On 4 to 6 November 2013 ETF affiliates and rank and file boatmen/women met in Antwerp to discuss at great length the workers position regarding the coming EU framework on harmonised professional qualifications.
A clear and loud position to have a uniform system in Europe is what the industry urgently needs – it has to be applicable to all active in the European inland waterways sector – no exceptions to the rule to eradicate any possibility for social dumping practices by aiming at unqualified staff.
Safety on European waters is an absolute priority.