German MEP Ismail Ertug (S&D) and the President of the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF)), Frank Moreels, co-signed an open letter to the European Commission and Member States on Monday 20 April.
Both are concerned about the working conditions of employees in the transport sector (see EUROPE 12456/7), in particular about certain "dubious practices" which they say have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, they denounce "letterbox" companies, precarious contracts, and deteriorating working conditions and salaries. These practices have been compounded in recent weeks by health risks, employment and even social security uncertainties for posted workers.
Ismail Ertug and Frank Moreels therefore call on the Commission and European governments to "rethink the future of the sector" for transport and logistics.
They propose, for example, that firms in difficulty can only be supported financially if they commit themselves to supporting their employees.
They also suggest that COVID-19-related layoffs or dividend payments to shareholders by companies should be prohibited.
Finally, they call on the EU to adopt legislation "aimed at improving transport workers’ life" mentioning the 'mobility package I' which the Parliament is due to vote on in second reading in the next three months (see EUROPE 12463/31).
See the letter: bit.ly/34SgxgI (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)