Around 100 dockworkers held a demonstration in Luxembourg Square in Brussels to call on the European Union to bring in a new policy for ports that takes "social aspects" into account.
Dockworkers and port labourers arrived in the capital on Wednesday afternoon following a call by the European Dockworkers Council (EDC), which represents an estimated 18,000 members from 14 unions across 12 different countries.
The protestors convened to demand a "competitive port policy that responds to the challenges of the 21st century". They also stressed the need for “genuine social dialogue and recognition of the social dimension of European initiatives for ports”, particularly in cases where European institutions are unresponsive.
"Various institutions have hindered progress on critical issues, like dockworker safety," explained EDC coordinator, Anthony Tetard. He added "We’re trying to implement measures to prevent shipboard accidents—and we’re told nothing can be done because there’s no data on accident rates or fatalities. These mishaps occur onboard ships, and we’re dealing with two different sets of laws for boats and docks."
Lastly, the port workers are asking for "new legislation regarding carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions". The trade union is concerned about the implications of the European Union’s emissions trading system (ETS), which has included maritime transport since the 1st of January.
Since 2013, the EDC has been part of the negotiations in port sector committee meetings at the European Commission, but it "achieves nothing," according to Tetard.
