Cross-industry and sectoral social dialogue - Maritime transport Sectors of activity :SelectAgricultureAudiovisualBankingCentral government administrationsChemical industryCivil aviationCommerceConstructionContract cateringEducation ElectricityExtractive industriesFood and drink industryFootwearFurnitureGasGraphical industryHospitals and healthcareHotel, restaurant and catering (HORECA)Industrial cleaningInland waterwaysInsuranceLive performanceLocal and regional governmentsMaritime transportMetal industryPaper industryPersonal services/Hairdressing PortsPostal servicesPrivate securityProfessional footballRailwaysRoad transportSea fisheriesShipbuildingSteelSugarTanning and leatherTelecommunicationsTemporary agency workTextile and clothingWoodworking Social partners Workers' organisations Employers' organisations European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) Social dialogue in this sector covers the following activities (defined by NACE (Rev. 2) codes 50.1 and 50.2 as well as as part from code 52.2) sea and coastal passenger and freight transport support activities for maritime transportation. The EU maritime transport sector employs some 230 000 people (Eurostat, Labour Force Survey data 2014). European shipping accounts for over 40 % of the world’s fleet. The EU has some of the world’s largest maritime clusters. 90% of European exports and over 41 % of intra-EU trade are transported by boat. Challenges The number of EU seafarers employed on EU-flagged ships has fallen rapidly in recent years, and only a minority of the world’s vessels now sail under EU-country flags. EU regulation has opened up national markets to competition. Globalisation and the use of ‘open registers’ (in countries that are far more attractive to ship-owners than Europe in terms of tax, social legislation and safety and environmental standards), are serious challenges for the sector. EU strategy To meet these challenges, the EU has developed a global strategy to make the EU fleet more competitive. The strategy includes ‘positive measures’ and improving on-board safety and environmental protection by enforcing international standards inside the EU, ensuring a level playing field for those carrying goods by sea between EU ports. Key areas The Committee is currently focusing on: improving workers’ rights for seafarers exploring the possibility of incorporating ILO Maritime Labour Convention amendments on abandonment, disability and death of seafarers into EU law monitoring the Schengen visa system and security/seafarers’ ID piracy making the sector more attractive – improving on-board living and working conditions, better skills and training for seafarers combating bullying and harassment health and safety. Activities and meetings Check the library entries for this sectoral social dialogue committee. Achievements/Joint texts Check the social dialogue texts database