Employment rights of third-country nationals on ferries operating within the EU

14.9.2009

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4539/09
by Linda McAvan (S-D)
to the Commission

It has been brought to my attention that there are disparities as regards legal employment rights and protection between EU and non-EU nationals working on some intra-Community passenger ferries. I understand that this has resulted in third-country nationals being employed for far less than the minimum wage on ferries operating from the UK.

I also understand from the Commission’s response to Petition 1048/2007 on job security for European ferry employees that the Commission had previously hoped to be able to put forward draft legislation with the intention of closing this loophole, but that this did not draw enough support in the Council.

Is the Commission able to advise us as to the concerns in the Council which meant that the Commission’s proposal was withdrawn, and will the Commission be looking again at the issue with a view to future proposals?

OJ C 10 E, 14/01/2011