European Labour Authority

Implementation of EU Mobility Package’s lags far behind – the ETF starts its campaign for enforcement as of today.

During a meeting with ELA today, ETF stressed that workers need an active Authority that meets trade union expectations as soon as possible. ELA must become an effective body that fights cross-border fraud via joint inspections, cooperation and exchange of information between the Member States.

On 16 October, ELA celebrated a one-year anniversary of its establishment. European trade unions call for a follow-up on existing abuse cases and submitted additional ones. ETF contributed a case concerning the responsibility of flag states Cyprus and Madeira for social security of seafarers.

The ETF takes part in the European Commission’s Week of Action to tackle undeclared work by shedding light on the growing issue in various transport sectors – bogus self-employment.

Tomorrow, October 16, 2019, the European Labour Authority will start its activities by holding its first Management Board meeting in Brussels, in the presence of Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission President; Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President-Designate of the European Commission, and Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility. The European Transport Workers’ Federation will represent the European trade union federations on the ELA Management Board.

MEPs have formally signed off on a proposal to create a new European Labour Authority to oversee fair application of EU labour laws to workers who move around Europe. A huge step forward! Trade unions will have a major role in the powerful new body. But there is more work to do, so that transport workers are fully covered.

New institution will oversee correct application of some EU labour laws. But politicians have decided to limit its scope, leaving transport workers without strong protection.