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BackNot long ago, an agreement of the EU social partners for the better protection of hairdressers became the latest casualty of the EU Commission. This was greeted by fierce criticism of labour representatives. This did not occur a second time and the EU Commission has now taken the opportunity of proposing the setting of specific rules on working time for the inland waterway transport sector. This means that there are new minimum rules on working time for passenger or cargo transport ships in inland waterway transport across the EU. These rules would apply to crew members and to the shipboard personnel and complement the general working time Directive, which does not apply to inland waterway workers.
EU social partner agreement will be duly implemented by the EU Commission
In accordance with Article 155.1 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the social partners of the inland waterway sector at EU level (European Barge Union, European Skippers Organisation and European Transport Workers’ Federation) have negotiated an agreement concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport on their own initiative. This is a particularity at EU level, as in doing so the social partners are negotiating a law, which is proposed by the EU Commission to the Council - i.e. all Member States - which in turn does no longer have an option to change or amend the agreement. The only option left to the Council is to accept or reject it. The EU Parliament has no say in the matter in any case, as it is only consulted; hence, in this special case it has no voice as a co-legislator.
Agreement brings improvement of working conditions for 31,000 shipboard personnel and members of the shipboard personnel in the inland waterway sector
The agreement of the social partners provides for the total working time not to exceed 48 hours per week; however, these average weekly working hours may be spread over a reference period of up to 12 months. Furthermore, night working time should not exceed 42 hours per week. Pursuant to the agreement, workers are entitled to at least four weeks' paid annual leave as well as to paid annual health checks. In addition, workers are entitled to at least 10 hours' rest every day (with at least six hours uninterrupted) and to at least 84 hours' rest in total every week.
EU social partner agreement an excellent example of social dialogue
László Andor, EU Commissioner responsible for employment, social affairs and inclusion; hence, thereby also in charge of this subject, put it in a nutshell when he said that the agreement on working time for the inland waterway transport sector, which had been reached at the initiative of the European social partners in the sector, was an excellent example of successful social dialogue. Now the decision as to whether the agreement can be swiftly enacted and transposed into national law depends on the Council.
Further information:
Proposal for a Council Directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport
In accordance with Article 155.1 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the social partners of the inland waterway sector at EU level (European Barge Union, European Skippers Organisation and European Transport Workers’ Federation) have negotiated an agreement concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport on their own initiative. This is a particularity at EU level, as in doing so the social partners are negotiating a law, which is proposed by the EU Commission to the Council - i.e. all Member States - which in turn does no longer have an option to change or amend the agreement. The only option left to the Council is to accept or reject it. The EU Parliament has no say in the matter in any case, as it is only consulted; hence, in this special case it has no voice as a co-legislator.
Agreement brings improvement of working conditions for 31,000 shipboard personnel and members of the shipboard personnel in the inland waterway sector
The agreement of the social partners provides for the total working time not to exceed 48 hours per week; however, these average weekly working hours may be spread over a reference period of up to 12 months. Furthermore, night working time should not exceed 42 hours per week. Pursuant to the agreement, workers are entitled to at least four weeks' paid annual leave as well as to paid annual health checks. In addition, workers are entitled to at least 10 hours' rest every day (with at least six hours uninterrupted) and to at least 84 hours' rest in total every week.
EU social partner agreement an excellent example of social dialogue
László Andor, EU Commissioner responsible for employment, social affairs and inclusion; hence, thereby also in charge of this subject, put it in a nutshell when he said that the agreement on working time for the inland waterway transport sector, which had been reached at the initiative of the European social partners in the sector, was an excellent example of successful social dialogue. Now the decision as to whether the agreement can be swiftly enacted and transposed into national law depends on the Council.
Further information:
Proposal for a Council Directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport