Brussels, 15/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - In its first statement, the social dialogue committee for the port sector advised the European institutions to ensure that this social dialogue took place in good conditions. Competitiveness and innovation will also be among the subjects tackled, explained social partners.
This social dialogue committee brings together the unions (ETF, IDC), shipowners (ESPO) and port representatives (FEPORT). It was set up in June 2013, at the request of the European Commission in its communication on the ports as a lever for growth and a means to avoid having to tackle social questions in port services reform. The committee adopted its first statement on 12 December and pointed out that the organisational models varied from one European port to another and that the adjustments currently being negotiated in the different countries had to reflect this complex character. The committee said that this could mean that the process would be a lengthy one. In this connection, the committee has requested that the institutional actors should ensure that this context is taken into account when decisions or initiatives are taken. One source close to the committee explained that it was important that there was no negative interference at a time that the European Commission was outlining its work programme.
The social partners also believe that the European institutions should, above all, ensure that good conditions for this dialogue prevail in a period when it was crucial to “maintain social peace in the ports”. Social partners have also demonstrated their intention to extend the discussions from the customary social subjects, such as vocational training, qualifications, health and safety, to subjects related to port competitiveness, innovation and technology. (MD)