Labour Member of the European Parliament Joseph Muscat presented an amendment suggesting that the European Parliament should reject a European Commission proposal to liberalise port services.

The Commission proposal is considered by many sector stakeholders as dealing a deadly blow to port workers across Europe, including Malta, a statement issued by the Malta Labour Party said yesterday. The European Commission wants that instead of using port workers, ship owners would be allowed to engaged crew in handling cargo.

Apart from putting health and safety in such a delicate place in jeopardy, these workers–- who would many times be from non-EU member states – would be grossly underpaid.

This could lead to both abuse and unfair competition.

The European Parliament first rejected this directive two years ago. Nevertheless, the commission decided to present it once again in a very short period, the statement said.

Mr Muscat presented his amendment on behalf of the Group of European Socialists in the Internal Market Committee. The amendment was drafted following consultations with the European Transport Federation, which represents European port workers, and various operators. In Malta consultations were carried out with the General Workers’ Union. The trade union, which represents Maltese port workers, is of the opinion that the commission proposal will be seriously detrimental to the category, the statement added.

The Group of European Socialists is taking a very clear stand against the Commission proposal and in favour of port workers.

In his amendment on behalf of the group, Mr Muscat stated that the European Parliament should welcome the fact that most of the major port organisations, including workers and operators, are opposing the proposed directive.

The results of regulatory impact assessments conducted in various member states highlight the significant harm the proposal will do to investment and future growth of these important economic assets and to the existing generally good labour relations.

The priority for the European Union should be to boost the competitiveness of EU ports and maintain the safe working environment for those people employed there.

The European Commission should withdraw its damaging proposal and bring forward measures to truly boost investment, employment and safety.

Mr Muscat’s justification to the rejection amendment concludes that the European Parliament should reject the proposed directive, sending a clear signal to the European Commission that it will oppose the imposition of a damaging one-size-fits-all policy.

Following the voting in the Internal Market Committee in September, the debate will continue in the Transport Committee and then in the plenary session when a final vote will be taken.