ETF update: unions unite over subcontracted workers' rights

Workers across Europe are taking a stand against exploitation by subcontractors – and Nautilus is part of the movement. Nikolaos Koletsis explains what's been happening in the campaign and what needs to change in the maritime sector

On 17 September 2024, more than 700 workers joined a rally outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg to demand urgent action to stop exploitation in subcontracting chains and labour intermediation.

The action was organised by the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF), together with the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers and the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions.

The three union federations joined forces to demand an EU-binding initiative to limit subcontracting and regulate labour intermediation. The sectors represented by the organisers are heavily reliant on mobile and migrant workers who often fall victim to exploitative business models featuring abusive subcontracting practices and unregulated labour intermediation.

Following the demonstration, a hearing took place inside the European Parliament. The event focused on frank testimonies from workers affected by exploitative subcontracting practices and unscrupulous intermediaries. The union federations were also joined in their call for action by MEPs from the S&D, the Left, Renew, and Greens/EFA.

ETF general secretary Livia Spera said: 'Subcontracting takes different forms in transport, with similar patterns observed across Europe. Today, subcontracted workers are often second-class citizens with lower working conditions and rights. We are asking for EU rules to regulate subcontracting and reestablish fairness.'

Exploitation in maritime

In the maritime sector there are many crewing agencies offering seafarers recruitment services. These are not exactly subcontractors but are examples of 'intermediaries' offering recruitment services. The Maritime Labour Convention requires these agencies not to charge seafarers for finding them a job.
The only costs that seafarers should bear are for obtaining the following:

• national statutory medical certificate
• national seafarers' book
• passport or similar personal travel documents

The cost of visas MUST be paid for by the shipowner.

The reality is that many agencies charge seafarers.This practice is well-known in some of the major labour supply countries and even happens in some EU member states.

A new study of seafarers by the Institute of Human Rights and Business has found that almost a third (31%) have been asked to pay a recruitment fee to secure a job onboard a vessel.

There are also major scams involving fake job opportunities that request money for visas.

Another unlawful action by some agencies is demanding additional testing (probably as a requirement from the shipping company), over and above the certificates required under the international STCW International Convention

What needs to be done

Seafarers who are facing these issues should report their cases to the ETF and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). The ITF has set up a special website where unscrupulous agencies can be reported: www.itfseafarers.org/en/your-rights/crewing-agents

Meanwhile, the union federations are campaigning for an EU-wide licensing system for recruitment agencies and other 'intermediaries'. It should be prohibited to charge recruiting costs and travel expenses to workers. In some sectors, it is clear that intermediaries must be banned altogether. There are too many shortcomings in the EU's Temporary Agency Workers Directive, and it is time for a major overhaul.