Workers in the mobile transport sector deserve their rights and safety guaranteed just like any other worker. The Socialists and Democrats in the transport committee of the European Parliament this morning voted in favour of a resolution asking the European Commission and EU member states to take measures to ensure full monitoring and compliance with existing social legislation for those workers. However, the vote was lost 22 to 24, with the EPP Group, the Liberals and ECR opposing the resolution.
Following the vote on the resolution on a Transport Social Package to improve employment conditions and transport safety, S&D spokesperson on transport Ismail Ertug MEP said:
"If we want a future for the European mobile transport sector, one that can offer new attractive jobs to the younger generations, we must guarantee full respect of social rights. It is not only fair for workers but also better for safety in all means of transport. Moreover, ensuring mobile workers' rights and safety is essential to create a level-playing field for the European transport and logistics sector and to guarantee the sector remains globally competitive. Competitiveness can only be maintained if we have a robust, forward looking and motivated workforce. We must avoid at all costs a race to the bottom with an industry just based on low-quality labour and products.
"Despite today's defeat in our efforts to end the neo-liberal approach to transport, we will keep pushing for better laws and proper enforcement. Member states should clearly designate authorities responsible for inspection and enforcement in all transport modes, and the Commission should harmonise effective sanctions and fines. The future of this sector is at stake."
