Accessibility.SkipToMainContent
Industrial

Fishers and inland waterways crew are key workers too, ETF tells Commission

22 April 2020

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) has welcomed the work of the European Commission to support maritime transport during the Covid-19 crisis and called for further attention for workers in fisheries and inland waterways.

ETF general secretary Livia Spera wrote to EU commissioner for transport Adina-Ioana Vălean to thank the EC for its guidance on repatriating cruise ship passengers and protecting ships' crews.

Ms Spera also called for further attention for individuals working in fisheries and inland waterways transport, as they face similar issues to seafarers.

Ms Spera highlighted the urgent need for designated ports for crew disembarkation and crew changes, involving the development of special facilities where seafarers can safely switch between shifts – including special visa and quarantine arrangements where necessary.

Guarantees were sought on the servicing of locks to allow safe passage of vessels; port levy exemptions for barges during national lockdowns; and safe berths for freight vessels.

The European Commission has also been asked to improve cooperation between transport sectors within its operations and with relevant administrations, in order to expedite the creation of measures for maritime workers.

Ms Spera writes: 'We are aware that [the Commission is] working around the clock to manage the transport dimension of this crisis, as are our affiliated trade unions as well as transport workers. We nevertheless expect to receive concrete feedback on the points raised.'

Nautilus international organiser Danny McGowan said: 'We are pleased to see the European Commission working together with social partners to ensure the sustainability of transport during this pandemic.

'We hope that the sectors can work together – maritime being particularly reliant on civil aviation, for example – to ensure that the disruption workers face can be kept to a minimum.'


Tags

More articles

Health and safety

Nautilus FAQs on Covid-19 Coronavirus

  • Telegraph
  • 09 June 2020
Members at work

Seafarer 'travel certificates' launched

Seafarers can now be issued with certificates confirming their keyworker status as transport workers and certifying they be allowed free passage to travel between their home and vessel during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • News
  • 17 April 2020
International

ITF calls for G20 taskforce to handle seafarer repatriation and crew changes

A special G20 taskforce is needed to handle seafarer repatriation and crew changes during the coronavirus pandemic, say the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).

  • News
  • 21 April 2020
Welfare

Seafarers affected by Covid-19 to benefit from new £2m emergency fund

The Seafarers UK fund will go to the international merchant seafaring community and UK coastal fishing fleets.

  • News
  • 20 April 2020
Welfare

IMO agrees protection of seafarer rights on medical care, wages and sick pay

An extraordinary meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed special extra measures for the protection of seafarer rights during the coronavirus pandemic, including access to medical care, wages, sick pay and food.

  • News
  • 17 April 2020
Health and safety

Collective crew changes at designated ports needed to relieve 100,000 'fatigued' seafarers, says Union

Nautilus is supporting calls for collective crew changes at designated ports, which it says are urgently needed to relieve tired Merchant Navy seafarers enabling world trade during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • News
  • 16 April 2020
International

Shipping alliance supports global roll out of 'green lanes' for crew changes

A shipping alliance representing more than 1,500 vessels and 70,000 seafarers says a European Commission proposal for designated fast track ports for collective crew changes should be rolled out globally.

  • News
  • 16 April 2020