MEP seeks rejection of port services liberalisation

Labour MEP Joseph Muscat has tabled an amendment in the European Parliament for the rejection of a European Commission proposal to liberalise port services.

In a statement, Mr Muscat said the Commission proposal is considered by sector stakeholders as a deadly blow to port workers across Europe, including Malta.

The Commission wants ship owners to engage crew in the handling of cargo instead of using port workers.

This could lead to abuse and unfair competition because apart from putting health and safety at risk, crew members - who more often than not would be non-EU citizens - would be grossly underpaid, he said.

In the amendment, which was presented on behalf of the Group of European Socialists, Mr Muscat said the European Parliament should reject the proposed directive and send a clear message to the Commission that it will oppose the imposition of a "damaging one-size-fits-all policy".

The amendment was drafted following consultations with the European Transport Federation, which represents the European port workers and various operators. Local consultations were carried out with the General Workers' Union.

Following the voting in the Internal Market Committee next month, the debate will continue in the Transport Committee and later in the Plenary Session when a final vote will be taken.