Social Dialogue

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.

With European elections starting in two days, IRU and ETF - the EU social partners for road transport - call on the European Commission and Parliament to put enforcement at the top of the EU transport agenda for the next legislative term.

Transport by road is vital for Europe, but truck drivers have to rest in parking areas that are too small or in desperate need of an upgrade. Today IRU and ETF met EU Transport Commissioner Bulc. We call for action from the EU and its Member States’ to create a denser network of safe and secure truck parking areas

The establishment of a European Maritime Single Window environment should deliver a long-awaited administrative simplification for masters and officers working onboard ships calling at EU ports. This should contribute to reducing stress and fatigue, and should be accompanied by adequate training and support from staff ashore.