Dock labour system in Spain

8.12.2016

Question for written answer E-009290-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

In 2014, the European Court of Justice decided that the dock labour system in Spain is incompatible with the freedom of establishment[1]. To date Spain has not enforced this ruling. In 2016, the Commission requested the Court to impose financial penalties on Spain. In reality nothing has changed.

Owing to the power of the dockers' unions, the pool system could continue to operate — perhaps under a new legal designation — and freedom of employment might remain theoretical.

1. Does the Commission agree that illegal docker pools have to be abolished?

The Commission has requested Belgium to remove additional restrictions on fundamental freedoms and on free competition from collective agreements on dock work.

2. How will the Commission ensure that, with regard to the reform of dock work, Spain and Belgium are treated on an equal footing?

3. How will the Commission ensure that all illegal clauses are removed from the collective agreements governing dock work in Spain?

• [1] Case C-576/13.