Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 9 July 2015 - Strasbourg

Seafarers (A8-0127/2015 - Elisabeth Morin-Chartier)

  Marian Harkin (ALDE), in writing. ‒ I was very pleased to support this Report for a Commission proposal for a Directive on seafarers. This new directive will amend five existing directives in order to give seafarers the same rights as their on-shore colleagues who, until now have been excluded under certain labour directives by some Member States from their right to information and consultation. Fair and equal treatment across the EU is a fundamental right of its citizens and it is positive that this new directive will go towards remedying this gap. Given the sector has continually declined over the last number of years I hope enhanced working conditions will attract new workers, particularly young people who could reenergise the sector. It will also be positive from a competitive perspective by ensuring all operators across the EU are on a level playing field.