The demonstration was organized by the European Council of Dockers and Port Workers, which aims to regain its voice in the Social Dialogue Committee and participate in the decision-making process that affects the sector.

More than 100 dockers from different ports in Europe gathered today, 3 April, at Place du Luxembourg, in front of the seat of the European Parliament in Brussels, to express their complaint about the lack of social dialogue on the part of the Community authorities, and about the adoption of measures that endanger the survival of the port sector and its workers.

With the slogan ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, EUROPEAN DOCKWORKERS WILL BE HEARD!, the European Dockworkers Council (EDC) and its trade unions, organizers of this demonstration, wanted to warn that the Community authorities are taking decisions that will lead to the gradual destruction of jobs in ports.

There have been reports of their failure to listen on crucial issues such as security at ports and the adoption of decarbonization policies, such as the implementation of the ETS Directive, without taking into account the opinion of the sector.

The protest stems from continued contempt for the port sector by the Sectoral Social Dialogue Commission, of which EDC is a part.

EDC understands that the concerns and demands of the sector are not being taken into account, which has resulted in sterile debates and decisions that do not adequately meet their needs.

From the perspective of EDC and its member unions, it is imperative that port workers have a voice and that their decisions are taken into account when important port policies are adopted. The lack of effective dialogue, which has prevailed until now, has proven ineffective in finding a balance between port development and decent working conditions.

EDC emphasizes the need for an open dialogue that guarantees stable working conditions, fair wages, training and job security for workers.

The organisation also advocates for public investment in ports that benefits all stakeholders, rather than only maximizing corporate profits, and therefore calls for a truly competitive port policy to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

With this demonstration, EDC members demand a more effective and transparent social dialogue process to address these concerns and improve the functioning of the European Union institutions and social dialogue.

EDC has also sought the support of Members of the European Parliament to create a dynamic of constructive dialogue that benefits not only the European port sector, but society as a whole.

Today, the EDC is the voice of Europe’s dockers and port workers, representing more than 15,000 people from 14 trade unions in 12 European countries. Solidarity and the defense of workers’ interests are the main objectives of the organisation.