like, and we greatly appreciate your participation in this study.
Why is this survey important?
By taking part in this survey, you contribute to a better understanding of labor conditions, helping to identify key challenges and areas for improvement. The results will be used to raise awareness and advocate for fairer working conditions in the river cruise sector.
- Take the survey in English
- Take the survey in German
- Take the survey in Czech
- Take the survey in Hungarian
- Take the survey in Croatian
- Take the survey in Ukranian
Take the survey in Russian
The ETF has a network of members across Europe who are ready to listen to your problems and advise you. Do not hesitate to reach out.
| Country | Trade Union | City | Name | Contact |
| BE | ACV Transcom | Antwerp | Niels Knockaert | +32 485 713 218 niels.knockaert@acv-csc.be |
| BE | BTB-ABVV | Antwerp | Jacques Kerkhof | +32 473 423 074 jacques.kerkhof@btb-abvv.be |
| CH | Nautilus | Basel | Piet Dorflinger | +41 795591732 |
| CZ | Czech Trade Union of Seafarers (CTUS) | Prague | Milan Jerabek | +420 274 012 739 osn@ctus.cz |
| DE | ver.di | Berlin | Olga Losinskaya | +49 171 419 83 18 Olga.Losinskaya@itf-org.de |
| FR | FGTE-CFDT | Le Havre | Corine Archambaud | +33 6 85 52 27 67 archambaud_corine@itf.org.uk |
| NL | Nautilus | Rotterdam | Bert Klein | +31 615 636 301 bklein@nautilusint.org |
| RS | Sindikat ladara i pomoraca Srbije | Novisad | Branislav Vajda | +381 64 112 18 86 kancelarija@slp.rs |
| Other | European Transport Workers' Federation | Brussels | +32 2 285 46 60 rivercruise@etf-europe.org |
River Cruise Agreement
In March 2024, EBU, ETF and IG River Cruise committed to conclude a binding framework agreement to improve the working conditions on board of river cruise vessels, as well as to ensure a level playing field for the sector. This agreement aims to create a socially sustainable river cruise sector with a level playing field for operators—benefiting both employers and employees. The agreement addresses fundamental workers’ rights, social security, salaries, health and safety requirements, crewing agents’ fees, contract and travel documents, vessel access, and complaints procedures.
However, the river cruise sector—like the broader transport industry—faces a significant labour shortage, particularly for boatmen and horeca personnel. Employers frequently hire third-country nationals under substandard salary and working conditions. Joint inspections by the European Labour Authority (ELA) and Aquapol have revealed multiple infractions.
EBU, ETF and IG Rivercruise sign agreement regarding river cruise activities
