EU Social Partners in the fisheries sector meet Commissioner Vella to ensure strong social standards in the fishing industry. At the Plenary session held on 4th November 2016, the EU Social Partners in the fisheries sector had a positive meeting with Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, to discuss the many pressing issues facing the fishing sector – particularly concerning safety, health and working conditions at sea.

The Social Partners’ Agreement becomes an EU Directive, paving the way towards decent work in the fishing sector as the Council of the EU has approved a Directive regulating working conditions in the fisheries sector.

Almost three years after submitting the Social Partners’ Agreement (SPA) on implementing the ILO Work in Fishing Convention C188, the European Commission (EC) presented on 29 April 2016 the agreement before the Council of the EU. The European Social Partners for Fisheries, Europêche, Cogeca and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), have warmly welcomed this step but regret the considerable delay with implementing the SPA that ensures a high level of protection for fishermen in all aspects of their work.