Social Partners

On International Women's Day, ECSA and ETF continue to advocate the enhanced participation of women in European shipping. As part of the WESS project, they are launching a survey that will help them determine the current state of women’s employment in the sector and assess women seafarers’ needs, a first step of an EU-funded project to increase women’s participation in the shipping industry.

Despite the difficult and unpredictable circumstances the ports industry has been dealing with last year, the European Commission has not shown the commitment and engagement that social dialogue deserves. In response, European social partners in ports are urging the Commission to assume responsibility and commit to real debate.

Several European social partners in civil aviation released a joint statement highlighting the importance of the aviation industry for European economic recovery and calling for frontline aviation workers to be included in national vaccination plans.

In a letter to Heads of State and Government of EU Member States, the ETF and ECSA called on EU Member States to enable crew changes and give seafarers priority access to COVID-19 vaccines.

European social partners in rail, ETF and CER, issued a joint declaration, expressing gratitude to railway workers who worked throughout the pandemic and recognising the key role the sector can play in a green and social future.

ECSA, the ETF, the ICS and the ITF addressed a joint letter to Commission President Von der Leyen, Vice President Schinas, Commissioner Johansson and Commissioner Vălean reiterating their call for the European Commission to follow up on the promise to ensure prompt and predictable disembarkation of people in distress at sea rescued by merchant vessels and their crews.

Ahead of the Informal Videoconference of the Ministers of Transport on 8 December 2020, ETF and ECSA urge EU Member States to make the wellbeing of seafarers a priority during the holiday period.

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